Kodi is an advance and the world’s most popular media player and streaming software. This tool is developed by a team of open-source providers. Kodi supports all the video and audio formats. Though, it can stream tons of movies, videos, tv shows, live sports, live radio, podcasts, and a lot more.
But do you know how to use Kodi? I’m talking about the ultimate streaming experience with Kodi. If not, then read this complete guide. Here I’m writing a detailed guide on How To Use Kodi for the ultimate movies and tv shows streaming.
What is Kodi?
Kodi is a cross-platform media management software used to watch audio and video files. This is an open source software, meaning you don’t need to pay a single penny. Kodi supports all the popular operating systems such as Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Raspberry Pi. Kodi features the same UI across all these devices.
Apart from these, you can install Kodi on some additional devices such as Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Cube, Android TV Boxes, Smart TV’s, etc. Check the installation process of Kodi software on Amazon Fire TV devices and Android TV Boxes.
What is Kodi Add-ons?
Kodi has gained so much popularity because of its add-ons. The application provides thousands of official add-ons and third-party add-ons. The Kodi add-ons are a pre-programmed set of codes and scripts that finds plenty of streaming links from the web. Also, it allows lots of customizations and tweaks in the user interface.
As I mentioned earlier, Kodi supports official as well as unofficial add-ons. It means third-party developers can also program the scripts and codes to bring a lot to Kodi users. Well, there are thousands of third-party add-ons that are already providing free streaming of movies and tv shows. I’ll discuss more on the third-party Kodi add-ons in the upcoming paragraphs.
Some popular unofficial Kodi add-ons-
What is Kodi Builds?
If you explored the web, you will come to know about Kodi Builds. Most of the beginners have no idea about Kodi Builds. Do you know- what is Kodi build?
Kodi add-ons bring a bunch of video streaming opportunities. But, there are many add-ons already popular. Also, it’s a hectic job to find and install multiple Kodi add-ons individually. So, to get rid of this problem, developers combine their scripts and codes in a single Zip file. Now, we can install it and get access to multiple Kodi add-ons. These are called Kodi Builds.
The Kodi Builds contains many popular Kodi add-ons and skins that increases the performance and streaming experience. Kodi Builds contains multiple Kodi Add-ons and fancy skins and wallpaper the gives a decent look to the UI.
Some popular Kodi Builds-
What is Kodi Repository?
You probably heard a lot about Kodi repositories. Do you know what is Kodi repository? It’s an actual location that contains Kodi add-ons. Kodi usage repository system to distribute add-ons, scripts, skins, etc. that make Kodi useful. Without Kodi add-ons and repositories, it can only play offline audio and video files. Kodi has an official repository that contains various video add-ons, program add-ons, scripts, and codes to run it better.
How To Use Kodi?
It’s not an easy task to use Kodi effectively without experience or guidance. If you’re a beginner and first time you’re gonna try Kodi then it may be difficult to use. So, in this guide, I’ll show you the complete process to use Kodi for playing offline videos, online movies, shows, etc.
So, if you installed Kodi on your device then you’ll get a clean and simple UI. Kodi features lots of default skins and color options. First, we’ll start with how to change Kodi Skin and color?
How to change Kodi skin and color?
In order to give your Kodi a different look, follow these steps to change Kodi Skins-
- Go to Settings.
- Select Interface.
- Click on Skins.
- Click on Get More…
- Select a Skin from the repository.
- Wait for a few seconds till Kodi Skin downloaded.
- Select the Skin and Save the setting.
Similarly, you can change the default color. Follow these steps-
- Go to Settings.
- Click on Interface.
- Click on Color.
- Choose a Color that you love.
- Save the Setting and exit.
How to import a local video folder to Kodi?
Kodi supports various audio and video formats. It works as a good media player with better UI and control. But, in order to play videos stored on your local drive, you need to import it to Kodi. Follow these steps to import the local video folder on Kodi.
- Launch Kodi on your device.
- Click on Movies option in the navigation bar.
- Then choose Add Videos.
- Click on Browse.
- Select drive.
- Select Folder.
- Click OK to save.
- Now you’ll see a Video folder in Kodi.
- Click on that folder.
- Select a Video to Play.
