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World desk5 min

How to Set Up Kodi on a TV, Computer, or Streaming Device

Set up Kodi on supported Windows, Mac, Android, or Raspberry Pi hardware, connect your own media or a legitimate service, and choose a compatible control method. Kodi does not include movies or channels.
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You can install Kodi on a supported computer or device connected to your TV, then use it to organize and play media you provide or access through a legitimate service. Kodi does not come with movies, TV channels, or a bundled streaming library. If you already own a compatible device, start there; dedicated hardware such as a Raspberry Pi is optional.

Choose where Kodi will run

First identify the operating system on the computer, TV-connected device, or other hardware you plan to use. Kodi supports several platform families, including Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. Availability on a particular smart TV or streaming device depends on its exact platform and model, so verify that device against Kodi’s official platform information rather than assuming every TV system supports direct installation.

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Setup route When it makes sense Installation notes
Windows computer You already have a Windows PC, or can connect one to the TV. Use Kodi’s Windows download page and follow its installer prompts: Windows Downloads.
Mac You want to run Kodi on an existing Mac connected to the TV or use it as a computer media center. Kodi’s reviewed Mac page lists Intel and Apple Silicon downloads and says macOS 10.14 or later is required: Download Kodi.
Android device You have an Android device that can connect to the TV and is capable of running Kodi. Use Google Play or select the architecture-specific download listed on Kodi’s Android page. The right option and whether Kodi runs successfully depend on the device: Android Downloads.
Raspberry Pi You want to build a dedicated Kodi device rather than use hardware you already own. Follow Kodi’s Raspberry Pi download and installation guidance. Kodi’s official material does not rank current Pi models or kits: Raspberry Pi Downloads.
Smart TV or streaming device You want Kodi to run directly on the TV or streaming box. Check the exact device and operating system against Kodi’s platform information. The general platform list does not establish direct installation for every TV operating system, streaming device, or model: Download Kodi.

If your computer or device is supported and already connects to the TV, there is no need to buy a separate Kodi box. The Kodi Foundation does not endorse one hardware choice over another; compare devices only after checking that your exact model and platform are supported.

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Download and install Kodi from the official source

Open Kodi’s official download page, choose your operating system, and use the platform-specific instructions. Kodi says official versions are hosted in its downloads area and official mirrors, with exceptions for certain Linux distributions. Avoid treating an unofficial preloaded device or an unknown download site as an official Kodi product.

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For normal use, choose a stable release rather than a beta or other prerelease. The reviewed official platform pages list Kodi v21.3 Omega. Kodi’s homepage also reported Kodi 22 Piers Beta 2, announced September 5, 2026; a beta is a prerelease, not the default choice for a beginner seeking a standard installation. Check the official download page for the current release when you install.

Windows

  1. Open Kodi’s Windows Downloads page and download the installer for your system.
  2. Run the downloaded installer and follow its prompts to complete installation.
  3. Launch Kodi from Windows once installation finishes.

Android

  1. Open Kodi’s Android Downloads page.
  2. Choose Google Play if it is available for your device, or use the architecture-specific download that matches the device.
  3. Follow Kodi’s Android how-to and the installation flow for the route you selected; device capabilities affect whether installation and playback will work.

macOS and Raspberry Pi

For macOS, select the Intel or Apple Silicon download that matches your Mac from Kodi’s official download page, and follow its platform guidance. For Raspberry Pi, use the dedicated Raspberry Pi Downloads page and its installation guide. Do not assume a particular Pi model or kit is recommended: the official material cited here does not make that comparison.

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  • Chromecast Built-in: Easily cast movies, shows, and photos from your Android or iOS device to your Android TV
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TVs and other streaming devices

Do not start with instructions for a different device just because its name sounds similar. Check Kodi’s official platform page and the guide for your device’s operating system and exact model. If Kodi is not listed or the official instructions do not cover that setup, the available evidence does not establish that direct installation is supported.

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Connect a media source or legitimate service

On first launch, Kodi is an empty media center, not a movie or channel provider. The Kodi Foundation’s download notice states: “The official Kodi version does not contain any content whatsoever.” Add or configure your own media source—such as compatible local or remote storage—or set up access to a legitimate online service you use. Kodi does not automatically provide subscription channels, a free movie catalog, or access to paid content.

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Use only media and services you are authorized to access. Kodi says it does not endorse or approve consuming pirated content that would otherwise need to be paid for. Installing Kodi alone neither supplies content nor grants permission to stream it.

Choose how to control Kodi

Control depends on the device and TV connection. You may be able to use a compatible remote, a TV remote through HDMI-CEC when the connected equipment supports it, or one of Kodi’s official remote apps for Android and iOS. Kodi’s platform and app information is available from its download page.

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There is no single pairing sequence that applies to every television, device, and home network. Check the instructions for your specific hardware and app; where an app-based setup is used, the phone and Kodi device generally need a way to communicate on the local network.

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Add extensions only when you need them

Kodi add-ons extend the application, but they are not all the same thing: check what an extension does and whether it provides access to a service or content you are entitled to use. Start with the official Kodi Add-ons catalog that matches your Kodi version. Add-ons are installed through Kodi, and availability can vary by version.

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An add-on found elsewhere is not automatically official or verified. Kodi identifies its official downloads and software information on its Kodi Software page; do not assume that an unofficial repository, preconfigured box, or third-party add-on is supplied or endorsed by the Kodi Foundation.

When a dedicated device is worth considering

A Raspberry Pi is one supported route if you specifically want to assemble a device devoted to Kodi. It is not a prerequisite: a compatible computer or Android device you already own may be enough. Kodi’s official guidance supports Raspberry Pi as a platform but does not identify a best current model, compare performance, or recommend a particular kit, so verify the exact hardware and included components before buying.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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