Kodi on Android: The definitive guide to using it as an app to watch movies and TV shows

Formerly known as XBMC , Kodi is defined as a media player . And that's exactly what it is, although its capabilities extend far beyond those offered by virtually any other media player. The key difference compared to other apps is that Kodi functions as a complete media center : it organizes your local library, connects to your home network, integrates streaming services through add-ons, and can become the hub of your living room or your Android phone.

Kodi's advantage lies precisely in obtaining content from sources via URLs, in what are called repositories . These repositories provide Kodi with its content, giving us access to thousands upon thousands of movies, TV series , and other interesting materials. At the same time, it adheres to a very clear philosophy: the official version of Kodi doesn't include any content , so it's up to you to decide what media to add and from where to play it, always under your own responsibility and respecting copyright.

Upon downloading Kodi from the Google Play Store, which is completely free , you'll find a simple and understated interface in English (which can be changed to Spanish in the settings) dominated by the left-hand menu . Here you have access to movies, TV shows, music, music videos, television, radio, games, add-ons , photos, and videos, as well as the weather forecast. There's also a gear-shaped button that provides access to the application settings, and a search button for quickly finding content.

The curious thing is that if we go into any of these sections, we won't find any content at all. Why? Because, as we mentioned before, content is obtained through repositories and your own local libraries , which are URLs or file paths that we can easily find and configure. Kodi doesn't come with pre-installed movies or TV shows: you have to provide your own media , whether from a hard drive, a USB drive, a shared network folder, your own server, or online services accessible through add-ons.

Kodi is the best and most popular media player on Android, but why?

Kodi , on its own, is useless because, as we mentioned, it's "empty" of content. The key lies in several aspects that, combined, make it a very powerful tool:

• Support formats practically universal.
• Add-on system and repositories to extend functions.
• Interface adaptable to large and touch screens, very comfortable for living room and mobiles.
• Free and open sourcemaintained by an active community.
• Cross-platform compatibilityAndroid, Android TV, Windows, Linux, macOS, Raspberry Pi and more.

Format support is essential. Kodi is compatible with virtually any video, audio, and image format, including containers (MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, etc.) and various video and audio codecs. It also allows you to read content from optical discs, network drives, NAS devices, UPnP/DLNA servers, and local storage . And the vast number of repositories means we can access almost endless content on our smartphones and other compatible devices, such as smart TVs, set-top boxes, and even computers.

Another key advantage is its 10-foot interface (designed for viewing from the couch) and its ability to work with a remote control, mouse, keyboard, or touch controls . The default skin, called Estuary , is optimized for TVs and large screens, while the Estouchy skin is better suited to phones and tablets with larger screens, making the Android experience much more user-friendly.

Furthermore, as an open-source project, Kodi receives continuous improvements and patches . New codecs, security fixes, compatibility with modern services, and performance optimizations are regularly added thanks to the community and the XBMC Foundation , which is responsible for its development.

Once a repository is added to Kodi, it is automatically placed in the corresponding sections of the application. The available content is located and automatically placed in the appropriate sections. Movies will go to the Movies section, and music will be placed in the corresponding section. However, in the add-ons menu, you can also navigate through each repository (and compatible apps, such as Netflix or YouTube) to go directly to the platform or content source you want.

The quality of our Kodi depends on the chosen sources, the repositories

The user experience with Kodi depends on the software itself in some aspects. Content categorization is excellent, there are settings to change the interface to Spanish, and a wide range of themes or skins allows you to completely change the application's appearance. This, of course, contributes to a good experience with Kodi and is one of the points that makes it a standout application.

But in reality, the quality of the app experience depends on the repositories and add-ons you choose . This is something that depends on the user, based on the content sources they select. We'll have greater or lesser variety and quality of content depending on the add-ons we register in our application. And obviously, there's something that's beyond our control: the maintenance of these repositories. How frequently they're updated, their performance, and other aspects depend on third parties, but these are usually well-maintained as well.

It is also important to understand some key ideas that the Kodi team officially emphasizes:

• Kodi does not include or supply content of any kind. It doesn't come with any pre-installed series, movies, or IPTV lists.
• You must provide your own files (DVD, Blu-ray, hard drives, local network) or use add-ons that access content legitimately available on the Internet.
• Kodi is not affiliated with third-party add-on developers nor does it endorse add-ons that offer copyrighted content without permission.
• The Kodi team does not approve of streaming copyrighted content without authorization. from the rights holder.

