How to Update Kodi on Android TV Box in 2024: A Detailed Guide

by
Frederik Lipfert
Dr. Frederik Lipfert Founder, vpncheck
Updated on 3 Mar 2022

About Updating Kodi:

In this guide, you’ll learn how to update Kodi on your Android TV box. We’ll also show you how to tweak your TV Box’s settings to set Kodi on auto-update. So that you won’t have to manually update the media player ever again.

Updating Kodi on Android TV Box is pretty simple. Mainly because the media player is available on the Google Play Store. You only have to follow a few steps to enjoy the latest version of Kodi on your Android TV Box.

But first, let’s look at why you might want to update Kodi.

Why Should You Update Kodi?

Using an updated app is a lot better than using the older version, and the same goes for when you’re using Kodi. There are two reasons you should update Kodi every time you see the notification on your screen.

The first is that each Kodi update brings new features. This usually happens when there’s a major update, which is what happened with 10.0 and 12.0 updates. Both these updates revolutionized Kodi’s user experience.

But in a few instances, even minor updates have introduced new features. Take, for example, the PVR features. Instead of introducing them in the 19.0 Matrix Version, Kodi developers included them in the 18.2 update.

The second reason is that every update comes with bug fixes. That is more so the case with Kodi, which is an open-source media player and lets anyone access the code to find and fix bugs to improve user experience.

Normal Install or Fresh Install?

Do you want to keep all your libraries and add-ons intact?

If so, then it’s a good idea to opt for normal installation. Normal installation ensures that all your Kodi builds, libraries, and add-ons work seamlessly on the latest Kodi version. So you won’t have to deal with any incompatibilities.

That said, in some cases, you might not have the option to go for a normal installation. That is especially the case when you’re upgrading to a new version, such as Kodi 19 Matrix.

Such major updates introduce so many changes to Kodi’s codebase that you’d have to opt for a fresh installation. Otherwise, your old add-ons and libraries might be incompatible with the new Kodi version.

How to Update Kodi on Android TV Box?

Follow these steps to update Kodi on your Android TV Box:

Step 1: Open Google Play Store on your Android TV Box and sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.
google Sign-in

Step 2: Navigate to your profile and click on ‘Apps’.

Step 3: Select ‘Manage apps & device’ from the pop-up menu window.
Manage apps & device Google

Step 4: Click on ‘Overview’.

Select ‘See Details’. It will be under the ‘Updates Available’ heading.
See Details Highlighe Google Play Store

If you want to update all apps at once, click ‘Update All.
Update All Highlighted Google Play Store

Step 5: Follow this step if you want to update Kodi alone.

Under the ‘Pending Downloads’ dashboard, search for Kodi. If the media player has a new update, you’ll see an ‘Update’ button right in front of it (as shown in the screenshot). Click on the button.
Update Highlighted Kodi App

Wait for the update to complete.

Step 6: Launch Kodi once you no longer see it under the ‘Pending downloads’ dashboard. Make sure it has been updated and enjoy the new features.

You can ensure that Kodi has been updated by looking at the version number.

How to Downgrade Kodi to an Older Version?

So far, we have only talked about upgrading Kodi to its latest version. But what if you want to downgrade Kodi?

There are many reasons why you might want to use one of Kodi’s older versions. The new Kodi updates might not be compatible with your Android TV Box, or perhaps you liked the previous version more.

Google Play Store and Kodi’s official website only allow you to update the media player to its latest version. To downgrade Kodi, you’d have to use Aptoide TV – the self-proclaimed alternative to Google Play Store.

Follow these steps to downgrade Kodi to one of its previous versions.

Step 1: Open Aptoide TV on your Android TV Box.

Step 2: Type ‘Kodi’ in the search box.

Click on Kodi’s icon once it appears in the search results.

Step 3: Click on the ‘Other Versions’ tab on Kodi’s homepage.
Other Versions Highlighted Kodi

Step 4: You will find all the previous versions of Kodi in this tab. Select and download the version of your choice.
Choose Previous Kodi Version

Can Kodi Automatically Update Itself?

By default, Kodi cannot automatically update itself on your Android TV Box. You’ll have to tweak a few settings to set Kodi on auto-update.

Follow these steps to set Kodi on auto-update:

Step 1: Open Google Play Store on your Android TV Box.
Open Google Play Store

Step 2: Select Settings.
Select Settings Google Play Store

Step 3: Click on ‘Auto-update apps.

Step 4: Select ‘Auto update apps at any time. Data charges may apply’ icon and then select ‘Done.

This will allow Google Play Store to automatically update Kodi and all other apps in your Android TV Box to the latest version whenever there is one available.

Why Use a VPN for streaming Kodi

Some Kodi addons or builds often fail to offer a safe streaming experience. Your government can monitor whatever you’re streaming, viewing or even browsing. If you’re caught watching copyrighted content, you’d be at risk of a fine, jail time, or both.

That’s why it’s recommended to use a reliable VPN while streaming your favorite shows and movies on Kodi. A VPN masks your real IP address, shielding your online activity from tracking, speed-throttling, and geo-blocking.

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs for Kodi. Despite keeping you safe on the internet, it won’t take up much space on your Android TV Box. That means you won’t have to uninstall any apps to make space for it.

Conclusion

There are various benefits of updating Kodi. The latest updates bring new features that weren’t available on the previous version. Most of the time, they also introduce bug fixes, enhancing your streaming experience.

That’s why we have given you step by step instructions using which you can update Kodi on your Android TV Box. Just make sure to use a VPN while streaming Kodi. A VPN will ensure your personal safety.