Kodi is a popular open-source media player that allows you to stream and watch your favorite films, television shows, live TV, and sports events.However, finding a suitable Android TV box that can stably run Kodi can be hard, especially if you don’t understand the basics. Are you stuck trying to configure Kodi on your new box? This is the article that can aid a hassle-free setup.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Configuring Kodi on Android TV Box
Some Android TV boxes don’t come pre-installed with Kodi, and if they do, it may come with outdated versions that create bugs and crashes. Setting it up might take more than a few clicks, and even when you do, configuring Kodi options to suit your requirements can also be challenging.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the actual Kodi setup, prepare the following:
1. Your Android TV Box, HDMI and power cable, and a TV.
2. Internet connectivity. Ensure your box has a WiFi feature so that you can connect to your internet whenever needed.
3. A USB mouse or gamepad or any other input device will be required for navigating Kodi’s options easily.
Method 1: Using Google Play Store
Google Play Store is a popular method of downloading Kodi on your Android TV Box because it provides a stable and updated version of Kodi. Here is how to configure Kodi using the Google Play Store:
1. On your Android TV Box, select the Google Play Store from the main menu.
2. In the search bar, type in “Kodi” and select the Kodi icon from the list of items.
3. Click on the install button, and once the download process finishes, click on “Open” to launch Kodi.
4. If this is the first time you open Kodi, you will need to configure it.
5. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located in the top left corner.
6. Navigate to “System.”
7. Click on “Add-ons” and select “Unknown sources.” This is important because, by default, Kodi locks out third-party apps installation sources.
8. A warning will appear, select “Yes” to proceed.
9. Return to the main menu.
Pros:
– Extremely easy and available if Play Store is pre-loaded.
– Hassle-free setup process and automatically updates whenever new versions come out.
Cons:
– Not all Android boxes come with pre-loaded Play Store.
– Pre-loaded versions may not always be the updated version of Kodi.
Method 2: Using Downloader
Another possible solution for configuring Kodi on Android TV is using the Downloader. Here is how to go about it:
1. From your Android TV main menu, select “Search.”
2. Type “Downloader” and select the icon with the orange background designed with an arrow pointing downwards.
3. Install the downloader. The process is simple, just follow the promptings that come with the installer.
4. After a successful installation, launch the app.
5. Navigate to “Settings” and click on “Enable Javascript.”
6. Click “Yes” on warning prompt to proceed.
7. Return to the home screen and click on the URL bar.
8. Enter “https://kodi.tv/download” in the URL bar.
9. Scroll down until you find the “Android” option, select it.
10. Click on “ARMV7A (32-bit) APK.”
11. Once the downloader finishes downloading, click on “Install.”
12. Launch Kodi, and you’re ready to go.
Pros:
– A viable alternative that doesn’t require the pre-installation of Play Store.
– Updated version and choose from various types of the Kodi APK installer.
Cons:
– Downloader app can come with ads or unwanted functionalities, affecting user experience.
– It requires enabling JavaScript that might compromise security compared to Google Play Store’s SSL-encrypted download process with least user intervention.
Method 3: Using ADBLink
The ADBLink is a desktop-based program that you install on your computer and helps you link your Android TV Box with Kodi’s APK installer. The process of using this method to configure Kodi may seem challenging, but once you get it, you’ll have it for life. Here are the steps:
1. Install Kodi APK to your Android TV Box by visiting the Kodi’s website and downloading the latest APK.
2. Go to “Settings” > “Device Preferences” > “About” > “Build” on your Android TV Box. Click on “Build” until a “You’re now a developer” message pops up.
3. From the main screen (“Apps”), select “Settings.” Scroll down and select “Developer options.”
4. Turn on the ADB Debugging feature and click on “Allow Apps from unknown sources.”
5. Take note of the IP address of your Android TV Box. To obtain it, go to “Settings” > “Device Preferences” > “Network and check “IP Address.”
6. Download ADBLink to your computer.
7. Launch ADBLink on your PC and select “New” on the top left corner of the window.
8. Name your Kodi installation.
9. Type in the IP address of your Android TV Box into the “Address” bar.
10. Click “Save” once you’ve completed the above steps.
11. Select “Connect” and double-check the connection between your Android TV Box and ADBLink.
12. In ADBLink’s main interface, click on “Install APK” and navigate to the file path of the Kodi APK you downloaded.
13. Click on “Open” to proceed with the installation process.
14. Launch Kodi and start streaming.
Pros:
– Advanced method that provides more control over the installation process than the other two.
– A one-time process, easier than it looks, and once connected, Kodi and your Android TV box become easily upgradable.
Cons:
– Requires a computer other than the Android TV Box itself, which is a prerequisite.
– Complicated for non-technical users.
Why Can’t I Configure Kodi on Android TV Box?
1. Kodi is only compatible with Android versions 5.0 and above, so ensure that your Android TV Box meets this criterion before installing Kodi.
2. Your Android TV Box might lack enough storage space. Kodi needs a considerable amount of storage space, so if your box is already full, you might encounter difficulties while installing or configuring Kodi.
3. It’s likely that Kodi already comes pre-installed on your Android TV Box because Kodi is prevalent. If that’s the case, ensure that you’re using the updated version.
Solutions for Why Can’t I Configure Kodi on Android TV Box:
1. Ensure that your Android TV Box meets Kodi’s minimum Android version requirement of version 5.0 and above to support Kodi.
2. Check the remaining space on your Android TV Box before installing Kodi.
3. If Kodi is already pre-installed, ensure you’re using the updated version.
Additional Tips
– Always use a VPN when streaming content with Kodi. It’ll help protect your privacy and provide security over the network and shared data.
– There’s an option for including external add-ons to Kodi. Be cautious about using third-party add-ons as they can sometimes provide pirated content.
– For better quality streaming, always connect to a higher bandwidth connection.
5 FAQs about Configuring Kodi on Android TV Box
Q1: How do I check the installed version of Kodi on my Android TV Box?
A: On the main screen, click on the Kodi icon, choose “Settings,” then click on “System info.”
Q2: Can Kodi install automatically on an Android TV Box?
A: Kodi doesn’t automatically install on an Android TV Box. You’ll need to install it manually by downloading Kodi’s APK.
Q3: Can I configure Kodi on a non-Android TV Box such as Apple TV?
A: Kodi is compatible with various streaming devices, including Apple TV. However, the installation process for each device may vary.
Q4: How do I uninstall Kodi if I’m not satisfied with it?
A: On the Android main menu, go to “Settings” > “Apps,” find “Kodi,” select it, then click on “Uninstall.”
Q5: Does configuring Kodi void my warranty?
A: If your Android TV Box is still under warranty, configuring Kodi may void it. It’s best to consult your manufacturer’s warranty to confirm.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Kodi’s popularity continues to rise, and the process of configuring it on Android TV Box has become more accessible. By following the methods listed in this article, you can easily stream your favorite content with Kodi. Ensure that you use a VPN and avoid third-party add-ons that provide pirated content. Finally, Always have enough storage space on your Android TV Box, upgrade to the latest Kodi version available, and utilize a high-bandwidth internet connection for better streaming quality.