That’s it. Now, you can import multiple folders to play video and audio files from your local storage.
How to control Kodi Player?
There are some shortcut keys to control the Kodi player. Here I’m listing some keys to control Kodi for Windows PC. You’ll find it easy to use Kodi and navigations.
- F9 or –: Volume Down
- F10 or +: Volume Up
- Left arrow: Jump back 30 seconds
- Right arrow: Jump forward 30 seconds
- I: Show information about the currently playing video
- T: Turn subtitles on or off
- Spacebar or P: Play / Pause
- X: Stop
- F: Fast Forward
- R: Rewind
How to install Add-ons on Kodi?
Kodi supports add-ons and repository systems. The official repository has many add-ons but there are thousands of Kodi add-ons that provide free movies and tv shows streaming. If you want to install third-party add-ons on Kodi, follow the below-mentioned steps on your device. I’m installing a Venom Kodi add-on. It’s one of the best Kodi add-ons for movies and shows. You can install any third-party add-ons.
1- Open Kodi
First of all, turn on your device where Kodi is installed and launch Kodi to proceed further. Firestick users can launch Kodi by going to Settings> Applications> Manage Installed Applications> Select Kodi> Launch.
2- Go to Settings
You can see three icons in the top left corner. Click on the Gear icon to open Kodi Settings.
3- Select System
At the bottom-right corner, you can see System settings. Just select that option.
4- Select Add-ons
From the left side menu, select Add-ons option.
5- Enable Unknown Sources
In order to install any third-party Kodi addons, we need to enable the Unknown Source option. Click on that Enable/Disable icon.
6- Confirm Warning Pop-up
A warning popup will appear on your device screen, click on Yes to confirm. It’s always recommended to install only trusted add-ons on Kodi to avoid any data theft.
Also, we strongly recommend you to ALWAYS use a good VPN while using any third-party Kodi add-ons. I’m using SURSHARK on Kodi, Firestick, PC, and Smartphone. It’s #1 VPN in terms of speed and security.
7- Go to File Manager
Once you enabled the Unknown Sources, go back and select the File manager option to add a media or plugin source.
8- Select Add source
In order to install any third-party add-ons, we need to provide the source URL in the File Manager section. Click on the Add source option to enter the repository address.
9- Select <None>
You can see, there’s no media source specified. Click on <None> option to edit the source.
10- Enter repository source
In order to install Venom Addon for Kodi, type this URL- https://123venom.github.io/
11- Enter Name
Specify the name of this source. Enter Venom.
12- Save this media source
Check all the information here and save this media source. To save this source, select the OK button.
13- Go to Add-ons
Exit from the File Manager and select Add-ons option from the left side menu.
14- Select Package Installer
At the top-left corner, you can see three icons. Select the Package Installer option as shown below.
15- Select Install from zip file
Now you can install any Kodi Addon from third-party sources. Select Install from zip file option to install a repository/addons scripts bundle.
16- Select the Source folder
I named it Venom at Step #11. So, I’ll select this source folder.
17- Select the Zip file
You’ll see a Zip file available on your screen. This zip file contains all scripts of this Repository. Select the repository.venom-1.6.zip file to install.
18- Select Install from repository
Wait for a few seconds until this repository zip installed on your device. You’ll get a notification at the top-right corner. If notification appeared, select Install from repository option.
19- Open Repository folder
You’ll see all the installed repository here. Select the repository folder to go to Add-ons installation.
20- Open Video Add-ons folder
Lot’s of options will appear on your Kodi screen. Select the Add-ons folder to jump to the Add-ons list.
21- Select the Add-on
Select the Venom to install on your device.
22- Select Install
The Kodi Addon is now ready to install. Click the Install button to move forward.
23- Select OK
Some additional add-ons and scripts will be installed on your Kodi. Select OK to start the installation process.
Here’s how you can install an unofficial add-on for Kodi. You can install any add-on to watch movies, shows, live sports, etc.
How to use Kodi add-ons?
Do you know how to use Kodi add-ons? Follow these steps to learn how to use Kodi add-ons for streaming. I’m going to watch some Netflix shows. Cryptonite Kodi Add-on has lots of Netflix series. To watch, follow these steps-
1- Go to Add-ons
Go to Add-ons from the left navigation.