In practice, this means that the legality of using Kodi depends on how you use it and which add-ons you install. We'll delve deeper into this point later to clarify any doubts.

Is it legal to use Kodi for Android?

Kodi is legal. It's simply another tool, not a hub for pirating content. What's illegal, as always, is playing pirated or downloaded content that you don't own or accessing copyrighted material through unauthorized methods. However, doing so is a personal choice, and Kodi doesn't encourage the consumption of pirated movies or music.

Therefore, don't worry about installing and using Kodi, as there won't be any problems as long as you use it with legitimate sources and official or third-party add-ons that respect copyright . If you play pirated content, it will be up to your internet provider to decide whether or not to cut off your connection, and there could be legal implications depending on your country's laws. The risks are essentially the same as always when accessing copyrighted content without permission.

The good news is that there are many legal, free or paid services that you can integrate into Kodi, for example to watch free-to-air TV channels, FAST platforms like Pluto TV, subscription services like Netflix or Disney+, classic film libraries, YouTube videos, podcasts, online radio, and much more.

How do I install Kodi for Android?

The Play Store has a listing for the XBMC Foundation , the team that develops Kodi for Android . From the Google Play Store, you can get Kodi and Kore, a Kodi remote control integrated into your phone. The Kodi app is over 80 MB, so make sure you have enough space on your phone. You can download both apps from the following links:

In addition to installation via Google Play, the Kodi project offers official APK files from its website and repository for those who need to install a specific or more recent version than the one available in the store:

• You can download the Kodi APK directly from its official website or GitHub, choosing the version compatible with your processor (for example, ARMV8A on many mobile phones and Android TVs).
• Once downloaded, simply enable unknown sources on your Android device and install the file like any other app.
• This method can be useful if the Google Play version is delayed in your region.

On Android TV devices, it's also possible to send the APK from your mobile device using apps like Send Files to TV and then install it with a file manager, which is very practical when you don't want to rely solely on the built-in store.

Understanding Kodi menus for Android

Installation is the easiest part, but setup will require a few extra steps . It's not too complicated, but it's helpful to understand each menu. Also, you'll notice that the app displays its interface in landscape mode by default on TVs and in portrait mode on some mobile devices, as this is the most suitable orientation for consuming content depending on the device.

To access the settings menus, click on the gear icon in the upper left corner. This will take you to a new screen where you can see all the categories at a glance. We recommend that you first go to Interface settings and change the language to Spanish under Regional . This will quickly install the corresponding add-on (we'll talk about this later) , and your Kodi will then be in Spanish.

One last thing before moving on to each menu is to note the gear icon in the bottom left corner. Clicking it will take you from Standard to Advanced to Expert . Each level increases the available settings, but Standard will suffice to begin with. Later, as you become more familiar with the program, you can upgrade to access advanced video, audio, and network options.

• Player settings: Here you'll customize how content playback works. You can define whether one video plays automatically after another, whether a song is queued when selected, whether DVDs play automatically, or how long each image is displayed in slideshows. You can also adjust options for hardware acceleration, audio and video synchronization and post-processing behavior.
• Content settings: This is where you see how your local content is displayed. You can define what happens when a video is tapped (play or open a context menu), whether song metadata, album art, synopsis, cast, or ratings are shown. This is also where you configure... scrapers (engines that download information from the internet) for movies, series and music.
• PVR and Live TV settings: These settings aren't relevant in Kodi for Android if you only use it for local content or on-demand streaming, but they are essential if you want watch live television and record programs from IPTV lists or compatible tuners.
• Service settings: This is where you configure slightly more advanced settings. From the device name to UPnP/DLNA configuration, as well as how any servers you create will work (for example, serving your library to other computers). You also activate the remote control via HTTPThis is essential if you're going to manage Kodi from Kore or other apps.
• Interface settings: From changing the language to changing the skin, including deciding whether to use a screensaver, what the home screen is, or how the menus are displayed. You can adjust font sizes, the layout of elements, and enable or disable sections of the main menu.
• Skin settings: Skins are different themes that you can download and use to change the look of Kodi. Here you can install new skins, modify colors, fonts, animations, transparencies, and other visual details to create a more personalized experience.
• Profile settings: Your user settings. You can add as many profiles as you want if you share the device, define which libraries each user sees, and Protect with PIN Access, something very useful if there are minors at home.
• System settings: Here are the more technical parameters: number of sound channels, audio output, mouse and keyboard support, network buffer settings, screen resolution, refresh rate, as well as options for manage add-ons and its automatic update.
• System information: If for any reason you want to read the privacy policy, check CPU load, memory usage, available space, or network details, you have it all in one place here.
• Event log: A log of changes and events that shows what's happening: add-on installations, playback errors, updates, etc. It's useful when something goes wrong and you want to find the cause.
• File Browser: A traditional file explorer for moving and modifying whatever you need. Its main advantage is that you don't need to leave the app to access your local content and, for example, move it from one folder to another or add new fonts.

