Getting the “Kodi Unable to Connect. Couldn’t retrieve directory information” error? In this guide, you will learn how to fix it.
Sometimes, your Kodi will run into a pesky error, and you’ll be left with an error “Kodi Unable to Connect. Couldn’t retrieve directory information. This could be due to the network not being connected. Would you like to add it anyway?”
This is one of the most common errors that Kodi users face. This can be frustrating, and it can be even more frustrating if you’re unable to find its solution.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to fix this Kodi error and improve your streaming experience. We’ve highlighted the most likely causes of the problem as well as a few options for resolving it.
Also Read: How to Fix Failed to Install Addon from ZIP File Error on Kodi
What Causes the ‘Kodi Unable to Connect’ Error?
This error appears while adding a third-party add-on. Here are its probable reasons.
1. Bad internet connection:
when your internet is not working properly, your device is unable to receive the data from the source and displays the error.
2. Incorrect Source URL:
If you have entered incorrect source URL, even a simple spelling mistake or an extra space, it may cause this error. For example, if you type in “https://www.example.com “ instead of “https://www.example.com”, the system will display this error message.
3. Dead Repository:
If the repository you are trying to access is dead or has been removed from the internet, you may see this error.
4. Temporary Unresponsiveness:
It may be due to temporary unresponsive. If the repo you’re trying to access is unresponsive to make the connection, it may also lead to this error. Usually, this means that the network connection to the repo is either unstable or unavailable at the moment.
How to Fix ‘Kodi Unable to Connect’ or ‘Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Information’ Error
Let’s get down to the most important part: the remedy, now that we’ve gained a fundamental grasp of the issue and its causes.
1. Check your internet connection for problems
The first step in solving almost any problem is to try the most basic solution. You’ll be shocked to learn that it works most of the time. To test whether your internet connection is working, try using an app other than Kodi.
If your Amazon FireStick device is not connecting to Wifi, check out our guide to find solutions for this problem: Fix FireStick not Connecting to Wifi
2. Check the source URL for any errors
The best thing to do in this situation is to check the URL again.
The Kodi error you are getting is most likely because of a typo in the Kodi source repo URL.
As simple as an additional space in the URL can cause this error. Or using “https” instead of “http.” If possible, copy and paste the URL right into Kodi for a foolproof solution. If the device doesn’t allow Copy-paste, double-check the URL.
Follow the steps below to cross-check and update the source URL that you’ve added already:
1. Open Kodi Settings
2. Open File Manager
3. Select the Repo that is showing that error. Choose the Menu button on Amazon FireStick (if using a PC, right-click) and choose Edit source
4. Click on the URL bar
5. Double Check the URL for errors and correct them if necessary. Look for faults such as spaces before and after the URL, missing periods, hyphens, backslashes, and other characters.
Once done and click OK
6. Click OK again to save
3. Check if the URL is Working Otherwise
If the Kodi Unable to Connect Error persists even after trying the solutions above, there is one more option.
Add-ons and repositories are constantly changing, as most Kodi users are aware. As a result, determining whether or not the Repo is in working order is challenging.
It’s possible that the file you’re trying to install is no longer working, even if your internet connection is fine and the URL is correct.
To troubleshoot, access the URL from any browser. It will help you quickly verify that it is actually available.
Sometimes URL not loading may be a temporary error. To fix this problem, wait a few minutes and try accessing the repo URL again.
One of two messages will appear when you type the URL into your browser:
1. If it’s a working URL, you’ll notice “Index of” that lists all of the files contained within it. Here’s what it looks like:
2. If the URL is not working, the following notice will appear:
4. Try a VPN
ISPs and Governments put restrictions on some URLs. It’s also possible that you’re being blocked by ISP to access that particular repository URL. In that situation, a good VPN can let you bypass these restrictions and use Kodi anonymously.
I recommend ExpressVPN. It’s fast, reliable, and easy to use. It will unblock geo-restricted or URLs restricted by ISP.
Here's how you can install & use ExpressVPN with Kodi:
1. First of all, Sign Up for ExpressVPN HERE
2. To install the ExpressVPN app on your device, click HERE. You can use the app on 5 devices simultaneously.
If you'd like to download the app on FireStick you'll find the instructions below.
3. Sign in with your login credential that you created while signing up for ExpressVPN.
4. Click the Power Button to connect to a VPN server. That's it! Anything you stream on this device will now be anonymous.
Steps to connect to ExpressVPN on FireStick:
These are the steps to install Kodi VPN on FireStick devices.
If you have any other streaming device, please go to its respective appstore and download the ExpressVPN app. ExpressVPN has dedicated app for nearly all devices.
1. Sign Up for ExpressVPN HERE, if you haven't already.
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 device is safe from the prying eyes.
For the full review of ExpressVPN, check out our detailed ExpressVPN Review guide.
5. Use Alternative Repositories
If none of the aforementioned options work, the repository has most likely been shut down permanently. If this is the case, you can use an alternative repository to stream on Kodi.
Conclusion
After reading this tutorial, you should be able to identify and determine the probable causes of Kodi’s “Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Information”. If the issue remains, don’t get too worried about it; try other working repositories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Kodi say couldn’t retrieve directory information?
More often than not, errors while typing the source URL may lead to Kodi saying couldn’t retrieve directory information. In other cases, the source URL may have stopped working.
Why does Kodi say couldn’t connect to network?
If your Internet is working properly, you may face Kodi Couldn’t connect to network error.
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!
