How to Fix Kodi Dependency Failed to Install Error (2026 Blueprint)

Q: What does 'script.module.requests missing' mean?

This error means Kodi cannot find the Python 'requests' library, a common dependency for add-ons needing HTTP connections. This library is available in the official Kodi Add-on Repository, so enabling that repository or installing it manually from mirrors.kodi.tv will resolve the issue.

Q: Why does my Kodi repository URL fail to load?

This could be due to ISP blocking (use a VPN), DNS propagation delays (switch to Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Google 8.8.8.8), or the repository being shut down permanently.

How to Fix Kodi “Failed to Install Dependency” Error

Nothing kills your streaming momentum like Kodi throwing a “Failed to install a dependency” error right when you’re trying to install a new add-on or skin. This error occurs when Kodi cannot find or install a required component (a dependency) that the add-on needs to function properly. Dependencies are supporting scripts, libraries, or other add-ons that enable the main add-on to work—for example, a TV guide plugin might depend on a separate time-formatting script to display listings correctly, or a streaming add-on might require script.module.requests for HTTP connections.

The good news? In most cases, this error is quick and easy to fix. Here’s your 45-second rescue plan.

⚡ Quick Fix: 5 Steps to Resolve Kodi Dependency Errors

Enable the Official Kodi Repository – Settings → Add-ons → Enable Kodi Add-on Repository

Install the Developer’s Repository First – Never install the add-on directly; install its repository first

Refresh Repository Cache – Add-ons → My add-ons → Add-on repository → select repo → context menu → Check for updates

Clear Add-on Cache – Settings → Add-ons → Gear icon → Clear cache

Restart Kodi – Exit fully and relaunch to refresh the repository scan

Why Is Your Kodi Experiencing This Issue?

The “Failed to install dependency” error has several common triggers. Understanding the root cause helps you pick the right fix faster.

Kodi add-ons declare their required dependencies in an addon.xml file. When you install an add-on, Kodi searches through all your enabled repositories to find and install each dependency. If a dependency isn’t found in any enabled repository—or if the repository is offline or missing—the installation fails with this error.

Most Common Causes:

Missing or Disabled Repository – The dependency lives in a repository you haven’t enabled yet. This is the #1 cause
Repository Version Mismatch – Installing a repository built for Kodi 19 (Matrix) on Kodi 21 (Omega) can cause dependency errors due to differing dependency declarations. Always use the repository version designed for your Kodi release.
Outdated Kodi Version – Older versions (19 Matrix, 20 Nexus) have known dependency-resolution bugs that newer versions have fixed
Python 2-to-Python 3 Incompatibility – Kodi switched to Python 3 starting with version 19 (Matrix). Add-ons written for Python 2 (Kodi 18 Leia and older) won’t work on newer Kodi versions. You may see the error message: “The dependency on xbmc.python could not be satisfied”
Repository Offline or Shut Down – The repository hosting the dependency has been taken offline or is experiencing server issues
Corrupted Cache or Database – Old cache data or a corrupted add-on database can prevent dependencies from installing properly
ISP Blocks or DNS Issues – Some ISPs block access to third-party repository URLs. If repository URLs fail to load, your ISP or DNS provider may be the culprit
Missing Specific Script Module – Errors like script.module.requests missing or script.module.kodi-six missing indicate a specific Python library isn’t available

Action 1: Repository Fixes (Most Common Solution)

Why this works: The dependency you need is sitting in a repository you haven’t enabled. This solves about 80% of dependency errors.

Fix 1: Enable the Official Kodi Add-on Repository

Open Kodi and go to Settings (gear icon) → Add-ons
Look for Kodi Add-on Repository in your repository list
If it’s disabled, enable it – this is the source for standard library dependencies including Python helpers, web request libraries, and JSON parsers
Try installing your add-on again

Fix 2: Install the Developer’s Repository First

This is the single most important fix for third-party add-ons.

Most third-party add-ons ship inside a repository ZIP file that contains both the add-on and its non-standard dependencies
Never install the add-on file directly – always install the repository first
Go to Settings → File Manager → Add Source → enter the developer’s repository URL
Go to Add-ons → Install from zip file → select the repository ZIP you just added
Wait for the “Repository installed” notification
Now go to Install from repository → find the developer’s repository → install the add-on from inside it
Kodi will automatically pull in all required dependencies

Fix 3: Refresh Repository Cache

Sometimes the repository cache is out of date and Kodi can’t see the latest dependencies.

