How to fix ‘Failed to install dependency’ on Kodi

If you’ve been using Kodi for a while, you may have come across this error. The “failed to install dependency error” will usually come up while you’re attempting to install a build or add-on. It can be quite frustrating as the error will prevent you from using the Kodi build or add-on.

This error is typically an indication that some dependent files were not installed alongside your Kodi build or Kodi addon. This is important as some builds or add-ons usually require these dependent files to function properly.

There are a few ways you can take care of this problem so you won’t be left stranded.

But be careful: you may be putting yourself at risk by using Kodi without a VPN. Because VPNs can hide your IP address (and encrypt your communications), you can make sure your online activity and identity remains protected while enjoying Kodi.

Method #1: rebuild your Kodi database

Kodi can sometimes malfunction even when you haven’t taken any recent actions. This method helps to fix the error by rebuilding your database file. The following steps should help you rebuild your database and clear any errors if Kodi failed to install a dependency.

1. Launch Kodi as an Admin
2. Navigate to the top left corner and click the Gear (settings) icon.
3. Click the File Manager button at the top of the screen.
4. Navigate to the left corner of the Kodi screen and double-click on Profile Directory
5. Open the Database folder
6. From within the folder, locate the Addon27.db file. Right-click on the file and select the Delete option.
7. Confirm to delete if prompted to completely delete the file.
8. Click the Power button at the top of your screen and select the exit button to close Kodi.
9. Wait a few minutes and launch Kodi again. 

These steps should ideally help you resolve your “failed to install dependency” error and let you continue using Kodi again. However, if you still experience this error, you should try any of the additional steps below.

Method #2: install your Kodi dependencies manually

If you’re still experiencing this error, you might also be able to find relief by manually installing Kodi dependencies using the following steps.

1. Run Kodi as an Admin and click on the gear icon in the top left corner.
2. Open File Manager
3. Navigate to the left side of the screen and double-click on Add Source.
4. Enter the path URL or browse your computer for media location. For instance, if you’re trying to use the TV add-on, enter this URL (http://fusion.tvaddons.co/) and click enter.
5. Navigate to the main menu (home page) and open the add-ons folder.
6. Locate the Open package/Mail icon from the top left and open it.
7. From the list of options available, select Install from ZIP file.
8. Open the source you recently added. In this scenario, select the TV Add-ons source or folder.
9. Locate and open the Kodi-scripts folder.
10. You should find some ZIP files within this folder. These files are the dependencies you’re looking to install. You’ll need to install all of them, so go ahead and open the first one.
11.  The dependency should install shortly and notify you of completion.
12.  Repeat Step 11 for the other dependencies and that’s it!

You should be able to fully use the add-on that required the dependencies now. Although the steps shown above were used to install the TV Addon dependencies, it is exactly the same for any other add-on dependency.

Method #3: clear your Kodi cache

When streaming a movie, for instance, your device will usually pre-buffer a bit of the video before delivering it to you. The Kodi cache is an essential part of the media player as it allows you to stream flawlessly – unless it gets full of course.

Kodi is set by default to reserve around 20MB on your computer as it caches. When this becomes full, it may affect the installation of add-ons, causing Kodi to display the “failed to install a dependency” error. The following steps will help you clear your Kodi cache and allow you to install your add-ons.

For Android and Amazon Fire Stick

1. Open your Kodi app.
2. Go to Settings.
3. From your Settings page, locate the Apps section and enter Kodi.
4. Click the Clear Cache button at the bottom of your screen and confirm. Your cache should now be cleared and you should stop getting the “failed to install dependency” error.

For Windows

Since Kodi developers are yet to include a Clear Cache functionality in the app, you’d have to turn to third-party add-ons for help. The following illustration requires you to install the Exodus addon before clearing your cache. Once you’ve installed the addon, you can use the following steps to clear the cache.

1. Launch Kodi and allow the app fully load.
2. Navigate to your Add-ons folder and open it.
3. From your Add-ons folder, open Exodus.
4. Locate the main menu and click on Tools.
5. From your Tools Menu, you can clear your cache and even search history.
6. Restart your Kodi app and the error should have disappeared.

Method #4: reset or reinstall Kodi

The following steps should help you reset Kodi on different platforms.

Reset Kodi on Android

To reset Kodi on Android, you’ll need to:

1. Close or exit Kodi on your device if it’s currently open.
2. Go to Settings
3. Locate Preferences and click on More Settings.
4. Navigate to the Device section and click on Apps to open.
5. Find the Kodi section and open it.
6. Click on Clear Data and wait.
7. Your cache should now be cleared. You should be aware that once you clear the app data, all your add-ons, databases, customized settings, files, and accounts will be cleared off.
8. You may now relaunch Kodi to confirm everything works fine.

Reset Kodi on Windows

While it may seem that uninstalling and reinstalling Kodi should help reset the app, this may not help as some files may remain on your computer after uninstallation. In order to reset Kodi on your desktop, you should do the following.

1. Close Kodi if it’s currently open on your computer.
2. Go to the Search bar on your desktop and enter %appdata%.
3. Select the folder named %appdata% that appears in the result.
4. Locate the Kodi folder.
5. Right-click on the Kodi folder and select delete.
6. Confirm to delete the folder. This action will delete all your customizations including files, accounts, add-ons, and builds.

Closing thoughts

One of the methods detailed above should ideally help you resolve the dependency error and allow you to continue enjoying your Kodi experience. However, you should take note that your ISP or other third-parties may be monitoring your streaming or general online activity.

Even if you’re only streaming content that isn’t pirated, since many Kodi add-ons and builds can be used for piracy, you may still be at risk. The only guaranteed way of protecting yourself while on Kodi is by using a VPN.

Check out our full list of Best VPNs for Kodi.