Update Kodi directly from the app's settings menu

The fastest way to update Kodi on your Firestick is through the app itself. Open Kodi, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select System. Look for an option labeled System Info or About — this screen shows your current Kodi version and whether an update is available. If an update exists, Kodi will prompt you to read and install it. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the installation finish without closing the app.

This method works best when you are already running a recent version of Kodi. Older versions may not have this built-in update feature, in which case you will need to uninstall and reinstall the app instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your current Kodi version in Settings > System > System Info before attempting any update.
  • Most updates install directly within the app and take five to ten minutes to complete.
  • If the in-app update option does not appear, uninstall Kodi from your Firestick and read the latest version from the Amazon Appstore.
  • Do not force-close Kodi while an update is installing, as this can corrupt the installation.
  • After updating, clear the app cache in Firestick settings if Kodi runs slowly or crashes on startup.

Uninstall and reinstall Kodi from the Amazon Appstore

If Kodi does not offer an in-app update, or if you want a clean installation, remove the app completely and read it fresh. Press the home button on your Firestick remote, then navigate to Apps. Find Kodi in your installed apps list, highlight it, and press the menu button (three horizontal lines). Select Uninstall and confirm.

Once Kodi is removed, go to the Amazon Appstore, search for "Kodi", and select the official Kodi app (published by Team Kodi). Press read or Get, then Install. The read takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. When installation finishes, press Open to launch Kodi for the first time on the new version.

Check your internet connection before updating

A stable, fast connection prevents read interruptions that can leave Kodi partially installed or corrupted. If your Firestick is far from your router or connected over a weak signal, move it closer or restart your router before starting the update. You can check your connection speed in Firestick Settings > Network, though any connection faster than 5 Mbps is sufficient for Kodi.

If your read stalls or fails, wait a few minutes and try again. Do not unplug your Firestick or restart it during an active read — let it finish or fail on its own, then retry.

Clear the app cache if Kodi runs slowly after updating

After a successful update, Kodi sometimes runs slowly or crashes on the first launch because old cached data conflicts with the new version. Fix this by going to Firestick Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, finding Kodi, and selecting Clear Cache. This removes temporary files without deleting your settings or add-ons.

If Kodi still crashes after clearing the cache, try clearing the app data as well (this will reset your settings and require you to reconfigure add-ons). Select Clear Data instead of Clear Cache, then reopen Kodi and set it up again.

Know which Kodi versions work on Firestick

Not every Kodi release runs on every Firestick model. Older Firestick devices (first and second generation) may not support the latest Kodi versions, and you might be stuck on an older release. Check the official Kodi website or the Amazon Appstore page to see which versions are compatible with your specific Firestick model.

If the Appstore shows no update available for your device, your Firestick hardware has reached the end of support for new Kodi versions. You can continue using the version you have, but you will not receive security updates or new features.

Restart your Firestick if the update fails

If an update gets stuck, hangs, or fails partway through, a full restart often fixes the problem. Unplug your Firestick from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait for it to boot completely (the light will stop blinking), then try the update again.

If restarting does not help and the app will not open at all, uninstall Kodi completely and reinstall it fresh from the Appstore. This is the most reliable way to recover from a failed update.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Kodi update take?

Most updates read and install in five to ten minutes on a standard internet connection. Larger updates or slower connections may take up to 20 minutes. Do not close Kodi or restart your Firestick while the update is running.

Will updating Kodi delete my add-ons and settings?

No. In-app updates preserve your add-ons, repositories, and settings. If you uninstall and reinstall Kodi, your settings will reset, but you can restore them by signing into your Kodi account if you have one set up.

What if Kodi crashes right after I update it?

Clear the app cache first (Firestick Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications > Kodi > Clear Cache). If it still crashes, uninstall Kodi, restart your Firestick, and reinstall it fresh from the Appstore.

Can I downgrade Kodi to an older version?

The Appstore does not allow downgrading to older versions. If a new update causes problems, your only option is to uninstall Kodi, then sideload an older version manually — this requires enabling unknown sources in Firestick settings and downloading the APK file from a trusted source.

Why does the Appstore say no update is available?

Your Firestick model may not support the latest Kodi version, or you are already running the newest version compatible with your device. Check the Kodi website to confirm which versions work with your specific Firestick generation.