A Complete Guide on How to Install Kodi Add-Ons

Kodi is great straight out of the box, but the add-ons (sometimes called Kodi apps) are what unlock its true potential. They turn your home screen into a powerful control center, helping you organize your media, connect streaming services, and more. If you’ve ever tried installing one, though, you probably noticed it’s not exactly plug-and-play.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help. This guide will show you how to install Kodi add-ons safely, explain which ones are worth trying, and help get your setup running smoothly in minutes.

How to Install Kodi Add-Ons: A Step-By-Step Guide

The best way to install Kodi add-ons is through trusted repository sources. A nice thing about Kodi is that its interface is identical on all devices. It doesn’t matter if you’re using macOS or Android, the steps for installing add-ons are the same. Follow the steps below to allow unknown sources, add sources, install add-ons from the repository, and finally install the add-on you want.

1. Allow Add-Ons from Unknown Sources

Kodi automatically blocks you from downloading third-party add-ons, so you’ll need to disable this security feature before you proceed.

1. Open Kodi and click the settings icon from the panel on the left.

2. Select System from the list of options.

3. Click Add-ons from the left panel, and toggle the switch beside Unknown sources to enable it.

4. Click Yes when prompted.

2. Adding Sources

A source is the online location from which Kodi pulls a repository.

1. Click the settings icon and select File manager.

2. Click Add source.

3. Select None on the pop-up window.

4. Enter the source URL for your add-on. You need the exact repository URL of the Kodi add-on you want.

3. Install a Repository

A repository stores add-ons. Developers use them to organize, manage, and update add-ons as new ones become available. To install third-party add-ons, you’ll first need access to their repository. In this tutorial, we’ll use The Crew add-on to show the process.

1. Go to the Kodi home screen and select Add-ons.

2. Select Install from zip file.

3. Select the add-on you wish to install from the left panel. Then, choose the repository you want from the dialogue box that opens and click OK.

4. Install Add-Ons from a Repository

Once the repository is installed, you can install add-ons from it.

1. Select Install from repository.

2. Choose your add-on from the pop-up box and save it to Video add-ons.

3. Click Install.

4. You can find your add-on under Video add-ons.

Are Kodi Add-Ons Legal?

Kodi itself is fully legal to own and use. However, not all third-party add-ons follow copyright laws. Some provide access to content you’re not licensed to stream, and using them can lead to legal consequences depending on your region. Always check the legality of any add-on before using it.

Are Kodi Add-Ons Safe?

Not always. Many third-party add-ons connect to external servers Kodi doesn’t control, which can expose you to security risks, like Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. Some third-party repositories still use plain HTTP, which means someone on the network could potentially interfere with files while they’re being downloaded. Kodi recommends using HTTPS for repositories and warns you when a connection isn’t secure, and the official Kodi repository now uses HTTPS. To stay safe, install add-ons only from trusted sources and use a VPN to secure your connection.

CyberGhost VPN can help keep your Kodi connection private so your ISP or snoops can’t see or tamper with your data. It encrypts your traffic and creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This encryption stops outsiders from spying on your Kodi activity or altering add-on downloads in transit.

10 Best Kodi Add-Ons

We’ve put together a list of the best Kodi add-ons based on online ratings and user reviews. If you’ve just followed our guide on how to install Kodi add-ons, it’s time to test your new skills. Here’s our list of the top 10 Kodi add-ons for streaming.

1. The Crew

The Crew is one of the most complete Kodi add-ons available. It combines movies, TV shows, live sports, IPTV, and on-demand content in one clean interface. It works with Real-Debrid, Premiumize, and Trakt for better-quality links, faster playback, and synced watchlists. The Crew updates frequently to replace broken sources, which keeps it more reliable than most all-in-one add-ons.

• • Repository URL: https://team-crew.github.io/

2. Scrubs V2

Scrubs V2 pulls content from free public sources, so you don’t need a debrid account to use it. However, because free sources are unstable, you may face buffering, broken streams, or missing content. Scrubs V2 supports Kodi 20 (Nexus) and 21 (Omega). It also offers extra features like Trakt sync, subtitles, and library integration. You can optionally configure a debrid service for better-quality links.

