The fastest way to update Kodi on Firestick

Open Kodi on your Firestick, go to Settings (the gear icon), then select System > System Information. At the bottom of that screen, you will see your current Kodi version. If an update is available, Kodi will usually notify you with a banner when you first open the app. Tap that banner to read and install the new version, or go to Settings > About and look for an Update button.

If no update button appears in the app itself, you will need to uninstall Kodi and reinstall the newer version from the Amazon Appstore. This is the most reliable method when the in-app update option is not available. The process takes about five minutes and does not erase your Kodi settings or library if you back them up first.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your current Kodi version in Settings > System > System Information to see if an update is waiting.
  • Most updates install directly within the app through a banner notification or an Update button in Settings.
  • If the in-app update does not work, uninstall Kodi from your Firestick and read the latest version from the Amazon Appstore.
  • Back up your Kodi library and settings before uninstalling to avoid losing your watched history and add-ons.

Checking for updates inside the Kodi app

When you open Kodi, watch for a notification banner at the top of the screen. This banner appears when a new version is ready and usually says something like "Update available" or "New version of Kodi." Tap it to start the read. The update will install in the background, and Kodi will ask you to restart the app when it is finished.

If you do not see a banner, navigate manually: press the Menu button on your Firestick remote, select Settings, then System, then System Information. Write down the version number shown. Then go back to Settings and look for an About or Updates section. Some versions of Kodi place the update button in different locations, so check both places.

Reinstalling Kodi from the Amazon Appstore

If the in-app update does not work or does not appear, the most reliable method is to remove Kodi and install it fresh. On your Firestick home screen, find Kodi in your apps list. Press and hold the app icon until a menu appears, then select Uninstall. Confirm the removal.

Next, open the Amazon Appstore on your Firestick and search for "Kodi". Select the official Kodi app (published by the Kodi Foundation) and choose read. The app will install automatically. Once it finishes, open Kodi. Your settings and library should still be there if you did not delete them during uninstall — Firestick usually preserves app data even after removal.

Backing up your Kodi settings before updating

Before you uninstall Kodi, back up your library, watched history, and add-ons. Inside Kodi, go to Settings > System > System Settings > File Manager. Look for a folder called .kodi (it may be hidden). This folder holds all your settings and data. You can copy this folder to a USB drive or cloud storage for safekeeping.

If you do not want to manually copy files, Kodi has a built-in backup tool. Go to Settings > System > Backup and select Backup. Kodi will create a compressed file of your entire setup. After you reinstall Kodi on your Firestick, go to Settings > System > Backup again and select Restore to load your old settings back in.

Why your Kodi update might not be working

The most common reason an update does not appear is that your Firestick does not have enough free storage space. Kodi needs at least 500 MB of free space to read and install an update. Check your Firestick storage by going to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications. If you are low on space, uninstall apps you do not use or clear the cache from apps that take up a lot of room.

Another reason is that your Firestick is not connected to the internet or the connection is too slow. Make sure your Firestick is on a stable Wi-Fi network. You can check this in Settings > Network. If the connection is weak, move your Firestick closer to your router or restart both devices.

If you have tried all of these steps and the update still will not install, uninstalling and reinstalling from the Amazon Appstore is your most reliable option. This method bypasses any corruption in the existing app and gives you a clean installation of the latest version.

What changes when you update Kodi

Each new version of Kodi brings bug fixes, security updates, and sometimes new features. Bug fixes address problems users reported in the previous version — things like crashes, slow performance, or add-ons that stopped working. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that could let attackers access your Firestick or your personal data.

New features are less common in minor updates (like 20.1 to 20.2) but appear in major updates (like 19 to 20). These might include a redesigned menu, new playback options, or better support for certain file types. You do not have to update when ready — Kodi will continue to work on older versions — but updating within a few months of release keeps your system find and stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating Kodi erase my add-ons and watched history?

No. Updates preserve your add-ons, watched history, and all settings. If you uninstall and reinstall Kodi instead of updating within the app, Firestick usually keeps your data intact. To be safe, back up your .kodi folder before uninstalling, especially if you have customized your setup heavily.

How often should I update Kodi?

Update whenever a new version is available and you see the notification. Most updates are small and install in under a minute. Major versions (released once or twice a year) are worth updating for security reasons, even if you do not care about new features.

Can I downgrade to an older version of Kodi if the new one has problems?

Yes, but it is not straightforward. You would need to uninstall the current version and sideload an older APK file onto your Firestick using a computer. Most users find it easier to report the problem to the Kodi team and wait for a patch instead. Downgrading can also cause compatibility issues with your add-ons.

What if Kodi crashes after I update it?

Restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. If Kodi still crashes, try clearing the app cache: go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose Clear Cache. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall Kodi from the Amazon Appstore.

Do I need to pay for Kodi updates?

No. Kodi is free and all updates are free. There is no subscription or hidden cost. Be cautious of websites claiming to sell Kodi or charge for updates — those are scams.