2- Select Cryptonite
Here you’ll see all the installed add-ons on your Kodi. Select Cryptonite from the list.
3- Select a Folder
Here you can see the all available folder, choose any of them to play. I would go with Movies Hub, you can select any of your choices.
4- Open a Sub-folder
Here you can see lots of sub-folders for Movies. I’ve decided to watch Netflix Original Movies, so I’ll go with this.
5- Select a Movie
Here’s the list of Netflix Original Movies by Cryptonite Addon. Select any Movie to watch.
6- Select a Streaming Link
You can see multiple streaming links providers to play that video. Select any of your choices.
Note- Some providers require IP Address Pairing. Follow this guide to fix the pair error on Kodi.
7- Enjoy Streaming
Make sure you’re using a good VPN to bypass ISP throttling and data privacy. ISP throttling is a major reason for buffering issues while streaming.
How to Setup Real-Debrid with Kodi?
Real Debrid is the most popular multi hoster service in the world. Although there are many similar services available, Real Debrid provides the best experience in streaming movies, tv shows, videos, etc.
Kodi supports Real-Debrid authentication. After Real-Debrid setup, your Kodi add-ons will pull-out lots of HD quality streaming links. You’ll get 100% buffer-free streaming links in 4K HD quality.
Read this tutorial to setup Real-Debrid with Kodi.
How to install a Kodi Build?
As I told you earlier, Kodi Builds contains multiple Kodi add-ons to watch. You can install a good Kodi Build to watch movies, tv shows, live tv, sports, and adult videos. You can install Xanax Build on Kodi to get tons of streaming resources.
How to install Xanax Kodi Build
How to clear and change the Kodi Cache size?
Kodi Cache matters a lot in streaming Kodi add-ons. You can clear your Kodi cache with the help of Ares Wizard. It provides lots of customization to Cache and other tweaks. Follow this link given below to learn how to install Ares Wizard.
How to install Kodi Ares Wizard
How to fix Kodi Buffering?
If you’re using Kodi for the first time, you might experience a buffering issue. So, we have written a separate guide to fix the Kodi buffering issue. Read it below.
Strongly Recommended: Secure your streaming with a Kodi VPN
Before you start using Kodi for streaming your favorite entertainment content, you should get a secure Kodi VPN.
Kodi VPN is a tool that protects your Kodi streaming activities from the prying eyes. In other words, it masks the internet traffic from and to your device and makes sure the Government, ISP, hackers, and any other entities cannot log or track your online activities.
You must first install addons, to watch movies and shows on Kodi. Most of these addons are available through third-party providers and let you stream your favorite content for free.
We do not support streaming copyrighted content using illegal sources. But at the same time, I also believe that everyone has the right to their privacy and that right must be upheld in theory as well as practice.
A Kodi VPN encrypts your internet connection and diverts the online traffic through a virtual, private server. As a result, anyone who might be trying to track your internet activities fails to do so. Surfshark is my recommended Kodi VPN because it is fast and highly secure. It uses impregnable encryption technology to protect your privacy and online identity. Surshark offers 100% anonymity to the Kodi users.
You can use Surfshark on an array of Kodi compatible device platforms such as Android, FireStick, iOS, Mac, Windows, etc. You can use this VPN with Kodi and any other streaming apps you might be using.
So, before you start streaming, here’s how to get VPN protection in 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Get the Surfshark subscription HERE.
Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the Surshark app on your device.
Step 3: Click the Power icon to connect a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for Kodi.
Conclusion
Now you’ve got enough ideas on how to use Kodi? You can enjoy tons of movies and tv shows streaming for free of cost. But, it’s always recommended to enable a VPN before watching anything. Here is the top VPN for Kodi.
These are all the basic learnings and Kodi functions I outlined here in this article for beginners. You don’t even need to go beyond the basics as it is already a great deal knowing more on Kodi and the easy Kodi Addon installation process. As with Kodi builds, they are a great platform that employs tons of working addons and other amazing features for a limitless streaming experience. Moreover, addons are the most important feature of Kodi by giving it a full character for a limitless streaming experience.
