How to Install Kodi on Roku in 2023

Roku devices are among the world's most popular media streaming devices. They are highly capable and bring tons of content while being affordably priced. Naturally, many wonder how to improve their experience by wanting to know how to install Kodi on Roku - and we're to answer all your questions.

So, let's start with the most important piece of information. Know that Kodi doesn't run on Roku natively. In other words, you can't install Kodi on Roku. However, you have the next best thing, as we'll show you a couple of reliable workarounds for playing Kodi's content on your Roku media streaming device. Let's jump right in.

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).

Can You Install Kodi on Your Roku Device?

No, there's no way to install Kodi on Roku. That's because Roku devices are a bit different when it comes to installing additional software, and therefore - they don't allow Kodi to run as a standalone application.

However, you do have a very functional workaround. We're going to recommend installing Kodi on some other device, like your Windows or macOS computer or Android or iOS phone. Then, you can use screen mirroring to cast Kodi to Roku.

In case you'd like to learn what is screen mirroring, as well as how to enable this option on your Roku, make sure to check the following segments (found just below).

What Is Screen Mirroring?

Screen mirroring involves using your computer or other devices (like a smartphone or tablet) to share content with your Roku. In other words, your device and some other device will achieve a wireless connection. What you see on your device's screen will be transferred to the other device's screen in real-time.

How to Enable Screen Mirroring on Roku?

On your Roku device, navigate to the left-placed menu and go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring. This is where you can enable screen mirroring.

How to Get Kodi on Your Roku Streaming Device

Finally, let's see how to get Kodi on your Roku media streaming device. The following guides cover screen mirroring from Android, Windows, as well as macOS/iOS.

Warning

For any screen-mirroring method to work, your "primary" device (such as your phone, tablet, or computer) and your Roku device must be on the same Wi-Fi network.

Method #1: Screen-Mirror Kodi to Roku From Android Phones & Tablets

In case you own an Android device, you’re in luck. Even couple-of-years-old smartphones and tablets can screen-mirror Kodi to Roku. However, this technology doesn’t have the same name across all manufacturers.

Tip

Depending on your Android device's brand, screen mirroring can be called Smart View, Wireless Display, SmartShare, HTC Connect, Screen Casting, or Display Mirroring. There are many different alternatives, so we recommend doing a Google search for your device.

With that said, the following guide provides general information on how to screen-mirror Kodi from your Android device to your Roku. Here are the required steps.

First, make sure to install Kodi on your Android device.
Then, turn to your Android device for the rest of this procedure.
In most cases, you need to enable screen mirroring from the 'Settings' app.
Open the Settings app on your smartphone. Then, check for any of these (or similar) options: 'Cast,' 'Connection,' 'Network,' or 'Display.'
Once you find the screen mirroring option, enable it.
After a few seconds, your Roku TV or Roku Player will appear on the list. Select it.
Roku will ask whether you’d like to approve this connection. Select 'Always accept.' That's it!

In case you'd like more detailed information on screen-casting Kodi to a TV, make sure to use the provided link. That's where you'll find a comprehensive guide on using Chromecast.

Method #2: Screen-Mirror Kodi to Roku From Windows Computers

You can also cast Kodi from your Windows PC to your Roku device. That applies to both laptops and desktop computers, so here's what you need to do.

First, make sure to install Kodi on your Windows PC.
Then, launch the Start Menu of your Windows computer or tablet.
Now pick 'Settings' and then click on 'Devices.'
From the left-positioned sidebar, click on 'Connected Devices.'
Now click on 'Add a device' in the main screen view.
You will find your Roku device in one of the available sources.

In case the above-explained method didn’t work, here's an alternative that works on recently updated Windows devices.

Open the Start Menu and click on 'Settings.'
Now go to 'Devices.'
You should see the 'Bluetooth & Other Devices' screen at this moment.
Click on the 'Add Bluetooth or other device' button.
Your PC will now scan for available devices. Hopefully, your Roku is going to be one of them.
Click on your Roku to start screen mirroring.

Finally, there’s a third way to mirror your screen on Windows devices, once again, by going to your computer's settings.

Launch the Start Menu and go to 'Settings.'
Now click on 'Display;'
Scroll down until you see a message that says 'Connect to a wireless display.' Windows’ Action Center will open on the right side of the screen. From there, pick your Roku device.

Note

Kodi runs on a wide range of devices. So, why not install it on all your devices, especially those that support screen mirroring? With that said, here's how to install Kodi on Linux, smart TV, Apple TV, Xbox, Nvidia Shield TV, Fire TV, Razer Forge TV, Raspberry Pi, and Chromebooks.

And to unleash Kodi's full power, we highly recommend installing a VPN for Kodi - which allows you to stream safely and anonymously.

Method #3: Screen-Mirror Kodi to Roku From macOS, iOS & iPadOS Devices

Late last year, Roku added support for AirPlay 2. That means now you can use your Mac, iPhone, or iPad to screen-cast Kodi to your Roku. However, this option is available on select devices only, as shown just below.

Roku Ultra
Roku Streambar
Roku Smart Soundbar
Roku Streaming Stick+
Roku Premiere
Select 4K Roku TVs

With that said, we'll first go over the instructions on how to screen-cast Kodi to a Roku device using an iPhone (iOS) or iPad (iPadOS).

First, make sure to install Kodi on your iPhone or iPad.
Then, open the Control Center on your iPhone/iPad by scrolling from the top-right corner.
Tap on 'Screen Mirroring' and then select your Roku device.
After a few moments, a code should appear on your TV. Input that code on your iPhone/iPad.
Lastly, feel free to launch Kodi and mirror its content to your Roku. That's it!

And lastly, you can also use AirPlay on your Mac computer. The following instructions are valid for macOS Big Sur, so take a look below.

Don't forget to install Kodi on your Mac.
Then, open the Control Center in the top-right corner (next to Siri's icon).
Select 'Screen Mirroring' and then pick your Roku device.
Your Mac's screen will now appear on your TV, so feel free to use Kodi. That's it!

Want to Learn More About Kodi's Features?

While we have your attention, we'd like to recommend some highly helpful articles about getting the most out of your Kodi. So, take a look below.

That would be all on how to get Kodi on your Roku device. If you have any questions in your mind, feel free to post a comment below. And lastly - thank you for reading!