How to Update Kodi 21.1 (Latest) on FireStick [Jan 2025]

In this guide, I’ll show you how to update Kodi on FireStick. Kodi 21.1 Omega is the latest version as of date. The steps will work in all Fire TV devices, including FireStick HD, FireStick Lite, FireStick 4K, FireStick 4K Max, Fire TV Cube, and TVs with preloaded Fire OS.

Why Update Kodi?

Kodi developers occasionally roll out new updates. While downloading Kodi updates on Windows and Android devices is pretty easy, it isn’t as straightforward for Fire TV devices.

Unfortunately, the Kodi app is not available on the Amazon App Store. Therefore, new updates don’t install automatically on FireOS devices. You must update Kodi manually.

Here are some reasons why you should update Kodi on FireStick regularly:

  • Fixing Bugs
  • Minimal Lags
  • New Features
  • Security Updates
  • App Stability
  • Compatibility with new or updated Kodi addons
  • It may help reduce buffering issues. 
How to Update to the latest Kodi 21.1 Omega on FireStick

Below are the complete step-by-step instructions on how to update Kodi on FireStick.

Step 1: Prepare FireStick for Kodi Update

Here are the quick steps to set up FireStick to update Kodi (you may also follow our step-by-step instructions to prepare FireStick):

1. From the FireStick home screen, click Find>Search. Type Downloader in the search bar and select the relevant result in the suggested results. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Downloader app on your device.

2. Go to Fire Stick Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options. There, you should see Install Unknown Apps. Please open it and select Downloader to turn it ON.

Note: If you do not see Developer Options, go to Settings > My Fire TV > About.
Now, select Fire TV Stick and click it 7 times to enable Developer Options. If you’re still not sure how to do it, here’s a step-by-step guide to enable developer options.

Note: On some Fire TV devices, the option will be Apps From Unknown Sources. Navigate to this option and turn ON the toggle.

Updating Kodi on Fire TV Stick

The latest update available as of this writing is Kodi 21.1 Omega. Follow the steps below to update Kodi on FireStick:

1. Navigate to All Apps on the FireStick home screen.

2. Launch the Downloader app on the Your Apps & Channels window.

3. Click the input box.

4. A popup keypad box will open. For the latest Kodi 21.1 Omega, enter kapk. Then, click GO.

5. The FireStick will automatically start downloading the APK file. Once the download is complete, you’ll be prompted to install the Kodi application. Click Install.

6. Wait for Kodi APK to install.

7. When the App Installed message is displayed, Kodi has been updated on FireStick. Click Done.

8. The Kodi app on Fire TV Stick has been updated to the latest version. Launch Kodi and go to Settings > System Information to verify the new update. The version info is at the bottom.

How to Use Kodi on FireStick Safely

Everything you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and Government. Streaming free movies, TV shows, and Sports might get you into legal trouble. I always connect ExpressVPN on my FireStick, which is the fastest VPN for streaming. I suggest you do the same. A VPN for FireStick helps you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.

We do not encourage the violation of copyright laws. But what if you unintentionally stream content from an illegitimate source? It is not always easy to distinguish between a legitimate and illegal source.

So, before you stream any content on FireStick with Kodi, let’s see how to use ExpressVPN to keep your streaming activities hidden from prying eyes.

Step 1: Get ExpressVPN HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use it freely for the first 30 days, and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.

Step 2: On your Fire TV / Stick, go to the Find > Search option. Type “Expressvpn” (without quotes) in the search bar and select ExpressVPN when it appears in the search results.

Step 3: Click the “Download” button to install the ExpressVPN Fire TV / Stick app.

Step 4: Open the app and enter the login credentials you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription. Click “Sign in”.

Step 5: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for FireStick.

How to Update Kodi Using the ES File Explorer App (Alternate method)

With the ES File Explorer App, you may sideload and update Kodi on FireStick. This is an alternate method. If you have already used the Downloader app for this purpose, there is no need to follow this method.

Note: ES File Explorer is no longer free for sideloading. To sideload apps, you must pay $9.99 monthly (or use the unofficial version of ES File Explorer). That is why I recommend using the Downloader app.

Install the ES File Explorer app and follow these quick steps below:

  1. Launch the ES File Explorer app.
  2. On the right, select and then click the Downloader icon.
  3. Click +New at the bottom.
  4. Enter this kapk in the Path field and any name in the Name field.
  5. Click Download Now.
  6. Wait for the Kodi APK file to download.
  7. Click Open File.
  8. Click Install.
  9. Wait for a few seconds while Kodi installs on your device.
  10. Click Open.

That’s all. You have the latest Kodi update on your Fire Stick / Fire TV.

Kodi Update Failed on FireStick?

If the above method to update your Kodi app isn’t working, you may need to uninstall the application and install it afresh. Your data will be lost, so ensure it’s the last resort after trying everything else.

Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Uninstall Kodi from the Fire TV Stick

First, we need to uninstall the current version of Kodi from your Fire TV Stick. Follow the steps below.

1. Go to Fire Stick Settings and open Applications. Then, select Manage Installed Applications.

2. Navigate to Kodi and click it.

3. Click Force Stop to ensure Kodi is not running in the background.

4. Now click Uninstall.

Step 2: Reinstall the Kodi App on the Fire TV Stick

Now that you have removed Kodi from your Fire TV/Stick, we will reinstall Kodi 21.1 Omega, the latest stable release. The steps are similar to the update method, as shown above.

FAQ’s

The following section discusses some common FAQs regarding updating Kodi on FireStick.

How do you update Kodi on Amazon FireStick?

The Amazon FireStick automatically updates official apps installed via the Amazon App Store. Since Kodi is unavailable on the official store, the automatic update doesn’t apply. Therefore, you need to manually update Kodi on FireStick. You can use a downloader app like the Downloader or ES File Explorer to install Kodi’s latest version manually.

What’s the latest version of Kodi?

The latest version of Kodi is 21.1 Omega, released to the public in August 2024.

Is Kodi Safe & Legal?

Kodi is available on popular app stores like Google Play and Microsoft Store. This indicates the application is legal and safe because such stores vet all apps before hosting them.

However, the free media player depends on various official and unofficial addons to stream content. Some addons, especially third-party ones, may distribute pirated content, making them illegal. They may also contain malware, putting your device at risk.

What you can watch on Kodi?

Kodi is an open-source media player that serves as a one-stop entertainment hub. It lets you watch a wide range of content through official and third-party addons. This content includes movies, TV shows, live TV, sports, kids’ shows and films, cartoons, anime, news, and adult stuff. You only need to download the relevant addon that offers your desired content.

Wrapping Up

This guide described how to update Kodi on FireStick. You can use Downloader or the ES File Explorer app to update Kodi on your streaming stick. Both methods are straightforward and will quickly update Kodi software across all FireOS devices. However, as the ES File Explorer app is a paid service, I recommend you use the Downloader application and install the relevant updates for free.

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