Is Kodi not working or loading for you? In this article, we will discuss common Kodi issues and their troubleshooting tips to help you fix Kodi.
Kodi is one of the most popular applications known for its streaming capabilities. It is supported on most OS platforms including Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, Android, etc. That means you can install Kodi on almost every device.
However, Kodi also faces problems. Buffering issues, crashing or loading problems, black screen problems, no stream available issues, etc. are some of the common problems in Kodi. These Kodi problems can be annoying as you left scrambling for solutions.
How do you fix Kodi not working?
If Kodi isn’t working on your device, restart the device and then restart the app. You can also update the Kodi app and make sure the addons are also up-to-date. If a particular content isn’t playing on Kodi, it could be due to geo-restriction or unavailability of free links. In that case, using a VPN and premium links (Real Debrid) will remedy this issue.
I have provided detailed steps for each of the solutions below. Try them until your Kodi is back up and running again. You may also choose solutions based on the problem you are facing.
Why is Kodi Not Working Properly?
There can be many reasons due to which Kodi is not working properly. Below we have listed all the probable causes:
- Incompatible Kodi Add-ons
- Slow Internet
- Software Glitches
- Outdated Kodi version
- The Kodi add-on you are trying to use has been discontinued
- Outdated Kodi Add-on
- Malware or bugs in a particular add-on
- Hardware acceleration issue
- Dependencies/Associated Add-ons not installed
- Kodi cache accumulation
- Dead links
- Geo-restricted content
- Device incompatible to handle higher quality videos
How to Fix Kodi Not Working
In this section, we will discuss all the possible ways to fix Kodi not working problem. We will first talk about the common solutions that you may apply whenever you face Kodi not working problem.
And then, we will discuss some specific problems and the solutions to the problem. Keep on reading.
Generic Fixes for Kodi Not Working
In this section, we will discuss some generic fixes that you may try to fix Kodi not working problem. You can head to the next section in case you are searching for the solutions to a specific Problem.
1. Try Restarting your Device
The first thing you should do to fix Kodi not working problem is to restart your Device. Any minor glitches will be fixed by rebooting the device.
How to Restart FireStick
Below are the steps to restart FireStick:
Full Guide: How to Restart/Reboot FireStick
1. Go to FireStick main screen & select Gear Icon (Settings).
2. Then, click My Fire TV.
3. Choose Restart.
4. Confirm by selecting Restart again.
How to Restart Windows Computer
Below are the steps required to restart Windows:
Start Menu > Power > Restart
Similarly, if you are using Kodi on any other device, restart that device and check if it solves the problem.
2. Clear Kodi Cache
One of the main culprits that cause Kodi to not work on FireStick problem is build-up of cache in Kodi. Also, if the cache is corrupted, Kodi will behave erratically. And, hence you need to clear Kodi cache from time to time.
Full Guide: How to Clear Kodi Cache
Below are the steps to clear Kodi cache on FireStick:
1. Go to FireStick main screen & select Gear Icon (Settings).
2. Hit Applications.
3. Select Manage Installed Applications.
4. Then, scroll down and click Kodi.
5. Hit Clear Cache.
3. Update Kodi
Most of the common Kodi problems get solved when you update the Kodi app. New updates fix bugs and glitches. It also often brings new important features.
Update Kodi on FireStick
Below are the steps to update Kodi on FireStick:
You can refer to our article on How to update Kodi on Any Device for detailed information.
1. First, you need to install the Downloader app and enable install unknown apps feature.
Step to install Downloader app and install unknown apps can be found in our guide: How to Sideload apps with Downloader app
2. Launch Downloader app and enter the URL: kodi.tv/download and hit Go
3. Select Android after browsing through the Download page.
4. Choose ARMV7A (32BIT)
5. Wait and let the file download.
6. Select INSTALL.
7. Wait while the APK is installing.
8. Hit DONE.
Update Kodi on Windows & Android Devices
Since Kodi is available on the official Microsoft Store and the Google Play Store, updating the app is very easy.
