How to Install Kodi on an Android TV Box: Play Store or APK

To install Kodi on an Android TV box, open Google Play, search for Kodi, select the official app, and choose Install. If your box does not offer a compatible Play Store listing, you can download Kodi’s Android APK from its official website and install it manually. Neither approach requires rooting the device.

These instructions apply to compatible Android TV and Google TV boxes. Menus can differ on generic boxes that run phone-style Android rather than Google's TV interface.

Before you start

Connect the box to the internet, check that it has free storage, and have its remote ready. For Play Store installation, sign in with a Google account. If you're using a USB drive to transfer an APK, you'll also need a file manager that can open the downloaded file.

As of October 29, 2026, Kodi’s official Android download page lists Kodi 21.3 Omega as the recommended release; Kodi 22 Piers has a release candidate available separately. For an everyday installation, choose the recommended stable version rather than a prerelease. Availability through Google Play can lag behind the website.

Method 1: Install Kodi from Google Play on your TV

1. Turn on the Android TV box. From the home screen, open Apps > Google Play Store. On Google TV, use the Apps tab or the home screen search feature instead.
2. Search for Kodi.
3. Open the official Kodi listing, whose app ID is org.xbmc.kodi, and choose Install.
4. When installation completes, open Kodi from Your apps or the Apps list. The first launch may take longer while Kodi prepares its files.

Google Play determines the compatible app package and ordinarily handles subsequent updates. You can open the official Kodi listing on Google Play to verify you have the right app.

Method 2: Send Kodi to your TV from a computer or phone

If typing on a TV remote is inconvenient, Google Play can remotely install eligible apps on another device associated with your account.

1. On a computer, visit Kodi on Google Play and sign in using the Google account linked to your TV.
2. Select Install and choose your Android TV box from the available devices.
3. Confirm. Keep the TV connected to the internet, then look for Kodi in its apps list.

On an Android phone, the Play Store may show a device selector next to Install. If the box is missing or marked incompatible, check the account and compatibility rather than assuming the install succeeded. Google explains this feature in its remote app installation instructions.

Method 3: Sideload Kodi’s official Android APK

Use this route if your device lacks Play Store access or the official listing is unavailable. Download only from Kodi’s own website; a random “Kodi build” package may contain unwanted changes.

1. On a browser-equipped TV box, or on a computer for USB transfer, open Kodi’s official Android download page and choose the Recommended release.
2. Select the APK matching the device's Android architecture: ARMV7A (32-bit) or ARMV8A (64-bit). Some 64-bit processors still run 32-bit Android. If unsure, check the device manufacturer's specifications rather than guessing.
3. If downloaded on a computer, copy the APK to a USB drive and open it on the TV using a trusted file manager. Otherwise find it in your browser’s Downloads area.
4. When Android asks, allow Install unknown apps for that specific browser or file manager. On older boxes, the equivalent option may be under Settings > Security & restrictions > Unknown sources.
5. Open the APK, select Install, and launch Kodi when it finishes. Revoke the temporary install permission afterward if you no longer need it.

Keep Google Play Protect enabled. Google's Android TV security guidance recommends leaving its checks on, even when installing apps outside the Play Store.

If Kodi won't install or can't find your videos

• App not found or device incompatible: Confirm your TV’s Android version and hardware are supported. A box without certified Google Play services may require the official APK method.
• APK says “App not installed”: Check whether the selected build matches the device's Android architecture, whether storage is available, and whether an existing installation conflicts with the package.
• Install blocked: Grant permission only to the installer app you're actually using; do not disable all device security checks.
• Local media folders are empty: On Android TV 11 or later, check Settings > Apps > Kodi > Permissions > Files and media and allow access as appropriate. Wording varies by device.
• No TV app icon: Open Settings > Apps to see whether Kodi installed successfully; some nonstandard launchers hide sideloaded apps.

Add media and official add-ons

Kodi is a media player, not a subscription to movies or TV channels. To access your own files, open Videos > Files > Add videos and select a permitted local or network folder. To browse supported extensions, go to Add-ons > Download, or open the add-on browser and select Install from repository. The built-in Kodi repository works without enabling unknown sources inside Kodi.

Third-party repositories are optional and come with separate security, compatibility, and content-rights considerations. Start with the official Kodi add-on repository and the official Android installation guide if your device has unusual menus.