How to install Kodi on Chromebook
If you’re looking to install Kodi on Chromebook, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps that you need to take to enjoy Kodi on Chromebook in no time!
The popularity of Chromebooks
Chromebooks have really grown in popularity over recent years. At first, they tended to be popular for their low price, but today’s product range includes some extremely high-end models.
You’ll find Chromebooks with the latest generation graphics and processors, all of which come with the expected price tag! The good news though is that today’s Chromebook devices are highly capable of playing HD movies and running Kodi.
Of course, each Chromebook model and configuration varies, which means too that to get Kodi on Chromebook requires a slightly different installation process each time. However, you should be able to use the steps in our guide for each model, whether or not you can use the Google Play Store.
Things to know about Kodi
In this guide where we look at Kodi Chromebook options, we’re discussing software that has been created using open source code for Kodi. However, a lot of these software packages come from publicly-available, free and unofficial third-party coders.
This means that you need to consider how you are planning to use this software. We don’t support the sharing of pirated material or the infringement of copyright law. We are providing information for our users to make the right choice for their needs and to ensure that when they install Kodi on Chromebook, they are using it in the appropriate way.
Why you need to use a VPN with Kodi
Remember that if you use a Kodi add-on it makes sense to always have a VPN installed. This is because a lot of Kodi users are choosing to play system add-ons in order to access the latest entertainment content for free. Legal Kodi add-ons tend to have less content on them, so the attraction of seeing the latest films, shows, music, and sports is obvious!
However, if you use an illegal add-on to watch pirated or copyrighted content, then you might get in trouble for copyright infringement. That’s why we recommend using a VPN. If you view Kodi content using a VPN, your identity will be kept secret and you will be anonymous. This is because the VPN will change your IP address, masking your location and identity. Additionally, a VPN service will also encrypt the data that passes between your device and the server where the content you are accessing is located.
You will also find a VPN useful for accessing geographically restricted streaming platforms through Kodi. It will let you access Netflix, Hulu, and many other resources.
An overview of how to install Kodi on Chromebook
Most Chromebook users tend to use their computers for everyday activities such as browsing, shopping online, checking email and doing simple tasks. However, the device is actually very powerful and can be made into a powerful multimedia machine capable of online streaming and playing media that is stored locally.
There are several ways to install Kodi on Chromebook models, depending on whether you have a newer device or not, and what your preferences are. We’ll run through the most common approaches for installing Kodi on your Chromebook!
How to install Kodi on Chromebook via Google Play Store
This is the easiest route as Kodi has an Android application. It tends to be available on the newer versions of Chromebook from 2015 onwards.
Simply get the Kodi application from the Google Play store and download it to run on your computer. You can then update it as new releases occur and immediately get started with the features and benefits of the software.
Other ways to install Kodi on Chromebook models
As discussed, if you have a newer model Chromebook, you should simply be able to download your Kodi Android application via the Google Play store. However, some readers may not have access to this because they are using an older model. In this instance, a more creative approach is needed!
- Update your Chromebook OSFirstly, check that you are running the newest version of Chrome OS. Your device will usually automatically download the latest update but do a manual check just to make sure. To check, go to Settings and then choose About Chrome OS. Select the option to check and apply updates and let your device do what it needs to!If for any reason this approach isn’t working, you can do the same via the Chrome browser. Open it and choose the drop-down menu on the top right-hand side to find and select Settings. Choose the About Chrome link and then follow the instructions to update to the latest OS if you need to.
- Use Arc WelderThis tool has been designed specifically to install Kodi on Chromebooks, and it’s designed with developers in mind. Arc Welder provides an extension or application for Chrome and it’s free. It’s also easy to find and download online.Now download the Kodi APK for Android. You’ll find it on the official website for Kodi. Simply visit the website and click the Download button to see different versions and platforms for the software. Choose the right one for you and then download it.Launch Arc Welder, using its simple interface which has a big + icon. Click this and find the APK file that you previously downloaded to your Chromebook, clicking Open. Then install Kodi using Arc Welder, which will need a little bit of time. You’ll see the Kodi overview when it’s ready and you can select Test to check that it is correctly installed.Now that you have Kodi Chromebook ready, you can begin to use it. It will take several minutes to get started and launch when you first open it, so don’t worry if things seem slow. This is the route to take if you opt to run Kodi with Arc Welder. You’ll need to choose this app each time you plan to use Kodi.
How to on Chromebook using the Kodi extension
You can also use the Kodi extension to run your new home theatre. Again, make sure you are running Kodi through the Arc Welder software, and that you have downloaded the APK file and carried out testing. Then, switch the APK into a Chrome extension.
Do this by heading to Google Chrome and choosing the More button, before scrolling to find More tools. Click Extensions and then look for Developer mode – enable it. You can then choose to allow to load unpacked extensions. From here, look for the downloaded/exported Arc Welder APK file for Kodi. It will probably be named something like “apk export.”
Click on this file, and then Chrome will automatically begin to import Kodi and view it as an extension, allowing you to use it in the same way as other Android applications.
From here you can choose to customize your Kodi view and to adjust the settings to fit your needs – but we will talk about this in another blog!
In summary
There are different ways to get Kodi on Chromebook, regardless of which brand or device you have. A little time and persistence will get you to the content you want to see – just remember to use a VPN when you do so to retain that precious anonymity!