Below are the steps to update Kodi on Windows/Android:
1. Launch Microsoft Store/Google Play Store
3. Then, find & select Kodi.
4. Select Update option for updating it. (You won’t see the update option if the app is already up-to-date)
4. Update Kodi add-ons
Updating Kodi add-on to its latest version also fixes many problems. It removes bugs and glitches and also improves the add-on. Below are the steps to set Kodi add-ons to Auto-update:
💡Note: This method works great for official Kodi addons. However, it may not always work for third-party addons. To update third-party addons, you might need to re-install the addon manually.
1. Click Gear Icon (Settings) from Kodi main page.
2. Select System
3. Hit Add-ons from left panel. Then, from right panel, make sure Update option is set to Automatic.
5. Uninstall Kodi Add-ons that are Causing Problem
Kodi not working problem can be due to a particular notorious Kodi Add-on. So, it is better to uninstall the add-on that is causing the problem.
Below are the steps to uninstall Kodi add-on:
1. From the main page of Kodi, select Gear Icon from left panel.
2. Then, click Add-ons.
3. Click My Add-ons
4. Hit All. Or select Video Addon, if the addon is a video-addon.
5. Find the add-on that needs to be uninstalled & click it.
6. Select Uninstall.
7. Confirm by clicking Yes.
6. Reset Kodi
You can reset Kodi app’s data without actually uninstalling and reinstalling the app. This option is useful when the app is misbehaving, or you just want to quickly restore an app to its default settings.
Reset Kodi on FireStick
This is how you reset Kodi app on FireStick:
1. Click the Gear Icon (Settings) from FireStick home screen.
2. Then, select Applications.
3. Choose Manage Installed Applications.
4. Find Kodi and click it.
5. Choose Clear Data option. Clearing data will essentially reset the Kodi app and all app data will be deleted.
6. Click Clear Data again.
Reset Kodi on Windows
You can repair or reset Kodi in Windows if you are facing Kodi not working problem. Here are the steps:
1. Click the Start Menu & select Settings.
2. Now, hit Apps from left panel and choose Apps & features from the right panel.
3. Find Kodi & select the three dots icon. Then, choose Advanced Options.
4. Click Repair to repair Kodi.
5. If it doesn’t help, click Reset to reset Kodi. Your user data will be deleted in that case.
6. Restart your PC and launch Kodi again.
7. Reinstall Kodi
Reinstalling Kodi fixes most of the problems. But this will remove installed Kodi Add-ons and user data.
Re-install Kodi on FireStick
Below are the steps to reinstall Kodi on FireStick:
A) First of all, we will uninstall Kodi from FireStick. Here’s how:
1. Select Gear Icon (Settings) from FireStick main page.
2. Then, hit Applications.
3. Select Manage Installed Applications.
4. Choose Kodi.
5. Click Uninstall
6. Again, confirm by clicking Uninstall
B) Lastly, we will install Kodi again on FireStick. Here’s how:
Full Guide: How to Install Kodi on FireStick
1. Go to Kodi.tv/download using Downloader app.
2. Click Android.
3. Hit ARMV7A (32BIT)
4. Select INSTALL.
5. Choose DONE
Re-install Kodi on Windows
Here’s how you uninstall Kodi on Windows:
1. Go to Start Menu < Settings < Apps < Apps & features < Kodi < Three dots icon < Uninstall
2. Click Uninstall
3. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall Kodi when Kodi uninstall setup appears.
4. Now, we will install Kodi again on Windows. Here’s how:
5. Launch Microsoft Store and find Kodi with the search tool option.
6. Then, select Get.
7. Wait and let the Kodi installation complete.
8. Use a VPN While Streaming on Kodi
I suggest using a trusted VPN (e.g. ExpressVPN) while streaming content on Kodi. Not only will it maintain your privacy but will also provide you with online security. This will also prevent the internet throttling of ISP, which otherwise may lead to Kodi not working problem.
The other great advantage of using VPN is that it removes geo-restrictions. Therefore, you can enjoy contents that are otherwise restricted in your country.
