Kodi is a free, open-source media center that runs on almost anything, including the Amazon Fire TV Stick. On a Firestick it’s most useful as a clean home for your own media library, and, with the right add-on, as a player for your IPTV subscription. This guide covers installing the official version safely, then connecting an IPTV playlist.
Which Kodi Version to Install
As of October 2026, the newest finished release is Kodi 21.3 “Omega,” published in December 2025 as a bug-fix update to the 21.x line. A newer version, Kodi 22 “Piers,” is still in beta testing, with Beta 2 released in September 2026. Betas are meant for testing, so for everyday viewing on your Firestick, stick with 21.3 Omega. You can find the current builds on the official Kodi download page.
Only Use the Official Kodi
Kodi itself is legal, free software. The risk comes from unofficial “builds” and add-ons from unknown sources, which are a common way for malware and tracking to reach your device. Download Kodi only from the official Kodi site, and avoid pre-packaged builds. Our IPTV account security guide explains why this matters.
Step 1: Allow Apps From Unknown Sources
Kodi’s own installation guide notes that all Fire TV products allow sideloading, so no modification of the device is needed. You do need to switch on the permission first. Go to Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options and enable Apps from Unknown Sources. Menu names vary slightly between Fire OS versions, and on newer versions the permission is granted per app, for example for the Downloader app you will use next.
Step 2: Install the Downloader App
Search for Downloader in the Amazon Appstore and install it. It works as a simple browser that can fetch an app file and start the installation.
Step 3: Download the Kodi APK
Open Downloader and go to the official Kodi download page, then choose the Android download. Fire TV runs an Android-based system, so you need the Android file. Most Fire TV Sticks use the 32-bit ARMv7a build, but check the notes on the download page for your model. Make sure you are downloading from kodi.tv and not from a mirror.
Step 4: Install and Open Kodi
When the download finishes, select Install, then Open. Kodi will take a moment to set itself up the first time. If you ever update Kodi, install the newer file over the old one, which keeps your settings. Kodi’s team recommends backing up your user data first.
Connect Your IPTV Subscription
Kodi plays IPTV through an official add-on called PVR IPTV Simple Client. To install it, go to Settings > Add-ons > Install from repository > PVR clients, choose PVR IPTV Simple Client, and install it. Then open its settings:
Add the Playlist
In the General settings, set the location to Remote path and enter your M3U playlist link in the M3U play list URL field. This is the same link described in our guide to setting up Shamel TV with M3U or Xtream Codes.
Add the Program Guide
In the EPG settings, set the location to Remote path and enter your guide link in the XMLTV URL field. To understand what the guide does, read our EPG explainer.
Restart Kodi, and your channels should appear under the TV section. IPTV Simple Client works with an M3U link. If your provider gave you Xtream Codes details instead, ask for the M3U version of your login.
Is Kodi the Best Way to Watch IPTV on a Firestick?
Kodi is flexible, but it isn’t built mainly for live IPTV. Dedicated players are usually faster to browse and simpler to set up. If live channels are your main goal, see our comparison of IPTV player apps. Kodi makes more sense if you also want a media library and add-ons in one place.
Keep Your Firestick Running Smoothly
Kodi can use a lot of memory on older sticks. If it stutters, clear its cache and close other apps. Our Firestick buffering guide covers the device-side fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kodi legal?
Yes, Kodi is legal, open-source software. What matters is the content and add-ons you use with it, so stick to legitimate sources.
Why can’t I find Kodi in the Amazon Appstore?
Availability can vary. The official method described in Kodi’s guide is to download the Android file and sideload it, which works on all Fire TV products.
Will installing Kodi erase my other apps?
No. It installs alongside your other apps and does not change them.
Should I install Kodi 22 beta?
Not for daily use. Beta versions can contain bugs, so wait for the final release.
With Kodi installed, you can add your IPTV playlist in a few minutes. See the Shamel TV channel list for what’s available, or browse more guides on the Shamel TV blog.