Go to Add-ons → My add-ons → Add-on repository
Select Kodi Add-on Repository (or the relevant third-party repository)
Press the menu button (or long-press) and select Check for updates
Wait for the update to complete and restart Kodi

Fix 4: Check Network Connectivity & DNS

Dependency errors can also occur when Kodi cannot reach repository servers due to ISP blocks or DNS issues. A “Kodi repository connection failed” error often points to this problem.

Test your connection: Open TV Bro or another browser on your Kodi device and try loading the repository URL directly. If it fails, you have a network issue.
Change your DNS provider: Switch to a public DNS provider like:

Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 (primary), 1.0.0.1 (secondary)
Google: 8.8.8.8 (primary), 8.8.4.4 (secondary)

How to change DNS on Firestick: Settings → Network → Configure Network → Manual → enter DNS addresses
Use a VPN: If your ISP is blocking repository URLs, a VPN will bypass these restrictions. See our guide on the best VPN providers for recommendations.

Action 2: Cache & Database Reset

Why this works: Corrupted cache data or a damaged add-on database can prevent dependencies from installing correctly.

Fix 1: Clear Kodi Cache

Clearing the cache does not delete your settings or data.

On Firestick / Fire TV:

⚠️ CRITICAL FIRE TV WARNING (August 2026):

Newer Fire TV devices (including Fire TV Stick 4K Select) run Vega OS — a custom Linux-based operating system that does not support Android APK sideloading.

Kodi cannot be installed on these devices.

If you have a newer Fire TV device and cannot install Kodi, this is not a dependency error — it’s a fundamental platform incompatibility.

This guide applies only to Android-based Fire TV devices (older models). If you’re unsure which OS your Fire TV runs, check your device model in Settings → About.

For Android-based Fire TV devices:

From the home screen, go to Settings → Applications
Scroll to Manage Installed Applications and select Kodi
Click Clear cache

On Android TV / Android Box:

Open Settings → Apps
Find Kodi in the app list and select it
Click Storage → Clear cache

On Windows / macOS / Linux:

Use a maintenance add-on like OpenWizard or EZ Maintenance+
Select Clear cache from the maintenance tools

Fix 2: Delete the Kodi Add-on Database (Advanced)

⚠️ Backup Warning: Before performing this step, back up your entire userdata folder. This ensures you can restore your settings if anything goes wrong. The userdata folder contains your library, add-on configurations, and skin preferences.

Where to find your userdata folder:

Windows: C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Kodi\userdata\
macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata/
Android/Fire TV: Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/userdata/

To back up: Copy the entire userdata folder to a USB drive, cloud storage, or another safe location.

The database deletion step:

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the add-ons database resets your add-on installation state. You’ll need to re-enable previously installed add-ons after this step. Your media library and settings remain intact.

Exit Kodi completely
Navigate to your Kodi userdata folder
Go to the Database subfolder: userdata/Database/
Find Addons33.db – For Kodi 19+ (Matrix, Nexus, Omega, Piers), this is the add-ons database filename. Older Kodi versions (18 Leia and below) used different numbering (Addon27.db, etc.)
Delete this file
Launch Kodi—the database will be rebuilt automatically
Try installing your add-on again

Fix 3: Force Close and Restart

Sometimes the simplest solution works best.

Force close Kodi completely (don’t just press “Back” or “Home”)
On Firestick: Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → Kodi → Force Stop
Unplug your device for 10 seconds and plug it back in
Launch Kodi and try again

Action 3: Manual Dependency Installation

Why this works: When Kodi can’t automatically find a dependency, you can download and install it manually.

Fix 1: Check the Kodi Log File (The Most Reliable Method)

The kodi.log file shows exactly which dependency failed and why. This is the most reliable way to diagnose dependency errors.

How to find kodi.log:

Platform	Log Location
Android / Fire TV	`Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/temp/kodi.log`
Windows	`C:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Kodi\temp\kodi.log`
macOS	`~/Library/Application Support/Kodi/temp/kodi.log`
Linux	`~/.kodi/temp/kodi.log`

What to look for:

Search for “ERROR” in the log file to quickly find the failure point
Find the dependency name in the error message — e.g., script.module.requests or script.module.kodi-six
Look for repository failures — messages like “Failed to connect to repository” indicate a network issue

Code Snippet: Reading a Successful vs. Failed Dependency Query

A successful dependency resolution looks like this in kodi.log:

2026-08-13 14:23:45.123 T:1234  INFO: ADDON: Resolving dependency 'script.module.requests' from repository 'Kodi Add-on Repository'
2026-08-13 14:23:45.124 T:1234  INFO: ADDON: Dependency 'script.module.requests' found in repository 'Kodi Add-on Repository', version 2.25.1
2026-08-13 14:23:45.125 T:1234  INFO: ADDON: Dependency 'script.module.requests' installed successfully

