Electronics

How to Install Kodi on Chromebook in 2024

By Novak Bozovic / April 8, 2022

During the last couple of years, Chromebooks became increasingly capable devices. Today, they run a wide range of apps, including Android and even Linux applications. And, of course, Kodi is available as well. So, in case you want to run the world's most popular home theater app, let us teach you how to install Kodi on a Chromebook.

Considering the rapid development of Chrome OS, we made sure to update this guide for this year, bringing you up-to-date installation methods. However, we have an important announcement for you, so make sure to read the following segment carefully.

ATTENTION

Kodi 19 ‘Matrix’ is the latest available major version of the application (Kodi 19.1, Kodi 19.2, Kodi 19.3, and Kodi 19.4 were also released). Still, if you haven’t updated Kodi yet, know that the latest version breaks compatibility with a large number of add-ons.

You’ll need to wait for third-party developers to make their add-ons compatible with Kodi 19, which could take a while. We’ve seen some progress when it comes to add-ons from Kodi’s official repository. However, the situation is still very problematic for add-ons that come from outside Kodi’s repository.

Therefore, if you use many add-ons, stick to Kodi 18.9 for now. Keep in mind that downgrading from Kodi 19 to Kodi 18 can be a very tricky task to accomplish (even impossible in many cases).

How to Install Kodi on a Chromebook

At the moment, there are 2 reliable methods to set up Kodi on your Chromebook, depending on your computer's model. You'll want to try the following.

Method #1: Using the Google Play Store

This method can be used by the Chromebooks that have access to the Google Play Store - which means you can install Android apps. With that said, here's how to install Kodi on a Chromebook via the Play Store.

1. Launch the Play Store app on your Chromebook.

2. Select the search bar that you'll see at the top of your screen. Type in 'Kodi.'

Searching for Kodi via PlayStore on Chromebook

3. Find 'Kodi' on this list and click on its icon. 

4. Make sure to install the official app, made by the Kodi (XBMC) Foundation.

Kodi on PlayStore via Chromebook

5. Hit the green-colored 'Install' button and your Chromebook will do the rest.

6. That’s it! You should now find Kodi among the installed apps on your Chromebook.

Tip

Remember that Kodi runs on a really wide range of platforms and devices. With that said, you might want to install it on Windows and macOS. And when it comes to handheld devices, here's how to install Kodi on Android and iOS/iPadOS. Lastly, the same applies to Fire TV and Roku devices, Nvidia's Shield TV, smart TVs, and more.

Method #2: Run Kodi Though a Linux Emulator

A number of Chromebooks can now run Linux apps through an emulator. We're not talking about a third-party workaround here, as Linux apps can run on Chrome OS natively. So, here's how to install Kodi on Chrome OS using a Linux emulator.

1. First, make sure that your Chromebook can run Linux (here's the list of compatible devices).

2. Next, you need to turn on Linux. Navigate to Settings > Advanced > Developers.

3. Select 'Turn On' next to 'Linux Development Environment.'

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Linux. That should take around 10 minutes.

5. Once you're done, a Terminal window will open. That's how you'll interact with Linux.

6. Use the following command: sudo apt-get install software-properties-common.

7. Next, use this command: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa.

8. Once done, go with this command: sudo apt-get update.

9. And finally, to install Kodi, go with: sudo apt-get install kodi.

10. Pay attention to your computer's screen. Confirm if asked to continue.

11. That's it! Kodi should now be locally installed, so go ahead and open it.

Tip

If you need more detailed steps, turn to our guide on installing Kodi on Linux. You won't only find instructions for more types of Linux, but also additional commands that will come in handy should you need to troubleshoot Kodi at some point.

Want to Learn More About Kodi's Features?

While we have your attention, we'd like to make a few recommendations. To learn how to use and enhance your Kodi user experience, don't forget to check out the following articles.

Tip

We highly recommend using a VPN application alongside Kodi - and that applies to Chromebook users as well. So, check out the best VPNs for Kodi first, and then read how to set up a VPN on your Chromebook (or how to set up a VPN for Kodi).

This is where we conclude our article on how to install Kodi on any Chromebook. In case you have anything to add, feel free to post a comment. Let’s exchange ideas and help each other with technical difficulties. Lastly - thanks for reading!



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