Here’s how you can set up ExpressVPN on Firestick:
1. First of all, sign Up for ExpressVPN HERE
2. Navigate to the Find Icon on your FireStick home screen.
3. Now, go to the Search option
4. Enter the word ExpressVPN using the onscreen keypad and select it from the Search results.
5. Now, click the ExpressVPN icon under Apps & Games section
6. Click on Get /Download and wait for it to install on your FireStick
7. Click Open to launch the ExpressVPN app
8. Enter your login credentials that you used when you registered for ExpressVPN. And click Sign In
9. Choose a server location of your choice and click the Power Icon to connect to the server.
Once connected, your IP address will change automatically. Meaning, your Internet activities are now anonymous and anything you stream on this FireStick device is safe from the prying eyes. It will also unblock geo-restricted content.
For detailed review & installation process, read our guide: ExpressVPN Review: Installation & How-to Use
9. Use Premium Sources Links (e.g RD links)
More often than not, free source links stop working after a certain time. So, if you are trying to play content using links from free sources, chances are that you will encounter broken or dead links.
That’s why I recommend using links from premium sources (e.g Real Debrid) to watch content. Furthermore, premium links offer superior quality videos.
Check out our Real Debrid guide HERE.
Specific Kodi Problems and Their Respective Solutions
In this section, we will talk about some specific problems that Kodi users commonly face. We will also talk about their respective solutions.
[Fixed] Kodi Freezes up, Crashes, or Hangs Frequently
If Kodi constantly keeps crashing or freezing, it is an indication that there is something wrong with the installed app. This problem can start after you have installed an incompatible or buggy add-on. Or there can be other reasons that are responsible for this problem e.g. cache build-up in Kodi.
Full Guide: How to Fix Kodi Keeps Crashing
Solutions: These are the solutions that you may try:
1. Uninstall any Kodi add-ons that you have installed recently. We have discussed the detailed steps to uninstall addons above.
2. Disable the hardware acceleration feature in Kodi. These are the steps:
a) Click Gear icon (Settings) from Kodi main screen.
b) Choose Player.
c) Select Videos from left side panel. Also, ensure you have selected Advanced or Expert instead of Standard or Basic from left bottom corner. Then, switch off hardware acceleration from right side panel.
3. Clear Kodi cache. Detailed steps are given in the above section.
4. Update Kodi application. Steps are provided above
5. Reinstall the Kodi application. We have discussed it above in detail.
[Fixed] Kodi No Stream Available
This problem is mainly caused by network issue. However, Kodi No Stream Available also occur when you are trying to play geo-restricted content.
You can also face this issue if a particular add-on that you are using is not working.
Solutions: These are the solutions for the aforementioned problem:
Full Guide: Fix Kodi No Stream Available Error
1. Ensure that you have good internet connectivity.
2. Use an alternative Kodi add-on to stream, if one addon isn’t working. HERE is our list of Top Kodi Addons.
3. Connect to a VPN to remove geo-restriction.
4. Use Real Debrid links to watch movies or TV shows.
[Fixed] Kodi is Unable to Install a Particular Addon
There can be many reasons because of which you are unable to install a Kodi add-on. Many a time, an add-on is discontinued i.e. the developers no longer update or maintain the add-on. So, the add-on may not get installed or stop working.
In some cases, certain dependencies/associated add-ons are needed for a Kodi add-on to work. If those are not installed, you may see an error showing that the addon can’t be installed.
Solutions: Here are the solutions for this problem:
1. Install the required additional add-ons associated with the Kodi add-on that you are trying to install.
2. Check whether the add-on is compatible with the version of Kodi that you are using.
3. Use alternative Kodi add-ons to watch your favorite. HERE is our list of Top Kodi Addons.
[Fixed] Buffering Problems in Kodi/ Video Takes an Awful Amount of Time to Load
This is one of the common issues that Kodi users face. The problem can be due to slow internet or ISP throttling. Besides, if you are trying to watch geo-restricted content, you may face this issue.
