How to Install Kodi on iPhone in 2024

by
Frederik Lipfert
Dr. Frederik Lipfert Founder, vpncheck
Updated on 6 Mar 2022

Install Kodi on iPhone

This article will take you through the step-by-step instructions on how to install and use the Kodi application on iPhone with and without jailbreaking. Similar instructions can also be used to install the Kodi application on an iPad.

If you love streaming as we do, you’ve probably heard about and even used Kodi. It is one of the most popular streaming services that offers a variety of unlimited content for free, such as sports, news, TV shows, live TV,

Unlike Netflix, Hulu or Disney+, you don’t have to get a subscription to use Kodi. Moreover, it supports many devices, including Firestick, Android phones and even iOS, if installed correctly. Yes, you read that right. Although Kodi isn’t officially available on Apple App Store, it is possible to install Kodi and stream unlimited content on iOS devices. So let’s get started.

There are many ways to install Kodi on your iPhone. Some of the methods require jailbreaking your iPhone. You can also download a third-party app to install the latest version of Kodi on your iPhone. Keep reading for a detailed guide on all the ways you can install Kodi on your iPhone.

Since jailbreaking is a bit tricky, let’s first understand how to install Kodi without jailbreaking your iPhone.

Method 1: How to Install Kodi on iPhone using Tweakbox (without Jailbreaking)

The first and easiest method is to download Tweakbox to install Kodi as a third-party app. Though it may feel like you are jailbreaking your iPhone, you’re not. Installing Kodi using Tweakbox is completely safe. Let’s begin:

  1. Unlock your iPhone and open Safari.
  2. Now, in the search bar, type www.tweakboxapp.com and press enter.
    tweakbox home
  3. You will see a page that tells you more about the TweakBox app. You can choose to read it, if you want. Next, click the Install Now button.
     TweakBox app Install Button
    (Tip: If a warning message pops up, please click on Allow.)
    Tweakbox warning message
  4. You will see a profile downloaded notification once the app is on your device.
    profile downloaded notification Tweakbox
  5. Now go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad and select General. You will see TweakBox profile on the right. Select it.
    Tweakbox in Iphone Setting
  6. Look for the Install button on the top right corner. Click on it.
    Install Tweakbox Profile
  7. Now enter the password of your iPhone to confirm the installation.
    Enter Iphone Password
  8. You will then see a warning notification. Select Install.
    warning notification before Installing tweakbox
  9. Click Install again.
    Click Install Tweakbox Profile
    You should wait a moment for TweakBox to appear on the home screen.
  10. Go back to the home screen and open the TweakBox app.

You might find a lot of annoying apps every 5 seconds while you try to use the app. Click on the cross button to move on when you see an advertisement.

(Tip: Look for the X sign to close the ads)

  1. Once you’re on the Tweakbox screen, click on the Apps tab.
    Tweakbox screen App Section
  2. Under the Apps, select Tweakbox apps.
  3. Now scroll down and find Kodi in the list of apps.

You can also use the search bar to find it quickly.
Find Kodi Tweakbox App

  1. Click on the Kodi app.
  2. Now you will be redirected to another page. You should click on the Install button.
    Install Kodi App Tweakbox
  3. Another notification will pop up, asking permission to install Kodi. Click on the Install button again.

Now wait for a moment to allow the installation process to finish.

Install Kodi Popoup tweakbox

  1. Now go back to the home screen and find Kodi.
  2. Once the installation is over, you will see the Kodi app on your device.

Well done! You’ve successfully installed Kodi.

The Tweakbox method may not always work. If Tweakbox fails to install Kodi, it may prompt a pop notification as shown in the screenshot below.

Tweakbox may fail to install Kodi using an iOS beta version. Another reason why it may not work is if you have reinstalled the app without deleting the previous version.

Unable to Install Popup Tweakbox

If you receive any notification like this, click OK. You can also uninstall Tweakbox to save space on your device. Also, don’t worry, there is another easy method to install Kodi.

Method 2: How to Install Kodi on iPhone using Cydia Impactor (without Jailbreaking)

Another easy method to install Kodi on your iPhone or iPad without jailbreaking is to use the Cydia Impactor. It is a popular app that allows iOS users to install and use third-party apps on their iPhones.

Before using this method, please know that you might face some bugs while installing Kodi using Cydia Impactor. Also, you will have to install Kodi every week to keep using it for free using the iOS developer’s account. Here’s how to install Kodi on an iPhone using Cydia Impactor.

First, please make sure you have downloaded the Cydia Impactor and Kodi.IPA file on your device. You will also need a laptop.

  1. Plug your iPhone or iPad into your laptop. Usually, when you connect your device, iTunes automatically opens. Please close iTunes.
  2. Open the Cydia Impactor.
  3. Drag and drop the Kodi. IPA. Please make sure that your device is visible on the Cydia Impactor drop-down list.
  4. Cydia Impact will ask for your Apple ID and password. Enter a valid Apple ID to begin the installation process.
  5. Now go to settings, select General and click on Profiles & Device Management.
  6. Click on trust the new Kodi app.

