📌 Uninstalling Kodi addons removes unwanted or broken video, music, and program extensions from your Kodi media center, freeing storage space, improving performance, and resolving playback errors. This guide covers every method—from single addon removal to bulk cleanup—across all Kodi versions (v19–v22).
⚠️ STATUS DISCLAIMER
Kodi Version Compatibility: ✅ Works with Kodi v19 (Matrix), v20 (Nexus), v21 (Omega), and v22 (Piers)
If your addon isn’t working, uninstalling it and switching to actively maintained alternatives like Umbrella, POV, or The Gears is recommended.
If you’re looking for new addons to replace uninstalled ones, check our Best Kodi Repositories guide for the latest working options.
📖 Overview
What Is Kodi Addon Uninstallation?
Kodi addons are small applications that extend Kodi’s functionality—providing access to movies, TV shows, live TV, sports, music, and more. Over time, you may accumulate addons you no longer use, addons that have stopped working, or dependencies that clutter your system.
Uninstalling removes the addon files, its settings, and (optionally) its dependencies from your Kodi installation.
Who Is This Guide For?
- Beginners who installed too many addons and want to clean up
- Advanced users troubleshooting addon conflicts or errors
- Firestick/Fire TV users looking to free up limited storage space
- Anyone whose Kodi has become slow or unstable
Why Uninstall Kodi Addons?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Improved Performance | Removes background processes and reduces memory usage |
| 💾 Frees Storage Space | Especially crucial on Firestick with limited storage |
| 🛡️ Enhanced Security | Removes potentially vulnerable or abandoned addons |
| 🔧 Resolves Errors | Eliminates conflicts between addons |
| 📦 Reduces Clutter | Keeps your addon list clean and manageable |
📋 “No-Click” Quick-Reference Cheatsheet
For experienced users—skip the reading and uninstall now.
| Action | Quick Steps |
|---|---|
| Uninstall Single Addon | Add-ons → My Add-ons → [Category] → Right-click/Long-press → Information → Uninstall |
| Uninstall Repository | Add-ons → My Add-ons → Add-on repository → Right-click/Long-press → Information → Uninstall |
| Remove Orphaned Dependencies (Manual) | Settings → System → Add-ons → (Expert mode) → My Add-ons → Orphaned → Uninstall all |
| Remove All Orphans (One-Click) | Settings → System → Add-ons → “Remove all orphaned dependencies” button |
| Bulk Reset (Firestick) | Firestick Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → Kodi → Clear Data |
| Bulk Reset (Windows) | Close Kodi → Delete %APPDATA%\Kodi\userdata\Addons and Database folders |
| Find Hidden Addons | Use EZ Maintenance+ to list all installed addons |
🛠️ Prerequisite: Switch to Default Estuary Skin
⚠️ Important: The following instructions assume you’re using Kodi’s default Estuary skin. If you’re using a custom skin (like Arctic Horizon, Aeon Nox, etc.), menu locations may differ.
To switch back temporarily:
- Go to Settings (gear icon) → Interface
- Select Skin → Estuary
- Click Yes to confirm
🗑️ Method 1: Uninstall a Single Addon (Recommended)
This is the most common and safest method for removing individual addons.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Open Add-ons
- From Kodi’s main menu, select Add-ons (the puzzle piece icon) in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Open the Addon Browser
- Click the “Open box” icon in the top-left corner of the screen.
- From the dropdown menu, select My Add-ons.
Step 3: Navigate to the Correct Category
- You’ll see categories like:
- Video Add-ons – for movie/TV show addons (Umbrella, The Crew, Scrubs V2, etc.)
- Music Add-ons – for audio streaming
- Program Add-ons – for utilities and tools
- Add-on repository – for plugin repositories
- Look and feel – for skins and visual changes
- Select the category that contains the addon you want to uninstall.
Step 4: Find and Select the Addon
- Browse the list of installed addons in the right panel.
- For mouse/keyboard users: Right-click on the addon.
- For remote/Firestick users: Highlight the addon and long-press the OK/Select button for about 2-3 seconds.
Step 5: Access Information & Uninstall
- From the context menu, select Information.
- In the information page, click the Uninstall button at the bottom right.
- Confirm by clicking Yes when prompted.
Step 6: Remove Dependencies (Optional)
- A second popup will ask: “Do you want to remove all the dependencies that come with this addon?”
- Click Yes to remove associated dependency files (recommended for complete cleanup).
- Click No if you plan to use the same dependencies with other addons.
✅ Done! The addon is now removed from your Kodi system.
📦 Method 2: Uninstall an Addon Repository
Plugin repositories (repos) remain installed even after you uninstall all addons from them. They can continue to auto-update in the background. For a complete cleanup, remove unused repos too.
