Installing Kodi on Smart TVs

Kodi stands out as one of the most comprehensive and popular multimedia managers available today. Being a completely free application, the user base downloading Kodi has significantly increased in recent years. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to install Kodi on a Smart TV.

For additional information on Kodi installation, a tutorial is available for installing this application on PC, mobile, and Android TV. Moreover, when utilizing Kodi, understanding the best addons for this app can be immensely helpful.

Installing Kodi on an Android TV Smart TV

The installation process for Kodi on a Smart TV is quite simple. However, it’s essential to consider the type and model of the TV, as the installation process varies for different brands.

For Smart TVs operating on Android TV:

• Begin by accessing Google Play from the Android TV device.

• Next, search for Kodi among the available applications in the store.

• Once located, proceed with the installation of Kodi and wait for it to complete.

• To enable installation from unknown sources, navigate to General Settings on the Smart TV and access the Security section to enable the Unknown Sources option.

• With permissions enabled, the application can now be installed in APK format.

• At this point, the application is ready for use, allowing you to start enjoying its features.

• Lastly, install your favorite addons or plugins.

Installing Kodi on Smart TV WebOS (LG)

LG Smart TVs operate on WebOS, a Linux-based operating system, differing from Android. The compatibility of available applications is limited. To use Kodi on WebOS, follow these steps:

• Ensure your smartphone/tablet and Smart TV are connected to the same network.

• Download and install Kodi from the Google Play Store on your Android device.

• Now, you can use Chromecast on your Android device via Google Play.

• After installing both applications, establish a connection between the Smart TV and the mobile device using Google Chromecast.

• Open the Kodi application on your mobile device, select the content to view, and click on Screen Mirroring.

• This initiates casting, displaying everything from your mobile screen on your TV.

Installing Kodi on Smart TV TizenOS (Samsung)

Similar to LG TVs with WebOS, Samsung Smart TVs run on TizenOS, a Linux-based OS different from Android. Due to limited compatibility, using Kodi on a Samsung TV involves the following steps:

• Ensure both your Android mobile device and Smart TV are connected to the same network.

• Access Google Play and search for the Kodi application for installation.

• Next, download and install Chromecast on your Android device.

• Connect your mobile device to your Smart TV via Chromecast, if both are compatible.

• Launch the Kodi application on your mobile device, initiate streaming, and cast your screen to the TV.

• This enables casting, displaying your mobile screen content on the TV.

• Sending Kodi Content to a Smart TV Using Devices

• An alternative for Smart TVs where Kodi cannot be directly installed involves streaming content through a device to view it on the TV.

• Streaming Kodi via Chromecast using the Local Cast app

• One of the commonly used methods to send content from the Kodi app to Chromecast involves using the Local Cast app. Follow these steps to install the app:

• Download the Local Cast app available in the Google Play Store.

• Upon installation, download the XML file, a critical script responsible for transmitting Kodi content to Local Cast for direct transmission to Chromecast.

• After installation, open your Android device’s file explorer; if unavailable, use the lightweight manager ASTRO, which functions effectively.

• Navigate through the file explorer to the Downloads folder and locate the recently downloaded playercorefactory.xml file. Copy and paste it into the userdata folder located at Android – Data – org.xbmc.kodi – files -kodi -userdata.

• Finally, open Kodi, select the desired content, and Local Cast will automatically cast the content to Chromecast.

• This method allows continued streaming even when the mobile screen is turned off.

Streaming Kodi via Chromecast using the Google Home app

Another way to view Kodi content on Chromecast involves directly streaming the mobile screen to the TV. Follow these steps for setup:

• Open the Google Home app on your Android device.

• Navigate to the Home menu using the house-shaped symbol at the bottom left and select the Chromecast you want to connect to.

• Select the ‘Cast my screen’ option.

• A prompt will appear, asking you to confirm ‘Cast screen.’ Select this option.

• Your mobile content will now be displayed on the Chromecast-connected TV, including any content played on Kodi.

• One drawback of this method is that if the mobile or tablet screen turns off, the connection with Chromecast will be disconnected.

Streaming Kodi using Chromecast Extension for Browser

Kodi content can also be sent to Chromecast using a computer. Follow these steps;

• Ensure both devices are on the same network:

• Open the Chrome browser.

• Access the settings menu and select ‘Cast.’

• A floating window will appear, attempting to detect Chromecast.

• Select ‘Cast desktop’ from the Sources section.

• Select the Chromecast to begin transmission, then choose the desktop and click the blue ‘Share’ button.