Profiles & Device Management Setting

The Kodi app is now installed on your iPhone. If you are unable to install using this method, you might have to resort to jailbreaking. Before we get into the details about jailbreaking your iPhone, let’s first understand what jailbreaking means and how you can enjoy third-party apps on iOS by jailbreaking your iPhone.

What is Jailbreaking?

If you are an iPhone user, you already know how difficult installing any third-party app on your phone is. There are hundreds of apps that aren’t available on the Apple store but are probably available on the Google Play store. Apple has always put users’ privacy at the core of their data policy, which restricts iOS devices from installing anything that’s not available on the store.

However, iOS users can jailbreak their iPhones to enjoy their favorite apps. Jailbreaking allows you to remove all restrictions to gain full control of your iPhone. A user can enable custom modification on their device by jailbreaking it.

Jailbreaking isn’t always considered a safe method. Some users have reported problems after jailbreaking their iPhones. At the same time, many iOS users haven’t encountered any issues at all.

Now that we’ve understood what jailbreaking is, let’s move on to the methods to install Kodi. These methods are applicable only on jailbroken iPhones.

Method 3: How to Install Kodi on iPhone using Cydia (with Jailbreaking)

Cydia is one of the best apps that allows users to search and download unauthorised third-party apps on iPhone or iPad. Using Cydia, you can install any app that isn’t available on the Apple app store. It also lets you download and install various themes and features for iPhone.

Follow this step-by-step guide to install Kodi on iPhone or iPad using Cydia. 

  1. Unlock your iPhone and go to the Cydia app on the home screen.
  2. Now select the Sources tab and enter the following using “http://mirrors.kodi.tv/ios”
    Please remember to type the URL correctly without any errors.
  3. Now select Add Source. Let’s wait for the source to be updated on the Cydia app. Once it is updated, go back to the home screen by clicking on Return to Cydia.
  4. Now, look for team Kodi (which is the official Kodi source) under the Sources tab.
  5. Select All Packages and click on Kodi-iOS.
  6. Next, select the Install button from the top-right corner of your screen. Now let’s wait a moment for the download to finish.
  7. Now, close the Cydia app and go back to the home screen. Select the Kodi app.

Well done! You can now stream thousands of movies, TV shows, on Kodi on your iPhone. If you find this method a bit confusing, you can use another way to install Kodi using the Cydia app. Remember it will only work on jailbroken devices.

So let’s get started.

Alternative Method to Install Kodi using Cydia (with Jailbreaking)

This method is a bit easy and is also recommended by the official Kodi developers. These are the steps that you should follow:

  1. Unlock your iPhone and go to the Cydia app on the home screen.
  2. On the Cydia home screen, tap on the search button in the bottom right corner of the screen.
  3. Enter Kodi in the search bar on the next page. Once you press enter, you will see different suggestions for the Kodi app. Select the one that suits you best.
  4. Next, click on Modify and then select Install.
  5. Now click on the Confirm button on the top right corner of your screen.
    Let’s wait for the download to finish.
  6. Once Kodi is downloaded, you will see a Return to Cydia button on your screen. Click on it.
  7. Exit Cydia.

That’s about it! You’ve can now use Kodi to watch your favorite movies, TV shorts, and live sports.

Let’s also learn about how to update and install  Kodi on a jailbroken iPhone using Cydia.

How to update/uninstall Kodi on iPhone using Cydia

Cydia not only helps users download and install third apps on iPhone, but it also takes care of all the updates. It also helps you uninstall the app.

When updates are available, Cydia will show them in the Changes section on the home screen.

If you want to uninstall the Kodi application, follow these steps: 

  1. Go to the Cydia app from your home screen.
  2. Find the Installed tab located on the bottom tab.
  3. Select the Kodi app from the list.
  4. Now click on the Modify button.
  5. You will find three options: Downgrade, Remove and Reinstall. Click on Remove.
  6. Select the Confirm button, and wait for a minute or two.
  7. Click on Return to Cydia, and the process is now complete!

How to Install Kodi on iPhone using Xcode (with Jailbreaking)

If none of these methods worked for you, you can still install Kodi on your iPhone by using Xcode. Xcode is the only way to develop and integrate apps on any Apple device. IOS developers mostly use it to compile, create and test software applications designed for iPhone and iPad.

Before you install Kodi using Xcode, let’s download and install some applications on Mac.

Follow these steps: 

  1. Download the Kodi application using this URL: http://mirrors.kodi.tv/apt/ios/deb/
  2. Now connect your iOS device to your Mac.
  3. Next, download and install Xcode on your Mac. You can use this URL: https://developer.apple.com/xcode/
  4. Now download iOS App Singer from https://www.iosappsigner.com
  5. Let’s start installing Kodi. Open Xcode and create a new project on Xcode
  6. Next, select iOS and then go to Applications. Click on Single View Application and select the Next button.
    Single View Application
  7. A box will pop up for you to enter a unique name. You should choose a name that you can remember in the future. Click on Next and select Create.You might see a warning “No matching provisioning profiles found” If you do select Fix Issue to ignore it. You might also see a message “To fix this issue, add an Apple ID account,” click and add your Apple ID. You will also have to choose a development team if asked.
    Fix Issue Appliation Setting
    Xcode will sign in to your existing developer account. If you don’t have one, it will create a new one for you.Note: Don’t follow steps 5-7 if you already have a developer account with a wildcard (*) provisioning profile.
  8. Now open App signer. Choose the Kodi DEB file in the Input file and select the Xcode project under-provisioning profile. Now, wait for the iOS App signer to create an IPA file on Mac.
  9. Now head back to Xcode. Click on the Window option on the top left corner of your screen and select Devices.
    (Tip: you can use the keyboard shortcut to select Devices. See the screenshot below)
    Devices Option
  10. Select the device in which you want to install Kodi. Next, click on the + sign and click on the IPA file. Now select Open.

