Crunchyroll Kodi Add-on: How to Install It and Watch Anime

You can watch Crunchyroll anime in Kodi, but the installation method has changed. Instead of relying on the old Crunchyroll listing in Kodi’s built-in repository, use a maintained community add-on and its developer repository. You will need a Crunchyroll account, and the add-on’s developer says an active Premium subscription is required to play videos.

This guide explains where to obtain the repository, how to install the Crunchyroll Kodi add-on, and how to sign in with a device activation code—without entering your Crunchyroll password into Kodi.

What is the Crunchyroll Kodi add-on?

Kodi is a media center that can play content from installed video add-ons. The Crunchyroll integration lets subscribers find anime series, browse seasons and episodes, and watch within Kodi’s TV-friendly interface. The current the current community-maintained add-on project supports search, simulcast browsing, watch history, queues, subtitle and dub preferences, and playback progress synchronization.

Important: This is an independent, third-party project, not an official Crunchyroll application or an add-on published by Crunchyroll. The original MrKrabat repository was archived in December 2024; installing that older package may leave you with outdated sign-in instructions. Features can change when Crunchyroll changes its service.

How to install the Crunchyroll add-on on Kodi

Menu placement may differ with your Kodi version or skin.

1. Download the developer’s repository ZIP

Open the developer’s Crunchyroll repository page on a browser and follow its Download repository zip file link. Save the repository ZIP to a location your Kodi device can access, such as a local Downloads folder or a USB drive. Download only from the project’s own repository page, not from a random “Kodi build” bundle.

Use a supported Kodi version; check the developer repository for compatibility.

2. Allow the repository ZIP to be installed

In Kodi, open Settings → System → Add-ons and enable Unknown sources if Kodi requires it for ZIP installation. Kodi warns about add-ons outside its official repository because their code is managed by third parties. Proceed only when you trust the source, and consider switching the setting off again after setup. See Kodi’s add-on security settings for details.

3. Install the repository from its ZIP file

Return to Add-ons, open the package/open-box icon to reach the Add-on Browser, and select Install from zip file. This option is documented in Kodi’s Add-on Manager documentation.

Navigate to the folder or drive where you saved the repository ZIP, highlight the file, and confirm the installation. Wait for Kodi to report that the repository was added. Do not extract the ZIP before selecting it in Kodi.

4. Install Crunchyroll from the new repository

Open the Add-on Browser again and choose Install from repository → smirgols repository. Find the Crunchyroll add-on under the repository’s video add-ons, select Install, and approve any dependencies Kodi requests. Wait for the installed notification.

The repository method also provides the developer’s update channel.

5. Activate your account and start watching

Open Add-ons → Video add-ons → Crunchyroll. On first launch, the maintained add-on displays a device code and activation URL or QR code. On a phone or computer, visit the exact activation address shown in Kodi, sign in to your account on Crunchyroll website, and enter the device code. Leave the dialog open until Kodi completes authentication; expired codes must be requested again.

You can then browse series by popularity, season, genre, or title, open a show, and select an episode. Available audio and subtitle options depend on the program and region. For Japanese audio with English subtitles, check the add-on’s language settings and the episode’s available tracks.

What if Crunchyroll does not work in Kodi?

• Crunchyroll is missing from the built-in repository: Do not assume the old instructions still apply. Confirm you installed the developer repository ZIP and are browsing that repository, not Kodi’s default one.
• The device code expired or sign-in failed: Reopen the activation prompt, request a new code, and complete sign-in on your phone or computer while the dialog is open.
• Episodes appear but will not play: Verify that your Crunchyroll Premium subscription is active, update the add-on, and check your network connection. An account alone does not guarantee playback in this add-on.
• Subtitles are missing or in the wrong language: Check the add-on’s subtitle preferences and the language tracks offered for that episode. Some titles do not offer every language.

For errors that persist, the project’s GitHub page explains how to enable its debug logging and file an issue. Before sharing logs, remove any account tokens, device identifiers, or other private information.

Do you need a VPN to watch Crunchyroll on Kodi?

No. A VPN is not required to install Kodi or use a legitimate Crunchyroll subscription. It also does not make an outdated or malfunctioning add-on safe. Streaming rights differ by country, and Crunchyroll’s region and VPN guidance says using a VPN to access titles unavailable in your region is not supported and may cause playback or sign-in problems.

When should you use the official Crunchyroll app instead?

If this community add-on breaks after a service update, the official Crunchyroll website or app is the simpler choice. Crunchyroll supports many browsers, phones, TV platforms, and streaming devices; check Crunchyroll’s supported-device list for current compatibility. The Kodi add-on is useful if you prefer keeping your anime library inside one media-center interface, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed replacement for Crunchyroll’s supported apps.