Kodi installs on Firestick through the Amazon Appstore, not through sideloading
Kodi is a free media player that lets you organize and watch videos, music, and photos stored on your device or network. The official version is in the Amazon Appstore, which means you can install it the same way you install any other app — through the Firestick's built-in store. You do not need to sideload it or use a computer.
The process takes about five minutes and works on all current Firestick models, including the basic Firestick, Firestick 4K, and Firestick Max. You will need an active Amazon account and a Firestick connected to your network and powered on.
Key Takeaways
- Kodi is available directly in the Amazon Appstore, so you can install it without a computer or sideloading.
- The installation process uses only your Firestick remote and takes about five minutes from start to finish.
- After installation, Kodi opens to an empty library — you will need to add your own media sources or configure add-ons to watch content.
- Kodi runs in the background and does not interfere with other Firestick apps or services.
Step-by-step installation from the Amazon Appstore
Start with your Firestick powered on and connected to your network. Pick up the remote and press the home button to go to the main screen.
From the home screen, navigate to the search icon (the magnifying glass) at the top left and select it. Type "Kodi" using the on-screen keyboard. The official Kodi app will appear in the results — it shows the Kodi logo (an orange circle with a blue symbol inside) and is published by the Kodi Foundation.
Select the Kodi result to open its store page. Press the button labeled "Get" or "Install" (the label depends on your Firestick model). The download and installation will begin automatically. You will see a progress bar. Wait for it to complete — this usually takes two to three minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installation finishes, the button will change to "Open." Press it to launch Kodi for the first time. The app will open to a blank home screen with no content loaded yet.
What to do after Kodi opens for the first time
When Kodi first opens, you will see an empty library with no movies, music, or photos. This is normal. Kodi does not come with built-in content — you have to tell it where to find your media files.
You have two main options: add your own media sources (folders on your network or external drives) or configure add-ons that pull content from online sources. Adding your own files is straightforward if you have videos or music stored on a computer or network drive. Go to Settings (the gear icon), then Media, then Library, and follow the prompts to add a source by entering a network path or local folder.
If you want to use add-ons instead, go to the Add-ons section from the home screen. Kodi comes with some official add-ons pre-installed, and you can browse and install others from within the app. Be aware that add-on availability and function depend on what the add-on creator maintains — some stop working if their source goes offline.
Troubleshooting if Kodi will not install
If you search for Kodi and do not see it in the results, your Firestick may have a very old version of the Firestick software. Go to Settings on your Firestick, select System, then About, and check for updates. Install any available updates and restart the device, then search for Kodi again.
If the install button is grayed out or says "Not Available," your Amazon account may have restrictions on app installation. This sometimes happens if parental controls are enabled. Go to Settings, select Parental Controls, and check whether app installation is blocked. If it is, you will need to enter a PIN to unlock it.
If Kodi installs but will not open, try restarting your Firestick. Hold the select and play buttons on the remote for ten seconds until the light on the device blinks. Wait 30 seconds for it to restart, then try opening Kodi again.
How to uninstall Kodi if you no longer need it
Uninstalling Kodi is simple and frees up storage space on your Firestick. From the home screen, navigate to Your Apps and Channels (usually in the top menu). Find Kodi in the list, press and hold it with the remote, and select "Uninstall" from the menu that appears.
Uninstalling Kodi does not affect any other apps or settings on your Firestick. If you reinstall it later, you will start with a blank library again — Kodi does not save your configuration to your Amazon account.
Storage and performance considerations
Kodi takes up about 100 to 150 MB of storage space on your Firestick, depending on the model and version. This is a small amount compared to the total storage available, even on the basic Firestick. Kodi runs efficiently and does not slow down other apps or services.
If you add a large number of media files or add-ons, Kodi may take longer to load your library on startup. This is normal and depends on how many items you have added, not on a problem with the app itself. If startup becomes slow, you can remove unused add-ons or reduce the number of media sources Kodi scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to jailbreak or sideload Kodi onto my Firestick?
No. Kodi is in the official Amazon Appstore, so you can install it directly through the Firestick's built-in store without a computer or any special steps. Sideloading is not necessary.
Will Kodi work offline, or do I need internet?
Kodi works offline if you have added your own media files from a local network or external drive. If you use add-ons that pull content from online sources, you will need an active internet connection. Your Firestick must be connected to your network either way.
Can I use Kodi at the same time as other Firestick apps?
Yes. Kodi runs independently and does not interfere with other apps. You can switch between Kodi and Prime Video, Netflix, or any other app without issues. Kodi will pause if you switch away and resume where you left off when you return.
What if Kodi crashes or freezes while I am using it?
Force-close Kodi by pressing the home button on your remote, then navigating to Your Apps and Channels, selecting Kodi, and choosing "Force Stop." Wait a few seconds and reopen it. If crashes happen repeatedly, try uninstalling and reinstalling Kodi from the Appstore.
Can I transfer my Kodi setup to a different Firestick?
Kodi does not sync settings across devices. If you get a new Firestick, you will need to install Kodi again and reconfigure your media sources and add-ons from scratch. Your configuration is stored only on that specific device.