Kodi updates on Firestick happen through the app itself, not through Amazon's app store
Kodi, the open-source media player, does not receive updates through the Amazon Appstore the way most Firestick apps do. Instead, you update Kodi directly within the process. When a new version is available, Kodi will notify you, and you can install it from the notification or by checking the app's settings menu. The process takes about five to ten minutes and requires only that your Firestick is connected to the internet.
Most users see an update notification appear when they open Kodi. If you do not see one, you can manually check for updates by going into Kodi's settings. The update downloads and installs without interrupting your other Firestick apps, and you can continue using your device while it runs in the background.
Key Takeaways
- Kodi notifies you of available updates when you open the app, and you can install directly from that notification.
- If no notification appears, you can manually check for updates in Kodi's settings under System > System Info > Updates.
- Updates install in the background and do not require you to uninstall or reinstall Kodi.
- Your Firestick must stay connected to Wi-Fi during the update, but you can use other apps while it completes.
How to update Kodi when you see the notification
When you launch Kodi and a new version is ready, a notification banner appears at the top of the screen. Highlight that banner and press the select button on your Firestick remote. Kodi will ask you to confirm the update. Select "Yes" or "Install" (the exact wording depends on your Kodi version). The read begins when ready.
The update progress bar shows at the bottom of the Kodi window. Once the read finishes, Kodi will prompt you to restart the process. Select "Yes" to restart, and Kodi will close and reopen with the new version active. You can verify the update worked by going to System > System Info and checking the version number at the top of the screen.
How to manually check for Kodi updates
If you do not see an update notification, you can check for updates yourself. Open Kodi and navigate to the main menu. Select "System" (the gear icon), then "System Info." At the top of the screen, you will see your current Kodi version number. Below that, look for an "Updates" option or button. Select it to check whether a newer version is available.
If an update is found, Kodi will show you the version number and ask whether you want to read it. Select "Yes" to begin. If no update is available, Kodi will tell you that you are running the latest version. This check works the same way whether you are on Kodi 19, 20, or a newer release.
What to do if the update fails or gets stuck
If Kodi stops responding during an update or the progress bar freezes, force-close the app. On your Firestick, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, find Kodi in the list, and select "Force Stop." Wait ten seconds, then reopen Kodi. It will usually resume the update or prompt you to try again.
If Kodi repeatedly fails to update, restart your Firestick entirely. Unplug it from power for thirty seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot before opening Kodi again. A full device restart clears temporary files that sometimes interfere with app updates. After the restart, try the update one more time through the notification or the System Info menu.
Why your Firestick needs a strong Wi-Fi connection for updates
Kodi updates are typically between 50 and 150 megabytes, depending on the version. A weak or unstable Wi-Fi signal can cause the read to pause, fail partway through, or time out. Before you start an update, check that your Firestick shows a strong Wi-Fi signal in the device settings. If the signal is weak, move your Firestick closer to your router or remove obstacles between them.
If your internet connection is unstable, wait until you have a stable connection before updating. A failed update can leave Kodi in an unusable state, and you would need to uninstall and reinstall the app from scratch. Giving the update a reliable connection the first time saves you that trouble.
Differences between Kodi versions and what changes with updates
Kodi releases a major new version roughly once a year, numbered sequentially (Kodi 19, 20, 21, and so on). Each major version brings interface changes, new features, and security fixes. Minor updates within a version (for example, 20.1 to 20.2) usually contain bug fixes and performance improvements without changing how the app looks or works.
When you update Kodi, your add-ons, settings, and media library usually stay in place. However, some add-ons may not work with a new major version until their developers update them. If you update to a new major version and an add-on stops working, you may need to wait for the add-on developer to release a compatible version, or you may need to remove and reinstall the add-on.
When to contact Kodi support or reinstall from scratch
If Kodi will not update after you have restarted your Firestick and checked your Wi-Fi connection, the app itself may be corrupted. In that case, uninstall Kodi completely and reinstall it fresh from the Amazon Appstore. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and choose "Uninstall." Then search for Kodi in the Appstore and reinstall it. This gives you the latest version without the update process.
For issues specific to Kodi's features, add-ons, or playback problems after an update, visit the official Kodi forums at kodi.tv/forum. The Kodi community is active and can help troubleshoot problems that are not related to your Firestick hardware. If the problem is with your Firestick itself—such as Wi-Fi dropping or the device freezing—contact Amazon support instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my add-ons and settings when I update Kodi?
No. Kodi stores your add-ons, settings, and media library separately from the app code. When you update, those files stay in place. However, some add-ons may stop working if they are not compatible with the new Kodi version. You can usually re-enable them once the add-on developer releases an update.
Can I update Kodi while I am watching something?
You can start an update while another app is running, but Kodi itself must close to complete the update. If you are actively watching something in Kodi, stop playback first, then start the update. The update will not interrupt other apps on your Firestick.
How often does Kodi release updates?
Major versions come out roughly once a year. Minor updates and security patches come out more frequently—sometimes monthly. You do not have to update when ready; Kodi will keep working on older versions. However, updating brings security fixes and bug corrections, so it is worth doing when you see the notification.
What if my Firestick runs out of storage during an update?
Kodi updates typically need 200 to 300 megabytes of free space. If your Firestick is nearly full, delete unused apps or clear the cache of large apps before updating. Go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select an app you do not use, and choose "Clear Cache" to free up space without losing the app.
Can I downgrade Kodi to an older version?
Kodi does not provide a built-in downgrade option. If a new version causes problems, your best option is to uninstall Kodi completely and reinstall it from the Amazon Appstore, which will give you the current version. Alternatively, you can wait for the next update, which often fixes issues reported by users after a major release.