How do I set up Kodi for Android?

When you open the app, you've most likely seen the message "Your collection is empty." Now it's time to allow Kodi for Android to access your files for later playback. Swipe on your preferred category on the left (Movies, TV Shows, Music, etc.) and tap the " Enter Files" button.

You'll now be in File Explorer. The idea is to find the folder containing, for example, your music. Click on Add music… and in the new menu, click on Browse . You'll need to navigate to the location of your music and click OK once you're there. Once you've done that, you can edit the name for this content source and then click OK at the bottom to add it. A notification will appear asking you to confirm the process. Click Yes. The process will be displayed in the upper right corner, and once it's complete, you'll have added the source.

Click on the folder you have added and choose any song. If it plays, congratulations, you've added everything without a hitch. You can continue browsing Kodi for Android while the music is playing. From now on, when you access the main menu, the music category will show the artists, albums, categories ... Everything will be more within reach.

From here, you simply repeat this process for each Kodi category, specifying where the content to play is located. If you no longer need a category (for example, Video Clips), hover over it and use the " Remove this item" button in the main menu . It will disappear and no longer clutter your screen, freeing up space on the interface. You can restore the categories from the Settings if you wish.

In addition to your local folders, Kodi lets you add network locations such as SMB (Windows), NFS, FTP, WebDAV, or UPnP servers. This way, you can centralize your library on a NAS or PC and play everything from your Android phone, tablet, or TV without having to duplicate files.

Add-ons for Kodi: what they are and how they work

Once you've done all this, you'll be more or less ready for smooth local video playback. Next up is streaming, and this is where add-ons come in , whose name already gives us a clue as to what they are. They are add-ons, components that attach to Kodi for Android to enhance its functionality. In their most basic form, we have language add-ons, like the one you download to use Kodi in Spanish. But they are more than that.

On the Kodi home screen, one of the categories on the left is Add-ons . Hover over it. You'll see several categories and even some apps you have installed on your phone. If you tap on an app, it will open. What we want to do is tap on Add-ons again in the left-hand menu to start configuring everything.

On the new screen, hover over the desired category. In this tutorial, we'll use the Video Add-ons category . Click on Enter Add-ons Browser . A long list of folders will appear, so it's best to know what you're looking for before you get here. Keep in mind that some add-ons may also have regional restrictions, especially those for TV channels.

For example, search for the YouTube add-on . Tap it in the list, and on the new screen, tap the Install button in the bottom right corner. This will take you back to the previous list, and the installation will begin. You'll see the progress through notifications in the top right corner, and once it's installed, you'll see a new checkmark next to the YouTube name.

Now return to the main add-ons screen and you'll see the YouTube add-on you just installed. Tap it and complete the language settings . On the next screen, you'll see folders corresponding to YouTube categories , including one for Signing In. If you go to Trending, you can tap a video to play it instantly. Wait a few seconds and you'll see it play within Kodi. In the Settings folder , you can choose more options, such as playback quality, audio-only playback, subtitle settings, auto-remove from Watch Later, and more.

Once you've seen one, you've seen them all. All add-ons are installed using this method , and they all have a similar interface. Ideally, you should look for the main streaming services so you can play them seamlessly within Kodi.