• This establishes a connection with Chromecast, streaming everything displayed on the computer monitor. From here, simply open Kodi to view your desired content.

Streaming Kodi via TV Box

Another alternative to stream Kodi on a Smart TV is through other devices. Some TV Boxes come with Kodi pre-installed, requiring you only to connect it to your Smart TV. Here are the steps for TV Boxes without Kodi pre-installed:

• Enable security permissions by allowing applications from unknown sources in your mobile device’s settings to install third-party apps like Kodi.

• Download Kodi using applications like Downloader or EsFile Explorer.

• After downloading, install Kodi, allowing you to access Kodi on the Smart TV using a TV Box.

Installing Kodi on Apple TV using Xcode

When your computer and Apple TV are connected, either via USB or wirelessly, install Kodi on Apple TV by creating an application using the Xcode tool with the following steps:

• Open Xcode on the computer and select ‘New Project.’

• Choose tvOS from the left panel, then select Application.

• Select ‘Single View Application’ and click ‘Next.’

• Assign a name to the application and create a unique identifier with the same name.

• Add your Apple ID; note that using a developer ID should work smoothly, but using a regular user ID might restrict the application to work for only 7 days, necessitating a repeat of the process.

• You might encounter ‘Failed to create provisioning profile.’ In such a case, two quick solutions are available:

• Change the target window for the Apple TV where Kodi will be installed.

• Modify the Bundle Identifier.

• Once the error is resolved, continue the process:

• Launch iOS App Signer. When prompted about Provisioning Profile Signing, select ‘No.’

• In the application, select the DEB file of Kodi for the ‘Input File’ field.

• Change the ‘App Display Name’ to the desired name for display in the tool.

• Signing Certificate and Provisioning Profile fields need not be modified.

• Start the process, and the App Signer tool will decompress the DEB file to create a new one. You’ll receive a notification upon completion.

• In Xcode, connect to your Apple TV from Window > Devices.

• Locate and send the IPA file you created for your Apple TV via the ‘+’ symbol in the lower-left corner.

• After completion, disconnect your Apple TV from the Mac. Your installed application should now be visible on the TV.

Installing Kodi on Apple TV using Cydia Impactor

In this method, start by creating an IPA file with the following steps:

• Decompress the Kodi DEB file. Among the extracted files, you’ll find one named ‘data.tar,’ which should also be decompressed.

• Inside the ‘data’ folder, navigate to the ‘Applications’ directory.

• Create a new folder named ‘Payload’ within the ‘Applications’ directory.

• Copy the ‘Kodi.app’ directory into the newly created ‘Payload’ folder.

• Compress the ‘Payload’ directory into a ZIP file, utilizing any file compressor supporting the ZIP format.

• Rename the compressed file with the IPA extension.

• Once the IPA file is created, proceed with installing Kodi on Apple TV:

• Download and install Cydia Impactor from its official website.

• Connect the Apple TV to the computer, ensuring iTunes is closed, and launch Cydia Impactor.

• Drag the IPA file into the tool, and when prompted, enter your Apple ID credentials.

• Wait for Cydia Impactor to complete the installation, which may take several minutes.

• Once installed, disconnect the Apple TV from the computer and test it on the Smart TV. Kodi should now be successfully installed.

Streaming Kodi to Roku TV

Another method to install Kodi on a Smart TV involves using a Roku TV. By utilizing the content mirroring feature, follow these steps:

• Install the Kodi application on your Smart TV.

• Access the Roku device’s home screen and navigate to its Settings.

• Select ‘System Update’ within the settings to update Roku to Software Build 5.2 or a higher version.

• After completing the system update, return to ‘Settings’ and choose ‘Screen Mirroring.’

• Activate ‘Screen Mirroring’ on the Roku device, then save changes by selecting ‘Accept.’ This process installs Kodi on Roku TV.

Streaming Kodi with Amazon Fire TV Stick

Amazon Fire TV Stick supports Kodi, allowing you to stream Kodi content on a Smart TV using one of these devices.

• Start by enabling security permissions in your phone settings to allow applications from unknown sources for the installation of unofficial third-party applications like Kodi.

• Download the Kodi application using tools like Downloader or EsFile Explorer.

• Once downloaded, proceed with the installation, enabling viewing of Kodi content on the Smart TV using Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Installing the Kodi application on a Smart TV involves simple steps, offering users various alternatives to stream content based on their TV type and model.

Kodi boasts a range of addons and plugins, expanding its functionality beyond its native capabilities. Thus, installing it on a Smart TV presents an excellent opportunity to leverage its full potential.