In this post, we will explain the different methods available to install Kodi on Android TV and state the system requirements for each one.
Kodi 21 Nexus is the latest version of the popular media center software that allows you to stream movies, TV shows, live streams, sports, and more from various sources.
This version introduces some new features and improvements, such as AV1 codec support for Android, Linux, and streaming, better sorting options for playlists, and bug fixes.
Kodi on Play Store is a blessing. It means that downloading and installing Kodi on any android device is as easy as any other application. But, it does not mean that this is the only way to get Kodi. if for any reason the play store path doesn’t work, you can still get Kodi.
System Requirements
Before you install Kodi on your Android device, you need to make sure that it meets the minimum system requirements. According to the official Kodi website, these are:
- Android OS version: 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher
- CPU: ARMv7A (32-bit) or ARMv8A (64-bit)
- RAM: At least 1 GB
- Storage: At least 200 MB of free space
You can check your device’s specifications by going to Settings > About Device on your Android TV.
Installation Methods
There are three main ways to install Kodi on your Android device:
- Using Google Play Store
- Using APK file via Downloader App
- Using Send Files to TV app
How to install Kodi using Google Play Store?
This is the easiest and most recommended way to install Kodi on your Android TV device. All you need is a Google account and an internet connection.
- On your Android TV, open Google Play Store and search for “Kodi”.
- Select “Kodi” from the list of results and tap on “Install”.
- Wait for the installation process to finish and then tap on “Open” to launch Kodi.
Enjoy using Kodi on your Android device!
How to install Kodi using an APK file via Downloader App?
If for any strange reason, other than not having searched the application correctly, the Kodi application does not appear in Google Play, all is not yet lost since you can download the installer APK file from the Kodi website.
This method requires you to download an APK file of Kodi from its official website and then manually install it on your Android device. This method is useful if you don’t have access to Google Play Store or if you want to try a different version of Kodi.
To install Kodi using the APK file:
For this method, we are going to go through the Downloader app method to directly sideload the kodi APK file to your Android TV device
The process will take three easy steps and applies to all devices sharing the same Android TV OS.
- First, we will install Downloader app from the play store
- Second, we will enable installation from unknown sources for Downloader app
- Finally, we will find, download and install the APK file
Install Downloader app
The first thing you need to do is to install the Downloader app, a powerful browser and file manager specifically designed for android TV based devices, and this is the element that interests us the most, since we will use it to download any apk on the net.
Say that the Downloader app is available in the official play store , so you can download it directly to your device.
Open Play Store, search Downloader >> Install >> Open
Once launched, it will ask you to grant permission to access local storage. Since this is a file manager, it will need that permission to function. Just press Allow
If there is any new update for the downloader app, it will prompt you, so click OK.
That’s it, your browser is now ready to use. just go to the search box, type an address or query to start surfing the net. And this is exactly how we are going to find and install apks on Android TV.
Enable Installation from unknown sources
The most interesting apps for Android TV are found in third-party sources. So, the first thing you have to do is enable installation from unknown sources . If not already done, just follow these steps:
Launch your Android TV device and click on the “System Settings” Icon.
Select Device Preferences
Go to Security and restrictions
Enter Unknown sources option
Allow Downloader app to install from unknown sources
Install Kodi on Android TV
After having enabled installation from unknown sources, your device can now install any app you want from outside the official Play Store.
Once downloader app is ready to use, all you have to do is click on the Browser option and use the web browser to download any application in APK format.
To install Kodi APK, follow the steps below:
Launch Downloader app, and in the search box and type the download link: kodi.tv/download then press GO
On the next page, make sure you select Android.
Select the appropriate version of Kodi for your device (usually “ARMV8A” for newer devices).
Download should start immediately
Wait for the installation process to finish and then tap on Install
Now click Done to go back to the previous screen
Delete the installation package
Again press Delete to confirm your action
That’s it, Kodi is installed and ready to use.
Go back to the home screen, in the app drawer, find and open your app normally.
Enjoy Kodi on your Android device!
How to install the kodi using Send Files to TV app?
This method requires you to use a third-party app called Send Files To TV (SFTV) that allows you to transfer files between different devices over Wi-Fi network. It is useful if you want to install Kodi on an Android TV without using a USB drive or a computer.
To install Kodi using SFTV app:
On your mobile device, go to https://kodi.tv/download and select the appropriate version of Kodi for your device (usually “ARMV8A” for newer devices).
Download the APK file of Kodi and save it somewhere on your mobile device.
Next, on both your Android TV and mobile device, download and install SFTV app from Google Play Store.
Install the application on your TV and on your mobile device. Before starting, make sure that both devices are connected to the same wifi network.
On your mobile device, tap on “Send” button and on Android TV select Receive
On your mobile device, go back to SFTV app’s main screen and tap on “File”.
Locate the APK file of Kodi that you downloaded earlier.
Tap on it once selected and confirm the transfer by tapping on “Send” button.
Choose the Android TV device from the list that you want to send the file to from the list of available devices.
On your Android TV, tap on “Receive” button and wait for the file to arrive.
The APK file will now seamlessly transfer to your Android TV.
Once the file is received, tap on it and select “Install” when prompted.
Wait for the installation process to finish and then tap on “Open” to launch Kodi.
Enjoy using Kodi on your Android device!