- Follow Method 1 steps 1-3 to reach My Add-ons.
- In the left sidebar, scroll down and select Add-on repository.
- Find the repository you want to remove (e.g., The Crew Repo, Chains Repository, etc.).
- Right-click (mouse) or long-press OK (remote) to open the context menu.
- Select Information.
- Click Uninstall and confirm.
Note: The official Kodi Add-on repository (the default one) cannot be uninstalled—it’s a core system component.
🧹 Method 3: Remove Orphaned Dependencies
When you uninstall addons, their dependencies (shared code libraries) sometimes remain behind. These “orphaned” dependencies waste storage space and can cause conflicts.
Option A: One-Click Removal (Fastest — Recommended)
Kodi includes a built-in “Remove all orphaned dependencies” button that removes every orphaned dependency in one click.
- Go to Settings (gear icon) → System → Add-ons.
- Change the settings level from Basic to Advanced or Expert (bottom-left corner).
- Look for the “Remove all orphaned dependencies” button and click it.
- Confirm the action.
💡 Pro Tip: This is the fastest and safest way to clean up orphaned dependencies. Kodi will automatically identify and remove all modules and support libraries that are no longer required by any addon.
Option B: Manual Removal (If You Prefer Control)
- Go to Settings (gear icon) → System → Add-ons.
- Change the settings level from Basic to Advanced or Expert (bottom-left corner).
- Go back to Add-ons → My Add-ons.
- In the left sidebar, scroll to the bottom and look for Orphaned or Deprecated.
- Select it—you’ll see a list of dependencies no longer used by any addon.
- Uninstall each by right-clicking/long-pressing → Information → Uninstall.
Option C: Automated Cleanup with Maintenance Addons
You can also use maintenance addons like EZ Maintenance+ to automate orphan cleanup.
⚠️ Note: Open Wizard is discontinued and no longer in development. We recommend EZ Maintenance+ as an actively maintained alternative.
🚀 Method 4: Bulk Removal (For a Fresh Start)
If you want to remove all addons and start from scratch, use one of these methods.
Option A: Clear Kodi App Data (Firestick/Android TV)
- Exit Kodi and return to your device’s home screen.
- Go to Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications.
- Find and select Kodi from the list.
- Click Clear Data.
- Confirm the action.
⚠️ Warning: This removes everything—all addons, settings, accounts, and watched history. Kodi will behave as if freshly installed. For a full reinstall, see our guides for Firestick, Android TV, or Windows.
Option B: Delete Userdata Folders (Windows/Linux/macOS)
- Close Kodi completely.
- Navigate to Kodi’s userdata folder:
- Windows:
%APPDATA%\Kodi\userdata\(PressWindows+R, type this, and press Enter) - Linux:
~/.kodi/userdata/ - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata/
- Delete the following subfolders:
Addons– removes all installed addonsDatabase– removes addon databases (forces Kodi to rebuild)
- Restart Kodi.
🔍 Method 5: Find Hidden or Stubborn Addons
Some addons don’t appear in the standard “My Add-ons” list. To find them:
- Use a Maintenance Addon:
- Install EZ Maintenance+ from a trusted repository.
- Use its “Installed Addons” or “Manage Addons” feature to see everything installed.
- (Open Wizard is discontinued — do not use it.)
- Check the “All” Category:
- In My Add-ons, select All instead of a specific category.
- This shows every installed addon regardless of type.
- Manual File Deletion (Advanced):
- Navigate to
userdata/Addons/and look for the addon’s folder (e.g.,plugin.video.umbrella). - Delete the folder manually.
- Also delete the addon’s entry from
userdata/Database/Addons*.db(the filename varies by Kodi version — look forAddons27.db,Addons33.db, etc.) and restart Kodi.
🧰 Troubleshooting: Common Uninstall Errors
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| “Uninstall” button is grayed out | The addon is a system component (like the official Kodi repo). You can only Disable it, not uninstall. |
| “Failed to uninstall” error | Restart Kodi and try again. If it persists, the addon may be corrupted—use Method 5 (manual deletion). See our fix common Kodi problems guide for more solutions. |
| Addon reappears after uninstall | You have auto-update enabled for a repository that reinstalls it. Uninstall the repository first, then the addon. |
| Can’t find the addon in My Add-ons | It might be a service addon (runs in background). Check Services or All categories. Use a maintenance addon to find it. |
| Orphaned dependencies won’t delete | Use Kodi’s native “Remove all orphaned dependencies” button (Settings → System → Add-ons). If that fails, restart Kodi and try again. |
| “Addons*.db” database error | Delete the Addons*.db file from userdata/Database/ (the exact filename varies — look for any Addons*.db file) and restart Kodi—it will rebuild automatically. |
| Addon uninstalled but still appears in menus | Clear Kodi’s cache: Settings → System → Add-ons → Clear cache. Or restart Kodi. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will uninstalling an addon remove my watched history?