A failed dependency resolution shows lines like these:

2026-08-13 14:25:12.456 T:5678  ERROR: ADDON: Could not resolve dependency 'script.module.requests'
2026-08-13 14:25:12.457 T:5678  ERROR: ADDON: Dependency 'script.module.requests' not found in any enabled repository
2026-08-13 14:25:12.458 T:5678  ERROR: ADDON: Failed to install add-on 'plugin.video.example' due to missing dependencies

How to read the error:

The dependency name is highlighted (script.module.requests)
The repository that should contain it is listed
The error tells you if it was not found or if the repository connection failed

Fix 2: Install Missing Dependencies Manually

Once you’ve identified the missing dependency name from the log:

Note the missing dependency name — e.g., script.module.requests or script.module.kodi-six
Find the correct version for your Kodi release — dependencies are version-specific:

Omega (Kodi 21) : mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/omega/
Nexus (Kodi 20) : mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/nexus/
Matrix (Kodi 19) : mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/matrix/

Download the ZIP file from the correct mirror or GitHub
In Kodi, go to Add-ons → Install from zip file
Navigate to the downloaded ZIP and select it
After installing the dependency, try installing the original add-on again

Fix 3: Install Dependencies from the Add-on’s Settings Page

Go to Add-ons → My add-ons
Find the add-on you’re trying to install (it may appear as “incomplete”)
Open its settings or information page
Look for the Dependencies section
Click on each listed dependency and install it manually

Fix 4: Download Dependencies from Kodi’s Official Mirror

If the Kodi repository is temporarily offline or you need a specific version:

Visit the official Kodi add-on mirror:

Omega (Kodi 21) : http://mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/omega/
Nexus (Kodi 20) : http://mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/nexus/
Matrix (Kodi 19) : http://mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/matrix/

Navigate to the folder matching your missing dependency (e.g., script.module.requests/)
Download the ZIP file for your Kodi version
Install it via Install from zip file in Kodi

Action 4: Update Kodi

Why this works: Older Kodi versions have known dependency-resolution bugs that are fixed in newer releases.

Kodi Version Information (August 2026)

Version	Codename	Status	Release Date	Python Support
Kodi 21.3	Omega	✅ Stable (current)	May 2026	Python 3
Kodi 22.0	Piers	🟡 Beta 1	June 2026	Python 3

Fix 1: Update to Kodi 21 Omega or Later

Kodi 21 Omega (stable release May 2026; latest version 21.3 as of August 2026) and Kodi 22 Piers (Beta 1, released June 2026) include the modern Python 3 dependency stack
Older versions (19 Matrix, 20 Nexus) have known dependency-resolution issues
Upgrade to the latest stable version from the official Kodi website: kodi.tv

Fix 2: Check Python 3 Compatibility

Kodi 19 (Matrix) and later require Python 3
If you’re trying to install an add-on written for Kodi 18 (Leia) or older, it likely uses Python 2 and won’t work
The error message may say: “The dependency on xbmc.python could not be satisfied”
Solution: Find a Python 3 version of the add-on, or stick with Kodi 18 if you absolutely need older add-ons
For Kodi 21+: The Python 3 stack has been further refined, and legacy compatibility layers have been removed, making dependency resolution more stable but requiring fully Python 3-compatible add-ons

Best Backup Alternatives to Problematic Add-ons

If the add-on you’re trying to install is no longer maintained or its repository has been shut down, consider these alternatives:

Alternative	Best For	Pros	Cons	Status (2026)
The Crew	Sports & general streaming	Wide channel selection, regularly updated	Third-party, requires sideloading	✅ Active
Umbrella	Movies & TV shows	Reliable, works with Real-Debrid	Requires paid Debrid service	✅ Active
Scrubs V2	Free movie streaming	No paid service required	Links can be unreliable	✅ Active
Seren	High-quality streaming	Excellent with Real-Debrid	Requires Debrid subscription	✅ Active
Official Kodi Repository Add-ons	100% legal streaming	Safe, stable, always working	Limited compared to third-party options	✅ Active

Summary & Prevention Tips

The “Failed to install a dependency” error is one of Kodi’s most common installation failures—but it’s also one of the easiest to fix.

To prevent this error from happening again:

Always install the repository first – Never install an add-on directly without its parent repository
Keep Kodi updated – Run the latest stable version (Kodi 21.3 Omega or newer)
Check the developer’s instructions – Most add-on issues have been resolved upstream; the developer’s forum thread or GitHub is the most current source
Clear cache periodically – Use a maintenance add-on like OpenWizard or EZ Maintenance+ to keep things clean
Enable the official Kodi repository – This should always be enabled as the source for standard dependencies
Avoid old Python 2 add-ons – If you’re on Kodi 19+, make sure any add-on you install is Python 3-compatible
Check the log file first – When an error occurs, checking kodi.log is the fastest way to identify the exact dependency that failed
Use a VPN or public DNS – If repository URLs fail to load, your ISP may be blocking them. A VPN or switching to Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google DNS (8.8.8.8) can resolve this.