In addition to the add-ons from the official repository, there are also third-party add-ons that further expand Kodi's capabilities, including:

• Video on demand services (Netflix, Disney+, Max, DAZN, Filmin, Movistar Plus+, etc.).
• Free platforms like Pluto TV or FAST channels.
• Extensions for Plex and other media servers.
• Subtitling tools, synchronization, lyrics downloads, etc.
• PVR/IPTV Add-ons to watch DTT using M3U lists and record programs.

To maintain a smooth experience, it is advisable to install only the add-ons you actually use , check if they are up to date, and remove those you no longer need or that continuously cause errors.

Repositories: how to find even more add-ons

Following the steps in the previous category, you've undoubtedly seen that there are a ton of add-ons to choose from—enough to get lost in the options. But what if you want more? The answer lies in repositories. These are collections of add-ons curated by third parties and are independent of Kodi. One of the most popular is SuperRepo, and it might be the only one you need to install if you want an extra feature. You can install others, of course, but it's advisable to avoid repositories of dubious origin for security and legal reasons.

Go to Kodi Settings and open File Explorer . Select Add source from your internal storage or SD card and tap <None> on the next screen. Type http://srp.nu and tap OK. Name it SuperRepo on the following screen and tap OK. Return to the Add-ons category and tap the first icon in the top left corner, the one that looks like an open box. This is the Add-ons Explorer menu.

In the new menu, tap on Install from .zip file and, in the notification, tap on Settings . Enable Unknown sources to allow the installation of third-party add-ons. Tap back and tap on Install from .zip file again. You will now see a list, including the SuperRepo file. It will appear under the name you gave it when you downloaded it from File Explorer. Tap it and select your Kodi version's folder. Open it and tap on Repositories , then on SuperRepo. There you will find the zip file to install. Select it and tap OK.

When the process is complete, a notification will appear in the upper right corner. Now, in the Add-on Explorer, select the " Install from repository" option . Select "SuperRepo Repositories" and then go to " Add-on Repository." Select "SuperRepo All" and install it. Return to the " Install from repository" menu , and you'll see a new folder called "SuperRepo All" containing all the add-ons from this repository, ready for you to install and use.

Each external repository you add functions as an additional "store" for plugins . From a security and stability standpoint, it is recommended to:

• prioritizing official or reputable repositories in the community
• Check opinions of other users before installing unknown add-ons.
• Uninstall repositories you no longer use to reduce potential conflicts.

How to find the best Kodi add-ons for Android

If you hover over the Add-ons category on the main screen , you'll see that this menu has its own categories at the top. The last option is Search , which allows you to easily and directly find the add-ons you're looking for. It's the simplest method if you know what you want. Additionally, Kodi 's website offers a selection of legal add-ons organized by category, which is much easier to use. You can also explore the Kodi Wiki by category.

Beyond the basic search, there are some criteria that will help you choose good video add-ons to watch movies and series on Android:

• Check if the add-on is in the official repository or in a known one.
• Review the date of last update and the installed version.
• Read the description to find out what type of content does it offer and where he gets it from.
• Check if it allows configure subtitlesimage quality and user account.

There is also a very broad ecosystem of lists and guides for add-ons maintained by communities specializing in Kodi, where add-ons for movies and series are compiled in both Spanish and other languages, with indications of their compatibility with the latest versions of the program.

How to use Kodi with Chromecast

Kodi for Android falls short in one area: there's no direct Chromecast integration within the official app. This is the only thing missing for seamless streaming of your content. However, there are ways to send content to Chromecast using Kodi:

• Use Google Home: Using the built-in Cast screen and audio to Chromecast option from the Google Home app, you can seamlessly cast content from Kodi. It is not an optimal option, since it depends on the power of your device and will force you to have the screen turned on. However, if you have an old mobile to dedicate only to using Kodi for Android, it is an option to consider.
• Use LocalCast for Chromecast: With this free app from the Play Store You can use a couple of shortcuts to use Kodi with Chromecast. The idea is to download an XML file and paste it into the Kodi folder for Android. This will cause the Kodi app to launch at the same time as Kodi, thus integrating it with Chromecast. It's best to do this from a computer and connect your phone via USB. Here are the steps:

1. Download LocalCast from the Play Store on your mobile.
   
   

   

   downloadDownload QR-Code

   LocalCast: Broadcast to TV

   Developer: Stefan Hurzlmeier

   Price: Free
2. Download the file playercorefactory.xml from this link.
3. Copy the XML file to the path Android > Data > org.xbmc.kodi > files > .kodi > userdata on your mobile phone.
4. Make sure to open the LocalCast app once and test that it works fine.

