How to install Kodi on Linux – a step-by-step guide

You can often hear that Linux-powered computers lack high-end software (especially when it comes to media and entertainment). However, the developers of Kodi are dedicated to treating everyone fairly. With that said, it’s not surprising that you can take full advantage of Kodi on different Linux variations.

Due to its unique structure, installing Kodi on Linux is done via a series of commands. Of course, this is nothing strange to experienced Linux users, and the entire process is relatively easy. What you need is a trustworthy guide – and you’ve come to the right place.

Without further ado, let’s talk about how to install Kodi on Linux, as well as about a few other exciting things. One thing is for sure – by the end of this article, you’ll have your own Kodi up-and-running.

How to install Kodi on Linux

We intend to make this article as helpful as possible. Therefore, we’ll start with the basics by taking a look at the official requirements. Then, we’ll continue by telling you how to set up Kodi on Linux, as well as how to keep it always updated.

Running Kodi on Linux – official requirements

Despite being hugely powerful, Kodi doesn’t need high-end hardware. In fact, we’re sure that your computer will do the job just fine. Still, it’s always a good idea to go over the official requirements first.

• Processor: Kodi runs on both x86 and x64 processors that support SSE2 (Streaming SIMD Extensions 2). Differently said, any processor made in the last decade is capable of running Kodi.
• RAM: In general, you need to have at least 1GB of RAM to make sure your computer runs without any issues. Of course, 2GB of RAM will make everything run even better.
• Graphics: Since Kodi is a media player, it needs a GPU unit to play high-resolution video files. When it comes to the official requirements, GPUs need to support OpenGL 2.0, and they can come from Nvidia, ATI, and Intel.
• Hard drive space: Once installed, Kodi takes around 150MB of space. The upcoming Kodi 18 Leia should take only around 100MB since it comes with binary add-ons separated from the installation file.
• Operating system: lastly, you need to run Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak, 16.04 Xenial, 14.04 Trusty, or Linux Mint 17 and up.

Installing Kodi on Ubuntu Linux distributions

As you might expect, you need to fire up the Command-Line Terminal (Ctrl+Alt+T) for this task. We’ll guide you through the entire procedure by explaining the commands you need to use.

• First, enter the following command: “sudo apt-get install software-properties-common” and hit Enter;
• Then, use the following command if you want to install the latest stable build: “sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa.”
• If you’re willing to try the beta and alpha versions of Kodi, you can try other commands. For beta, use this one – “sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/unstable.” For alpha, you can enter this command – “sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/xbmc-nightly.” Once again, hit the Enter key to confirm your entry.
• Next, enter this command – “sudo apt-get update,” and hit Enter;And finally, type in this – “sudo apt-get install kodi.”
• Hit Enter once again, and Kodi will be downloaded and installed on your computer.
• That’s it!

Installing Kodi on Debian Linux Distributions

Debian distributions might not be as popular as Ubuntu. However, this isn’t the reason for us to forget fans of Debian. Here’s how you can install Kodi.

• Launch the Terminal, and use the following command – “sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list.bak.” With this command, you”ll save your “Sources.List” file which comes in handy in case of any difficulties with the installation;
• Now, use this command: “gksudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list.” You”ll be asked for the admin credentials, so make sure to go through this step carefully.
• Once the previous command executes, enter the following: “deb http://http.debian.net/debian jessie-backports main” and confirm your entry;
• We only have two more commands. First, enter this – “sudo apt-get update,” and hit the Enter key;
• Then, use this command – “sudo apt-get install kodi” and hit Enter again.
• That’s it! After a few minutes, you should have Kodi among the installed applications on your Linux computer.

How to update Kodi on Linux

In general, Kodi’s developers release incremental updates to Kodi every couple of months. And once a year, a major Kodi version gets released. Once that happens, you’ll want to know how to update Kodi.

• Open the Terminal, and use this command first – “sudo apt-get update“;
• Then, use the second command – “sudo apt-get upgrade”;
• In case of any problems with updating, you need to use this command as well – “sudo apt-get dist-upgrade” to force Kodi to install additional packages as well.

How to uninstall Kodi on Linux

Lastly, you’ll want to know how to remove Kodi from your computer. We’re sure that you’ll rarely use the following commands, but it’s nice to know them, nonetheless.

• Launch the Terminal, and type in this – “sudo apt-get update“;
• Then, use the following two commands – “sudo apt-get remove kodi*” and then this one – “sudo apt-get purge kodi*.“
• That’s all!

Never Use Kodi Without a VPN

Before we let you go, we have one final piece of advice. We strongly recommend you to use a VPN when watching or streaming media via Kodi since this is the only way to avoid potential legal problems and technical difficulties.

Kodi is known for its ability to be expanded via third-party add-ons. However, a large portion of those rely on questionable sources that might lead to copyright infringement. This is also why various ISPs throttle your Web connection when they detect you using Kodi.

Check out our list of Best VPNs for Linux

A reliable VPN will fight against ISP-imposed throttling. It will also unblock any media source online, and even better – it will completely anonymize your traffic. This means that you’ll get to use Kodi without any limitations, whatsoever.