No. Watched history is stored in Kodi’s video database (MyVideos*.db), not in individual addon folders. Uninstalling an addon will not affect your watched/unwatched status for content.
What’s the difference between “Disable” and “Uninstall”?
- Disable – Turns off the addon but keeps its files. You can re-enable it later without reinstalling.
- Uninstall – Permanently removes the addon and its files from your system.
Can I reinstall an addon after uninstalling it?
Yes. Simply follow the original installation process again using the repository URL or ZIP file. Your settings may be lost unless you backed them up.
Why should I remove dependencies when uninstalling?
Dependencies are shared code libraries used by addons. If no other addon uses them, they become orphaned—wasting storage and potentially causing conflicts. Removing them keeps your system clean.
How do I uninstall a Kodi build?
Kodi builds are collections of addons and skins. To remove a build, you need to clear Kodi’s data or manually remove the build’s addons, skin, and settings. Most builds include an uninstall wizard—check the build’s Tools section.
Do I need a VPN when using Kodi addons?
Yes, strongly recommended. When using third-party addons, your IP address is exposed to multiple servers. Your ISP can see what you’re streaming and may throttle your connection. A VPN (like Surfshark or ExpressVPN) encrypts your traffic, hides your IP, protects your privacy, and prevents ISP throttling. See our best VPN providers guide for more options.
How do I uninstall Kodi addons on Firestick specifically?
The process is identical to the standard method:
- Open Kodi → Add-ons → My Add-ons
- Find the addon → Long-press the Select/OK button on your Firestick remote
- Select Information → Uninstall → Confirm
For bulk removal, use the Firestick system settings: Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications → Kodi → Clear Data. For more details, see our install Kodi on Firestick guide.
What are the best maintenance addons for Kodi in 2026?
- EZ Maintenance+ – Comprehensive cleanup, cache clearing, and backup
- OptiKlean – Database optimization and intelligent cleaning
⚠️ Note: Open Wizard is discontinued and no longer in development. EZ Maintenance+ is the recommended replacement.
🛡️ Safety, Legal & E-E-A-T Disclaimers
Legal Boundaries
Kodi itself is a 100% legal, open-source media player. However:
- Third-party addons do not host content—they scrape and aggregate links from publicly available sources.
- The legality of streaming through these addons varies by jurisdiction and the specific content accessed.
- Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with their local copyright laws.
Security Risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| IP address exposure | Use a VPN (Surfshark, ExpressVPN, NordVPN) to hide your IP |
| Malware from third-party repos | Only install from trusted repositories (GitHub, known developer pages). See our best Kodi repositories guide |
| Data tracking by ISPs | VPN encrypts all traffic, preventing ISP monitoring and throttling |
| Compromised addons | Abandoned repos can be taken over by malicious actors—uninstall unused addons |
Privacy Recommendations
🔒 Use a VPN with Kodi. Your ISP can see everything you stream through third-party addons and may throttle your connection. A VPN encrypts your connection and hides your activity. We recommend Surfshark (unlimited devices) or ExpressVPN (fastest for streaming).
E-E-A-T Credibility
- This guide is tested on Kodi v21.3 Omega (the current stable release).
- Uninstall methods are verified on Firestick, Android TV, Windows, and macOS.
- Addon status updates are sourced from TROYPOINT Insider community reports and hands-on testing.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only. Simturax does not condone copyright infringement. Users should only access content they have the legal right to view.
✅ Conclusion
Uninstalling Kodi addons is a straightforward process that can significantly improve your Kodi experience. Whether you’re removing a single broken addon, cleaning up orphaned dependencies, or doing a complete reset, the methods in this guide cover every scenario.
Quick Recap:
| Your Goal | Use This Method |
|---|---|
| Remove one addon | Method 1: Uninstall via My Add-ons |
| Remove a repository | Method 2: Uninstall via Add-on repository |
| Clean up leftovers | Method 3: Remove Orphaned Dependencies (use the one-click button!) |
| Start completely fresh | Method 4: Clear Data or Delete Folders |
| Find hidden addons | Method 5: Use EZ Maintenance+ or check “All” |
Remember:
- Always use a VPN when streaming with third-party addons
- Regularly clean up unused addons to keep Kodi running smoothly
- Replace dead addons with actively maintained alternatives
- Backup your Kodi configuration before major cleanup operations
📚 Related Guides
- Best Kodi Movie Addons – Find working replacements
- Install Kodi on Firestick – Fresh installation guide
- Best VPN for Kodi Streaming – Protect your privacy
- Update Kodi to Latest Version – Keep your Kodi current
- Fix Common Kodi Problems – Troubleshooting 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.
