Installing Add-ons and Builds in Kodi

Kodi is a powerful, open-source media center—but it’s what you add to it that unlocks its full potential. Add-ons bring in streaming services, tools, and utilities. Builds package those add-ons with custom skins and configurations, giving Kodi a new look and feel out of the box.

Whether you’re looking to stream movies, live TV, or sports, here’s how to get add-ons and builds installed on Kodi without wasting your time.

⚠️ First Things First: Enable Unknown Sources

Before Kodi will let you install anything outside the official repository, you need to tweak one setting.

1. Open Kodi.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Select System > Add-ons.
4. Turn on Unknown Sources.
5. Hit Yes when the warning pops up.

Don’t skip this. Most third-party add-ons and builds won’t install without it.

🔌 How to Install Add-ons in Kodi

There are two types of add-ons: official and third-party. Here’s how to install both.

Official Kodi Add-ons

1. Go to Add-ons from the main menu.
2. Click the box icon (top-left).
3. Choose Install from repository.
4. Browse and select what you want (e.g., YouTube, Crackle, etc.).
5. Click Install.

These are vetted by Kodi, safe, and usually work smoothly.

Third-Party Add-ons

1. Go to Settings > File Manager > Add Source.
2. Enter the repo URL (e.g., http://exampleurl.com/repo) and give it a name.
3. Back out and go to Add-ons > Install from zip file.
4. Find the name you just created and select the .zip file.
5. Once installed, choose Install from repository and pick the new repo.
6. Select the add-on you want and hit Install.

Pro tip: Always verify URLs from trusted sources. There are fake or abandoned repos out there.

🧱 How to Install Kodi Builds

A build gives you a pre-configured Kodi setup—skins, add-ons, shortcuts, the whole package. It saves time but can be bloated or buggy, so choose wisely.

Step-by-step:

1. Add the source URL via Settings > File Manager > Add Source.
2. Go to Add-ons > Install from zip file and install the repo.
3. Then go to Install from repository, open the repo, and install the program add-on (usually a build wizard).
4. Launch the wizard from Add-ons > Program add-ons.
5. Choose a build and install it (Fresh Install is recommended for clean results).
6. Kodi will close and reload with the new build in place.

Give it a minute after launching—the build might need to update or cache data.

✅ Final Tips

• Backup your Kodi: Builds can overwrite your current setup.
• Don’t overload with add-ons: Too many can slow things down or cause conflicts.
• Use a VPN: For privacy and to bypass geo-blocks or ISP throttling.

Wrapping Up

Kodi is only as good as what you build into it. Add-ons and builds turn it from a basic media player into a full-blown entertainment hub. Just make sure you install from trusted sources, keep things clean, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

If you’ve got a favorite build or a must-have add-on, drop it in the comments. Let’s build the best Kodi setups together.