The next time you open Kodi and play a file, LocalCast should pop up at the same time. Select your Chromecast , and playback will begin on your TV.

Other details of Kodi for Android

• On the home screen, if you tap the fourth button from the top left that appears while playing content, the screen will switch to a full-screen player. A single tap will turn the screen black, allowing you to... save battery on OLED screens.
• To access the playlist, enter the corresponding category and click on the button. Options bottom left. You will see the option Go to playlist.
• When in doubt, there are many online communities dedicated to add-ons, which are considered the lifeblood of Kodi. For example, this is the reddit communitywhere lists, news and solutions to common problems are shared.
• You can add add-ons and content to favoritesThis way you'll have them at your fingertips in the home screen's favorites menu, very practical for your most used channels or services.
• Application Kore It's great for using as a remote control for Kodi installed on other devices, such as your Android TV, allowing you to control playback, navigate menus, and even type from your mobile keyboard.
• There are services of VPNs optimized for streaming and KodiThese features help improve privacy, bypass certain geographical restrictions, and protect your connection when using public networks. It's always best to choose reputable providers with good logging policies and multi-platform support.
• We're talking about a product with many options. If you ever "break" something, don't worry, it's easy. restore Kodi to its initial state by reinstalling the app and deleting the data folder, or by using backup tools available as add-ons.
• Although we haven't mentioned them much, there are features for watching television. For example, you can watch DTT channels with Kodi using IPTV lists and compatible PVR clients.

Here's how you can watch movies and TV shows on Kodi from Android

In today's market, with so much content available, Kodi has established itself as one of the best solutions for centralizing movies and TV shows on Android. It achieves this through two main methods: your own local files and specialized video add-ons.

One of the simplest ways is to play local files . This means you can play any multimedia content stored on your hard drive, USB drive, or local network. From the Videos > Files > Add videos > Browse section , you can navigate and play these files directly on the platform, keeping your collection organized and accessible with cover art, synopses, and metadata if you configure scrapers.

The most powerful way to watch movies and TV shows on Kodi is through video add-ons . These are small programs you can install to add new features. They can provide access to streaming services, content libraries, online radio, and more. Without them, Kodi functions like an empty container with no direct access to specific content.

While there are many add-ons available for Kodi, not all of them deliver the best experience. Some rely on external services that may stop working, others require premium accounts (like Real-Debrid or other linking services), and some are subject to geographical restrictions. Therefore, it's important to choose add-ons that are well-maintained and have a good reputation.

To get the most out of it, it's worth spending a few minutes on:

• Adjust the video quality by default depending on your connection.
• Setup automatic subtitles in your preferred language.
• Activate the use of hardware acceleration if your device supports it correctly.

How to install add-ons on Kodi to watch movies and TV shows

To get the best experience with Kodi, you need to download and install the appropriate add-ons . It's a simple process that will allow you to unlock the full potential of this platform on your Android device.

Open Kodi and go to the main menu. Click the gear icon to access Settings , then select System . Navigate to the Add-ons section and enable Unknown sources if you plan to install add-ons from sources other than the official Kodi repository. This will allow you to install add-ons from sources other than the Kodi repository.

Return to the main menu and select Add-ons , then choose Install from ZIP file for external add-ons or Install from repository for official ones. Browse your device's storage to find the ZIP file of the add-on you want to install, or choose the appropriate category in the repository and search for the desired name. Once you select it, Kodi will begin the installation automatically.

This flexible system makes Kodi adaptable to all types of users , from those who just want to integrate YouTube and a couple of subscription services to those who need a media center capable of managing huge libraries and live television.

Best legal and useful add-ons for watching content on Kodi

Thanks to add-ons, you can transform Kodi into the ultimate tool not only for watching local media but also for accessing various video streaming services . Without installing any additional applications, you can use it to watch popular platforms, broadcast television, radio, or even manage other media servers.

Netflix

To get Netflix on Kodi, simply access the add-on available on GitHub and download the version that corresponds to your installed Kodi version . Once installed using the "Install from .zip file" option, just log in with your active account to access the entire Netflix catalog directly from Kodi. This add-on integrates the Netflix experience into your Kodi library , including profiles, lists, and recommendations, depending on the add-on version.

