How do I set up Kodi for the first time?

Install Kodi from the official kodi.tv site or an official store, then add your media sources under Videos, Files, Add videos. Set each folder's content type (Movies or TV Shows) so Kodi scrapes artwork and metadata. That builds a proper library on one device — no account or server needed, unlike Plex or Jellyfin.

How do I add my own films and TV to Kodi?

Go to Videos, Files, Add videos, and browse to your folder on the device or a network share (SMB, NFS). Name it, then choose 'This directory contains' Movies or TV shows so Kodi fetches metadata. Clean file naming — 'Title (Year)' and 'Show S01E02' — makes matching accurate, exactly as with other media apps.

Are Kodi add-ons safe to install?

Add-ons from the official Kodi repository are safe and vetted. The risk comes from third-party or unofficial repositories, which can carry malware, break with updates or provide illegal streams. For a stable, secure Kodi, install only from the built-in official repository and avoid 'builds' or unofficial repo URLs entirely.

How do I install an official Kodi add-on?

From the home screen open Add-ons, then the box icon (Install from repository), choose the Kodi Add-on repository, pick a category, and install what you need. These come from Kodi's own vetted repository. Avoid anything that asks you to enable Unknown Sources for a third-party repo, which is where problems start.

Does Kodi need a powerful device?

No. Because Kodi plays files directly with broad codec support, it runs well even on modest or older hardware — a cheap streaming box or Raspberry Pi is fine for local playback. There is no server-side transcoding to worry about, so hardware demands are far lower than a Plex or Jellyfin server under load.

Kodi Setup Guide 2026: Library and Official Add-ons

To set up Kodi, install it from the official site, add your media folders under Videos and set each as Movies or TV Shows so it scrapes metadata, then extend it only with add-ons from the official repository. Kodi runs entirely on one device — no server or account — and its golden safety rule is to avoid third-party repos. This guide covers the basic setup, building a local library, and adding safe official add-ons. For the full app assessment, see our Kodi review.

The Kodi home screen during setup with the Videos and Add-ons menus — Setting up Kodi — build a local library and add only official-repo add-ons.

Before You Start

Kodi is self-contained — no server, no account. You just need the device and your media:

Requirement	Detail
Device	Fire TV, Android TV, PC, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi
Install source	Official kodi.tv or an official app store only
Media	Local drive or network share (SMB/NFS)
Hardware	Modest — local playback is light
Add-ons	Official Kodi repository (built in)

Step-by-Step

Install Kodi. Download it only from kodi.tv or an official store — never a “build” or preloaded version. On Fire TV it may need sideloading.
Add your media sources. Go to Videos → Files → Add videos, and browse to your folder on the device or a network share. Give it a name.
Set the content type. Choose “This directory contains” Movies or TV Shows so Kodi scrapes artwork and metadata. Clean names (Title (Year), Show S01E02) match best.
Let it scan. Kodi builds a library with posters and descriptions, just like other media apps.
Install official add-ons. Open Add-ons → Install from repository → Kodi Add-on repository, and add legitimate services, PVR backends or utilities. Use only the official repository.
Optionally set a skin. Install a skin from the official repository to reshape the interface for your remote.

The Kodi official repository add-on browser — Install add-ons only from the official Kodi repository — avoid third-party repos entirely.

A Note on Add-on Safety

Kodi’s reputation problems come entirely from third-party add-ons, not Kodi itself. Unofficial repositories can carry malware, break on updates, and provide illegal streams. Our firm rule: install Kodi from the official site and use only the built-in official repository. If a guide tells you to enable “Unknown Sources” and paste a repo URL, stop — that’s the path to trouble. Kodi is a legitimate, legal media centre when used this way.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
No metadata/artwork	Content type not set	Set folder as Movies/TV; clean file names
Can’t see network share	Wrong path/credentials	Re-add via SMB/NFS with correct login
Add-on won’t install	Third-party repo/version	Use only the official repository
Playback stutters	Underpowered device / codec	Use a certified device; check the file
Interface hard to navigate	Default skin	Install a remote-friendly skin

The Bottom Line

Kodi setup is simple and safe when done right: install from the official source, add your media and set the content type for clean metadata, and extend it only with official-repo add-ons. Done this way, it’s a powerful, legitimate media centre on a single screen. See the full Kodi review, compare it with a server in Kodi vs Plex, pick hardware in our best device for IPTV players guide, learn the basics in our sideloading explainer, and look up any term in the streaming glossary.