• • Repository URL: https://jewbmx.github.io/

3. Elementum

Elementum streams via BitTorrent (it downloads and plays content at the same time). This can help reduce buffering and improve quality if the torrent is well-seeded. But because it uses peer-to-peer sharing, your IP address is exposed to other peers in the swarm, so you should connect to a VPN when using it. Elementum comes with a built-in virtual repository, which means its updates go through its own repo.

• • Repository download: https://elementumorg.github.io/

4. Ghost

Ghost is an all-in-one Kodi add-on for movies, TV shows, live channels, and replays. It’s part of The Crew repository and updates often to keep links working. Ghost supports Kodi 20 and 21, with both free and Real-Debrid sources for better stream quality. Because it uses third-party sources, always use a VPN to stay private.

• • Repository URL: https://team-crew.github.io/
    

5. FEN/FEN Light

FEN and FEN Light are known for their clean design and fast performance. Both work best when you connect a debrid service like Real-Debrid or Premiumize. FEN Light is a trimmed-down version that runs smoothly on lower-powered devices. You’ll get quick scraping, high-quality links, and Trakt support with both.

• • Repository URL: https://fenlightanonymouse.github.io/packages/

6. Umbrella

Umbrella focuses on reliable, premium streams. It uses debrid services like Real-Debrid, AllDebrid, and Premiumize. You can also add external scrapers like CocoScrapers for more sources. It doesn’t include free links, but it makes up for that with stable, high-quality playback and fast loading. You can install Umbrella from the Umbrella Repository.

• • Repository URL: https://umbrellaplug.github.io/

7. Seren

Seren is a premium add-on made for smooth, buffer-free streaming. It only works with debrid accounts, but setup is easy once you’ve connected one. You’ll also need to install a provider package so it can find and organize links. Seren is known for its clean interface, fast playback, and consistent updates.

• • Repository URL: https://nixgates.github.io/packages/

8. The Loop

If you love to stream live sports, The Loop is one of the best Kodi add-ons to install. It includes live games, highlights, and replays across football, basketball, baseball, and more. Everything is grouped by sport and event date, so finding matches is quick and easy. Streams change often, but The Loop’s developers keep links updated.

• • Repository URL: https://loopaddon.uk/theloop

9. Free99

Free99 is a Kodi add-on that lets you stream movies, TV shows, and live channels without a debrid account. It pulls content from public sources, so quality and reliability can vary, but it’s easy to install and works well for casual streaming.

• • Repository URL: https://nebulous42069.github.io/diggz/

10. Shadow

You’ll need a premium hoster like Real-Debrid to use this add-on. You can install Real-Debrid on Kodi to enjoy everything Shadow has to offer. This add-on displays a wide range of high-quality links for movies, TV shows, and more. It also comes with added features like Trakt support, search history, last link played, resume watching, and RD history.

• • Repository URL: https://magnetic.website/repo/

Can You Use a VPN with Kodi?

Yes, you can, and in many cases, it’s a good idea. A VPN adds a layer of privacy and security to your Kodi setup. It encrypts your internet connection so no one, not even your internet service provider, can see what you’re doing online. This helps protect your personal data and prevents bandwidth throttling that can slow your streams. Using a VPN also keeps your activity private when you install third-party add-ons or connect over public Wi-Fi.

Installing Kodi Add-Ons Safely

Installing Kodi add-ons isn’t as complicated as it seems. Once you enable unknown sources, add your link, install a repository, and choose your add-ons, you can customize Kodi exactly the way you want. Just remember that third-party add-ons can expose your traffic, especially on unsecured networks. Using a VPN adds an important layer of privacy by keeping your browsing and streaming activity hidden from your ISP and anyone else watching the network.

CyberGhost VPN keeps your Kodi activity private and secure. It encrypts your connection with top-tier ciphers, making sure your data is locked down in a private tunnel. This means you can stream on Kodi without exposing your data or browsing habits. Better yet, you can test CyberGhost VPN yourself completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.

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