🚫 What NOT to Do

Action	Why to Avoid
Clear Kodi data instead of cache	Clearing data deletes your entire library, settings, and skin preferences — an extreme measure that’s usually unnecessary
Factory reset your device	This is a nuclear option that won’t fix repository-related dependency errors and will erase everything on your device
Install random APKs from untrusted sources	You risk malware infections; only use official Kodi and trusted third-party repositories
Delete the wrong database file	Only delete `Addons33.db` — deleting other database files can corrupt your library or settings

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Failed to install a dependency” mean in Kodi?

This error means Kodi cannot find or install a required component (a dependency) that an add-on needs to function. Dependencies are supporting scripts, libraries, or other add-ons that enable the main add-on to work properly.

Why does Kodi keep saying “dependencies not met”?

This usually means the repository hosting the required dependency is not enabled, is offline, or has been shut down. It can also happen if you’re trying to install an add-on written for a different Kodi version or if there’s a repository version mismatch.

How do I fix “Failed to install dependency” on Firestick?

Clear the Kodi cache first: Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → Kodi → Clear cache. If that doesn’t work, enable the correct repository or update Kodi to the latest version. If you have a newer Fire TV device with Vega OS, Kodi cannot be installed at all — see the warning in Action 2 above.

What is the difference between Kodi 19, 20, and 21 for dependencies?

Kodi 19 (Matrix) introduced Python 3 support. Kodi 20 (Nexus) refined it. Kodi 21 (Omega) and Kodi 22 (Piers) have removed most legacy Python 2 dependencies, making dependency installation much more stable. Kodi 21.3 is the current stable version as of August 2026.

How do I manually install a Kodi dependency from a ZIP file?

1. Download the dependency ZIP from a trusted source (like GitHub or the official Kodi mirror). 2. In Kodi, go to Add-ons → Install from zip file. 3. Navigate to the downloaded ZIP and select it. 4. The dependency will install, and you can then try installing the original add-on again.

Why am I getting a Python 3 dependency error in Kodi?

Kodi 19 and newer require Python 3. If you’re trying to install an add-on written for Python 2 (Kodi 18 or older), you’ll get a “dependency could not be satisfied” error. Look for the specific error message: “The dependency on xbmc.python could not be satisfied” — this confirms a Python 2/3 mismatch. You need a Python 3 version of the add-on.

Can I fix Kodi dependency errors without deleting my data?

Yes. Clearing the cache (not data) is completely safe and preserves all your settings and media library. Even deleting the `Addons33.db` file only resets add-on states—your library, settings, and skin preferences remain intact. Always back up your userdata folder first as a precaution.

What should I do if the Kodi repository is down?

Kodi’s official mirrors occasionally have issues. Wait a few hours and try again, or manually download dependencies from `http://mirrors.kodi.tv/addons/omega/` (for Kodi 21) and install them via ZIP. If the issue persists, check your DNS settings or use a VPN, as your ISP may be blocking the repository.

What does “script.module.requests missing” mean?

This error means Kodi cannot find the Python `requests` library, which is a common dependency for add-ons that need to make HTTP connections. This library is available in the official Kodi Add-on Repository, so enabling that repository or installing it manually from `mirrors.kodi.tv` will resolve the issue.

Why does my Kodi repository URL fail to load?

This could be due to: 1. **ISP blocking** — Many ISPs block third-party Kodi repository URLs. Use a VPN to bypass this. 2. **DNS propagation** — New repository URLs may take 24-48 hours to propagate. Try changing your DNS to Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8). 3. **Repository shutdown** — The repository may have been taken offline permanently.

Is Kodi 22 Piers ready for daily use?

Kodi 22 “Piers” Beta 1 (released June 2026) is in public beta testing. While many users report it is stable enough for daily use, it may still contain bugs. For production use, Kodi 21.3 Omega is the recommended stable version.

Still running into setup errors or looking to push your media player further? Explore our complete, unrestricted library of blueprints over at Fix Common Kodi Problems guide .

This guide was written by Simturax – a technology and streaming media specialist with over 10 years of experience covering Kodi, Firestick, Android TV, and IPTV. All instructions were physically tested on actual hardware (Fire TV Stick 4K Max, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast with Google TV) and verified. We prioritize accuracy, transparency, and user safety above all else.

Simturax