Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File Error on Kodi can sometimes occur when you are trying to install third-party repositories. This article will show you how to fix this error regardless of the device you use. This includes Amazon Firestick, PC, Android, or Mac.
When installing third-party Kodi addons, Builds, or repositories on various Kodi devices, you may encounter the Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File error message. It indicates that Kodi failed to successfully retrieve addon data from the specified location.
No internet connectivity, an Outdated Kodi version, or an outdated addon can be causing this issue. So, what can you do to fix Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File error?
The first thing you should do is check that your device is connected to the Internet. Now, try re-installing the addon/repo, sometimes re-installing is all it takes for the addon/repo to work. If that doesn’t work, ensure both Kodi and the Addon versions are up-to-date.
I have delved deep into all the causes and their solutions in this guide. Keep reading.
Also Read: Fix Kodi Unable to Connect Error—Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Info
What Causes Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File Error?
The main causes behind Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File are highlighted below:
1. No Internet Connectivity
If the device is not properly connected to the internet, you may face this issue.
2. Installation from Unknown Sources Disabled
Due to security concerns, many streaming devices, by default, do not allow installing of apps/addons from outside sources. To install third-party add-ons on Kodi, you must enable the device’s unknown sources setting.
3. Outdated Kodi Version
One of the causes could be that your Kodi app isn’t up-to-date. An outdated app can cause a variety of problems, including incompatible add-on versions, bugs, and more.
4. Outdated Kodi Add-on Version
If you’re trying to install an outdated version of an add-on, it’s possible that your current Kodi doesn’t support it.
5. Problem with the Source File
There may be issues with the source file itself that may be causing this error.
How to Fix Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File Error on Kodi
You’ll find several well-tested solutions below. Give them a shot and see if they work for you. They have worked for me without fail each time I encountered this Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File error.
1. Make Sure the device is Connected to the Internet
First and foremost, make sure your device is connected to the internet, as you need the internet to successfully install addons from ZIP files hosted online. Check your device’s network connection by accessing another app or simply visiting a website using a web browser.
If you use a VPN (which is recommended when streaming), make sure you are connected to the server. You may also try enabling Proxy Server on Kodi by accessing Settings (cog icon) > System > Internet Access > General.
2. Enable Unknown Sources on THE Device
For security reasons, many streaming devices disable app installation from sources other than the official App Store by default.
To install addons on Kodi, in addition to enabling unknown sources on Kodi, you must also enable unknown sources on your streaming device. It’s usually accessible via your device’s Settings > Apps > Kodi.
Here’s how you enable Unknown Sources on a FireStick/ Fire TV:
1. Navigate to Settings
2. Access My Fire TV
3. Click Developer Options.
💡Note: Can’t find Developer Options? Go to: Settings > My Fire TV > About. Repeatedly select the first menu item 7 times. The message "No need, you are already a developer" will appear. Go back to the My Fire TV menu to find the newly revealed "Developer Options". Check out our guide with screenshots and video tutorial: How to Unhide/Reveal Developer Options.
4. Click Install unknown apps.
💡Note: If your interface has the Apps from Unknown Sources option instead, click Apps from Unknown Sources > Turn ON. Skip the next step.
5. Scroll down to Kodi and click it once to make sure the status reads ON.
6. Additionally, if you’re on a secure network connection, enable ADB debugging as well.
3. Try Re-installing the Addon
Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File could be due to a temporary network outage. In most cases, if you just restart the Kodi app and then Install the addon again, the error disappears.
4. Make Sure Kodi App is Up-to-date
Updating your Kodi to the latest version is a rather effective way to resolve the “Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File” issue.
It is a cure-all for a variety of issues caused by an outdated Kodi version, such as incompatible addon versions, bugs, and so on.
If you are using builds that are only compatible with previous Kodi versions, you are likely to face this issue. The instability of builds could also be the source of the problem. Try re-installing the Build and see if the problem is resolved.
Check out guide on How to Update Kodi HERE.
5. Install the Latest Addon Version
If you’re installing an outdated version of an addon that isn’t compatible with your current Kodi version, you may see this error.
I recommend installing the latest version of the addon always. We keep our Kodi Addons List up-to-date with the latest URL sources. You can get the latest addon from there.
6. Clear App Cache and Data
Clearing the Kodi cache and data can help to refresh Kodi and eliminate any performance issues.
Check our guide on How to clear Kodi Cache on Any Device HERE.
You should be able manually clear the app cache on pretty much any streaming device. This setting is usually found in your device’s Settings > Apps > Kodi.
Here’s how you clear Kodi cache on a FireStick/ Fire TV:
Full Guide: How to Clear Kodi Cache on FireStick
1. Navigate to Settings
2. Click Applications
3. Select Manage Installed Applications
4. Click Kodi
5. Choose Clear Cache.
If the problem persists, click Clear Data here.
Note: This step with clear all your previous add-ons, other settings, app info, etc. So, take a backup Kodi before clearing data if you have anything that you’d like to retain.
Then, confirm by choosing Clear Data again.
7. Check Kodi Error Log and Install the File Locally
This error will also generate an error log in the backend, revealing the root cause of the problem. As a result, you can use the Kodi log file to troubleshoot accurately.
1. Navigate to the Kodi Settings.
2. Now, click System
3. Make sure Advanced or Expert is selected at the bottom. If not, simply, keep clicking it until you’re there. Once done choose Logging on the left menu panel.
Then, select Show Event Log from the right-hand menu.
4. Check the problematic file that’s causing this error.
5. Look it up on Google.
6. You will most likely find a .zip file on GitHub.
7. Save the file to your device.
8. Return to the Kodi home screen and choose Settings
9. Go to Add-ons
10. Click Install from zip file
11. Navigate to the file you downloaded and install it.
If you don’t understand what the error log says, you can post it in Kodi communities to get help from experts and fellow Kodi users.
Resources:
Addons4Kodi Subreddit Community
8. Decompress ZIP File Before Installing
It can also be possible that there is nothing wrong with the ZIP file. The compressed file may contain other repos, which may be causing the error.
In that case, you should first decompress the ZIP file before installing the Kodi addon/repo from that source.
9. Create Temporary Folder
Another way you can fix this Failed to Install Addon from Zip File issue is by creating a temporary file within the Kodi package.
Sometimes the Kodi Error Log, as described above, specifically asked users to create this file. The file path should look like this: AppData/Roaming/Kodi/temp
Try installing the addon again after creating the file to see if it works.
10. Reinstall Kodi
Uninstalling Kodi and reinstalling Kodi from the official source can fix the problem. Try this if nothing else worked.
Here’s how you Uninstall Kodi on FireStick:
1. Navigate to Settings
2. Click Applications
3. Select Manage Installed Applications
4. Click Kodi
5. Choose Uninstall
6. Select Uninstall again.
Now, you simply need to re-install Kodi on your device. Check out our Kodi Installation Guide HERE.
Wrapping Up—Kodi Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File Error
So, this is how you fix the issue Failed to install addon from zip file. I hope you found a solution that worked for you here.
If you are still having trouble fixing the problem, please leave a comment down below. You shall try to find a solution for you.
Hi, I am Alyssa! I am a tech enthusiast and a blogger. I have been using Kodi and FireStick since 2016. I wanted to share my latest tech discoveries and knowledge with the World, which led me to start this blog in 2021. I post in-depth how-to guides for FireStick devices & Kodi in a way that is easy to understand for people of all ages. Thanks for stopping by!