Disney +

To watch Disney+, you'll need to install the add-on from the SlyGuy repository . Simply add the source "http://k.slyguy.xyz/" (without the quotes) to your file explorer, install the repository from the resulting ZIP file, and then install the Disney+ add-on from that repository. Naturally, you'll need a Disney+ subscription to access its content with your credentials.

Max

To get Max on Kodi, you repeat the steps for the SlyGuy repository. Once you configure the source and repository, install the corresponding add-on and log in with your Max credentials . From then on, you'll have access to the platform's entire catalog, integrating series, movies, and original content into the Kodi interface.

DAZN

You can also access DAZN without leaving Kodi. The process is very similar: you need to install a compatible repository, such as the one available in the kodinerds community, and then install the DAZN add-on from there. To complete the process, simply enter your subscription username and password. These types of add-ons are particularly sensitive to platform changes, so it's advisable to keep them updated.

Pluto TV

To access Pluto TV through Kodi, you need to download the corresponding repository from the SlyGuy repository . Simply add the source http://k.slyguy.xyz to install it. Since it's a free, fast platform , you don't need to enter a username and password, making it a great option for watching themed channels and on-demand content at no cost.

The film

Another platform you can watch on Kodi is Filmin. You can do this using a free add-on developed by the community. The installation process is simple: add a source to Kodi with the address provided by the developer, for example, "https://kodi.pabloferreiro.es" , install the add-on from a ZIP file, and configure it with your Filmin user credentials. This add-on allows access to all the basic functions of the official application and offers additional advantages, such as integration with the Kodi interface and library.

Movistar Plus+

You can also access Movistar Plus+ without leaving Kodi. To do this, you need to download and install two files from GitHub: “plugin.video.movistarplus” and “script.module.ttml2ssa” . Once installed using the “Install from .zip file” option and configured with your Movistar Plus+ username and password, you can access the entire platform's catalog from a single location.

plex

Kodi offers the option to integrate Plex as an add-on, allowing you to access content stored on your Plex server without leaving the Kodi interface. To do this, simply locate and install the appropriate add-on (such as Composite or other Plex integrations available in the repositories) and have an active Plex account to log in and sync your media library.

YouTube

The YouTube add-on, available from the official Kodi repository , lets you browse and play videos, as well as manage your personal account, including your playlists and subscribed channels. It also includes advanced features, such as the ability to configure ad-free playback with certain integrations, adjust the default quality , and customize your region and language.

Watch digital terrestrial television (DTT)

Another thing you can do with Kodi is watch digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels. To do this, you need to install the "PVR IPTV Simple Client" add-on from the official Kodi repository and configure it with an M3U playlist containing the desired channels.

A recommended option is to use the list provided by TDTChannels , available on GitHub, which offers access to multiple television and radio channels in Spain. Once configured, Kodi will display the channel list in its interface, allowing direct viewing from the application via the TV section.

Record TV shows

Furthermore, Kodi can be used for something as useful as recording television programs . As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to install the "PVR IPTV Simple Client" add-on to watch DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) through IPTV lists, such as the one provided by TDTChannels.

Next, to enable the recording function, you need to download and install the "IPTV Recorder" add-on from its GitHub repository. Once both add-ons are configured, Kodi will allow you to schedule recordings and store TV programs in your chosen location, turning your Android TV or box into a small home PVR.

With all these possibilities, a mobile phone, tablet or TV with Android and Kodi can become a much more complete multimedia center than many commercial set-top boxes , with the added benefit of being free, open and highly customizable.

I've talked about Kodi many times, an essential application that I always have installed on my Smart TV, as well as on devices like Chromecast and other media centers. One of Kodi's greatest strengths is its add-ons, and this time we've reviewed some of the most notable ones for playing multimedia content from various sources.

Over time, we've discussed various types of Kodi add-ons, but some clearly stand out for their usefulness. These plugins significantly expand the application's capabilities and allow legal access to a wide variety of content from multiple platforms, without you having to switch between apps on your Android device.

This entire ecosystem, combined with the robustness of the project, makes using Kodi as an application to watch movies and series on Android one of the best decisions if you are looking for a flexible, durable multimedia center that evolves over time.