That was a pretty long installation guide, but if you’ve made it this far, you’ve successfully installed Kodi. All you need to do now is to relax and explore the library of hundreds of attractive Kodi builds.

Please remember that you will have to re-install Kodi every week if you have a free iOS developer account.

Best Kodi Alternatives for iPhone

If you have tried all the methods, none of them worked for you. That’s okay since there are plenty of other Kodi alternatives that can be installed in a jiffy. Let’s take a look at the best Kodi alternatives for iPhone in 2022:

1. Plex

Plex is one of the most amazing Kodi look-alike streaming services available right now. A lot of features of Plexare similar to Kodi, which is probably why it is so popular. Like Kodi, users can add their own movies and music. Additionally, it is compatible with Windows, MacOS, and Android. Users can get a subscription for as low as $4.99 a month. That said, you can also create a free account to access thousands of channels. Plex allows as many as 15 users to use Plex simultaneously using a single account.

2. Emby

Emby is an easy-to-use paid streaming service that users can use on all connected devices. It offers three subscriptions, and the cheapest one starts at $4.99 per month. Emby also has a cinema mode that allows users to stream content in a theatre-like setting. Users can also access trailers and custom intro to many films in this mode. Moreover, you can also play DVR recordings with Emby.

3. Stremio

Stremio is best suited for those who are looking to enjoy their TV shows and movies using a single screen. It offers high-quality content and also lets users create a personal library of their pinned content. Stremio has a unique notification feature that notifies users whenever a new episode of their favorite TV show is available.

4. Serviio

Serviio is a free media server that allows users to stream media files, be it sports, games, movies, music or TV shows. You may find it challenging to download and install the original Serviio server. It has an attractive interface that allows users to navigate through it easily. Additionally, it supports Windows, Mac, Linux. You can even stream media using Serviio to Xbox 360.

How to Install ExpressVPN on iPhone

Alright, it looks like you are as excited as we are. Before you begin using Kodi, you should know that you might land in legal trouble for streaming movies, TV shows for free. That’s because your IP is exposed and can be tracked by your Internet Service Provider and the government.

You can avoid all these issues by hiding your IP using a reliable VPN service. A VPN will help you to hide your original IP. You can also use a VPN to watch content that isn’t available in your country.  We recommend you use ExpressVPN. It is the most secure and fastest VPN service that we’ve used. Furthermore, it also has a large network of secure servers.

You should subscribe to ExpressVPN in order to get the best out of it. ExpressVPN offers a number of packages, and you can choose one according to your needs. We personally recommend opting for the annual subscription. That’s because ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, even if you don’t like the service you can always get a full refund.

Here’s a quick guide to help you download and install Express VPN:

  1. Unlock your iPhone or iPad and go to the App store.
  2. Enter ExpressVPN in the search bar and select Enter.
  3. Click on the Get button to install ExpressVPN on your iPhone. Now let’s wait for the download to finish.
  4. Select the Open button.
  5. Now, it’s time to sign in to the app. Enter the email and password you used while subscribing to ExpressVPN.
    If you haven’t subscribed yet, now is the time. You can also go to the official website and subscribe to the ExpressVPN service.ExpressVPN account login
  6. You’ve now signed into the app. Let’s open it and see how it works.

Once you open it, you will see a Power icon which is used to connect you to an encrypted virtual server.

ExpressVPN home screen with Connect button highlighted

Once you click on it, you will be connected to a server. You can start streaming for free without worrying about the legal implications. You can also choose which country you’d like to connect to by clicking on the smart location option.

How to Install Kodi on iPhone FAQ

1. Which iOS version is needed to install Kodi on iPhone?

iOS users need to have iOS 6.0 or higher to install Kodi on their phone.

2. What are the best Kodi alternatives?

Plex, Emby, Serviio, Media Portal, Stremio, OSMC, Universal Media Server, JRiver are some of the best Kodi alternatives available right now. Some of these apps just look like Kodi and have a lot of similar features that will fill in the gap of Kodi unavailability on any iOS device.

3. What versions of Kodi are available for iOS?

The best stable Kodi release available for iOS is the Kodi v19.3 Matrix.

That’s a wrap

Kodi is a unique application that offers a bundle of features that aren’t available on other streaming services. It has a massive Kodi addons library and even allows users to watch live TV. Despite that, Kodi isn’t officially available on iOS devices. We hope you were able to install and enjoy Kodi using one of the methods mentioned above.