How to Install Kodi on Linux in 2023

One of the amazing things about Kodi is that it offers a native application for different Linux flavors. What that means is that Linux users have another strong tool in their arsenal, allowing them to store and play media files. The only question is - how to install Kodi on Linux?

Don't worry, as TechNadu's team is here with a step-by-step guide. However, even before you get to install Kodi on your Linux machine, think about which version of the application you'd like to install. Take a look just below for more information.

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).

Requirements for Running Kodi on Linux

Only a small percentage of Linux users won’t be able to use this application. This is because Kodi is a lightweight software that doesn’t require highly powerful specs. So, let’s go over the official requirements of running Kodi on Linux.

CPU: Any x86 and x64 processor that supports SSE2.
RAM: You need to have 1GB of RAM to run Kodi. However, it is recommended to have at least 2GB of RAM to ensure smooth performance.
Graphics: You can count on running Kodi if your computer has a GPU unit made in the last ten years. This includes graphics cards from AMD/ATI, Nvidia, and Intel. The basic requirement is that your GPU supports OpenGL 2.0 or later. However, it’s advisable to have a newer GPU if you plan on playing Full HD movies or 4K video files.
Drive Space: Kodi’s installation file takes around 200MB of drive space. Note that you’ll need to have plenty of free space if you plan on importing movies and other files locally. If you plan on streaming movies, you don’t need more than 1GB of free space to ensure proper performance.
Operating System: The latest version of Kodi requires Ubuntu 16.10 Yakkety Yak, 16.04 Xenial, 14.04 Trusty, or Linux Mint 17.

How to Install Kodi on Your Linux Computer

Now, we're going to dive into setting up the world's most popular home theater software. You can install Kodi on Linux in one of the following two ways.

Method #1: Install Kodi on Linux Mint & Ubuntu
Method #2: Install Kodi on Linux Debian

Method #1: Install Kodi on Linux Mint & Ubuntu

First, we are going to talk about how to install Kodi on Linux, based on Ubuntu and Mint.

First, we need to open the Terminal window. The easiest method is to use the following keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + T.
Once the Terminal window is active, copy the following line: 'sudo apt-get install software-properties-common.' Hit 'Enter' and input for your password.
Now copy the following line: 'sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa.' Hit 'Enter.'

After a couple of seconds, copy this command: 'sudo apt-get update.' Hit 'Enter.'
Finally, use this code to finish the process: 'sudo apt-get install kodi.' Press 'Enter' once again.
At one point, you will be asked whether you want to proceed with the installation. There will be two possible answers: Y (for Yes) and N (for No). Press Y and hit 'Enter' again.

Kodi will now be downloaded from the Web and installed locally.
Once the process is successfully completed, feel free to quit the Terminal window. Kodi should now be located within your locally installed applications.

As you can see, you can install Kodi on Linux by using a few lines of commands. To make it easier for you to copy and paste these commands, we will list them below this paragraph. Remember that after inputting a command, you need to press 'Enter' for that command to be activated.

sudo apt-get install software-properties-common
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install kodi

Method #2: Install Kodi on Linux Debian

Let's not forget that there are different Linux flavors out there. Here's how to install Kodi on Linux Debian.

First, it’s wise to make a backup copy of the 'sources.list' file. Open the Terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T) and paste the following code: 'sudo cp /etc/apt/sources.list /etc/apt/sources.list.bak.' Hit 'Enter,' provide your password, and hit 'Enter' once again.
Now run this command: 'gksudo gedit /etc/apt/sources.list.' Hit 'Enter, and then provide your credentials to proceed.
Add the following line: 'deb http://http.debian.net/debian jessie-backports main.' Save and close this file. Now, we need to update the local package index and finally install Kodi on Linux.
In the terminal, use the following command: 'sudo apt-get update.' Hit 'Enter' and paste: 'sudo apt-get install kodi.' Confirm your command.
Kodi will now be downloaded and installed. Once the process is completed, this application will be placed among your locally installed applications.

Just after you install Kodi on Linux, we recommend running a couple of commands to install files that might be required. Even if you already have audio and video codecs, it’s always a good idea to reinstall those and avoid potential problems with Kodi.

Install the Suggested Addons and Codecs: 'sudo apt-get install -–install-suggests kodi.'
Update PVR clients: 'sudo apt-get install kodi-pvr-mythtv.'
Add IPTV Simple: 'sudo apt-get install kodi-pvr-iptvsimple.'
Add AirPlay functionality: 'sudo apt-install shairplay.'

Note

If you don't wanna miss enjoying Kodi, then install it on all the devices you have. Follow these guides for help - Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Roku, Smart TV, Apple TV, Xbox, Nvidia Shield TV, Razer Forge TV, Raspberry Pi, and Chromebook.

On the other hand, we highly recommend you install a VPN on Kodi to hide your IP address and stay private while you stream movies, tv shows, anime, etc on Kodi.

Want to Learn More About Kodi's Features?

After you install Kodi on your Linux computer, you'll probably wonder what to do next. So, we've prepared a set of useful guides, teaching you more about using Kodi.

Dear Kodi fans, this is where we end our guide on how to install Kodi on Linux. In case you have any questions, don't hesitate to post a comment below. And finally - thank you for reading!