Solutions: These are the solutions:
1. Make sure you have strong internet connectivity.
2. Use a trustworthy VPN like ExpressVPN to remove geo-restrictions and ISP throttling.
3. Use Real Debrid links to watch content.
[Fixed] 4K and HD Streams Buffer/Don’t Work
This can happen if your Wi-fi connectivity is not strong enough to play high-definition streams. Also, if your device doesn’t support HD videos, you will face this issue.
Solutions: Check out the solutions for this problem:
1. Ensure good internet connectivity.
2. Buy a device that supports 4K/HD streaming.
[Fixed] Kodi Streams Not Playing /Kodi Not Loading Movies
In most cases, this issue occurs due to internet connectivity issues. Kodi streams not playing issue can also be caused if you are trying to play dead links.
If you are trying to play geo-restricted content, you may face Kodi not loading content issue.
Solutions: Here are the solutions:
1. Ensure internet connectivity is strong.
2. Use a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions.
3. Use an alternative Kodi add-on to stream content. HERE is our list of Top Kodi Addons.
[Fixed] Kodi Addons Unable to Search Files
If the Kodi add-on is unable to search files, it is probably because of incorrect time and date set on your device.
Solutions: These are the solutions:
1. Set the correct date and time on your device.
2. Make sure that the add-on you are using is compatible with your Kodi version.
3. Use another Kodi add-on to search content.
[Fixed] Kodi Black Screen
The black screen issue can occur when you try to play a video or launch any addon.
Solutions: These are the probable solutions:
1. Delete Addons.db file from Kodi folder located on your device. This file stores cache data of Kodi add-ons. Below we have mentioned the locations on different devices where you will find the aforementioned file:
For Windows OS, search for %APPDATA% → kodi →userdata →Database
For iOS users, go to private→var→mobile→Library→Preferences→Kodi→userdata→Database
For Mac OS, find Users→ (USERNAME) →Library→Application Support→Kodi→userdata→Database
For Linux, go to ~ →.kodi→userdata→Database
2. In case of FireStick or Android devices, you can directly clear the Kodi cache. (Steps are provided above)
3. Update Kodi to the latest version. (Steps are provided above)
[Fixed] Kodi Failed to Install Dependencies
This is also a common problem. It occurs when Kodi is unable to download and install dependencies due to cache accumulation or other similar causes.
Solutions: Here are the solutions:
1. Clear the cache in Kodi.
2. Delete Addons.db file from Kodi folder.
3. Uninstall all the Kodi add-ons and reinstall them again.
[Fixed] Kodi Repository Won’t Work/ Kodi unable to connect to Source
Sometimes, when you try to add the URL to file manager, you may get a message notifying you that Kodi is unable to connect to the source. Or it failed to Retrieve Directory information. This mostly happens when you are trying to install a third-party Kodi repository.
Full Guide: Fix Kodi unable to connect- Failed Retrieve Directory Information
Solutions: These are the solutions:
1. Ensure you have a strong internet connection.
2. Make sure you have typed the URL of the source correctly.
3. Check whether the source URL has changed or the repository has stopped working.
[Fixed] Kodi Not Opening
If Kodi is not opening, it’s an indication that there is something wrong with Kodi. It is likely because of the installation of incompatible add-ons on Kodi.
Solutions: Follow these solutions for this problem:
1. Delete Addons.db file from Kodi folder.
2. Reinstall Kodi.
[Fixed] Kodi Unable to Uninstall Add-on
This issue is not that common. If it happens, it means a particular add-on is hindering the normal functionalities of Kodi.
Solutions: Below are the solutions:
1. Delete the Addon.db file from Kodi folder.
2. Try clearing Kodi cache.
3. Reinstall Kodi.
Wrapping Up
I am hoping that after following this article, you have fixed your Kodi not working problem irrespective of the source of the problem. Most of the problems in Kodi can be fixed rather quickly and easily.
If you are facing any other problems that I missed here, comment down below. I will get back you to you at the earliest.
Related
Fix Kodi Not Working with Popular Addons
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!
