Introduction
Kodi, formerly known as XBMC, has become a cornerstone of home entertainment for millions worldwide. It’s a free and open-source media player software application that allows you to organize and stream your digital content, from movies and TV shows to music and photos. One of the most significant upgrades in Kodi’s history was the release of Kodi Krypton, version seventeen. This version introduced a host of improvements, including a redesigned interface, enhanced audio and video playback, and improved addon management.
If you’re still running an older version of Kodi on your Android TV box, upgrading to Kodi Krypton is a worthwhile endeavor. It can significantly enhance your viewing experience and unlock a world of new features. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to upgrade your Android TV box to Kodi Krypton. We’ll cover everything from backing up your existing setup to installing the latest version and restoring your preferences. This upgrade will allow you to enjoy the updated user experience and enhanced features the newest Kodi has to offer.
Before You Begin: Prerequisites and Warnings
Before jumping into the upgrade process, there are a few important things to consider and prepare. These steps are crucial to ensure a smooth and successful upgrade, preventing any potential data loss or complications.
First, you need to determine what version of Kodi you currently have installed. To do this, open Kodi on your Android TV box. Navigate to the “System” or “Settings” section, usually represented by a gear icon. Within the system settings, look for “System Info” or “About.” This section displays details about your Kodi installation, including the version number. Knowing your current version helps you understand the scope of the upgrade and whether it’s necessary.
Also, older Android TV boxes might struggle to run newer versions of Kodi efficiently. Check the specifications of your device to ensure it meets the minimum requirements for Kodi Krypton. Research online forums and user reviews to see if other users with the same device have successfully upgraded to Kodi Krypton without experiencing performance issues. If your device is significantly outdated, consider upgrading your hardware before attempting the Kodi upgrade. This ensures a better viewing experience and prevents potential performance problems.
Most importantly, BACK UP YOUR KODI CONFIGURATION. This is the most critical step. Upgrading Kodi typically involves uninstalling the old version, which can erase all your settings, addons, and library data. Backing up your configuration allows you to restore everything after the upgrade, saving you the hassle of reconfiguring everything from scratch.
To back up your Kodi data, you can use Kodi’s built-in backup addon or manually copy the Kodi data folder using a file manager.
For the Kodi backup addon, first you need to install it. From the home screen, navigate to “Add-ons,” then click the “Package Installer” icon (it looks like an open box). Select “Install from repository,” then choose “Kodi Add-on repository.” Navigate to “Program add-ons” and find the “Backup” addon. Select it and click “Install.”
Once installed, open the Backup addon. Configure the backup settings to choose a backup location (preferably an external storage device or a cloud service). Start the backup process. The addon will create a backup of all your Kodi data, including addons, settings, and your media library.
Alternatively, you can manually back up the Kodi data folder using a file manager. Install a file manager app from the Google Play Store if you don’t already have one. Use the file manager to navigate to the Kodi data folder. This folder is typically located in the “Android/data” directory on your device’s internal storage. The folder name is usually “org.xbmc.kodi” or something similar. Copy this entire folder to a safe location, such as an external storage device or a cloud service. This ensures that you have a complete copy of your Kodi data.
Uninstalling the Current Kodi Version
With your data safely backed up, the next step is to uninstall your existing Kodi installation. There are two main methods for uninstalling Kodi, depending on your device and Android version.
The first method is through the Android Settings. Navigate to the “Settings” app on your Android TV box. Find the “Apps” or “Applications” section. In the list of installed apps, locate Kodi. Select Kodi and click the “Uninstall” button. Confirm the uninstallation when prompted. This will remove Kodi and its associated files from your device.
If the uninstall option is missing from the Android Settings, you can use a file manager to manually remove the Kodi data folder. Use a file manager app to navigate to the “Android/data” folder on your device’s internal storage. Locate the folder with the package name related to Kodi (e.g., “org.xbmc.kodi”). Delete this folder. This will remove the remaining Kodi data from your device.
After uninstalling Kodi, it’s always a good idea to restart your Android TV box. This ensures that all files are properly removed and prepares the device for the new Kodi installation.
Installing Kodi Krypton
Now you’re ready to install Kodi Krypton on your Android TV box. There are two primary methods for installing Kodi: downloading from Kodi’s official website or using the Google Play Store (if available).
Downloading from Kodi’s official website is the most direct and reliable method. This ensures that you’re getting the official version of Kodi without any modifications or malware. Use the Android TV box’s browser to navigate to the official Kodi website (kodi.tv/download). On the download page, find the Android APK download link. Download the APK file to your device.
Before you can install the APK file, you might need to enable “Unknown Sources” in your Android settings. This setting allows you to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. To enable “Unknown Sources,” navigate to the “Settings” app on your Android TV box. Find the “Security” or “Privacy” section. Locate the “Unknown Sources” option and enable it. Be cautious when enabling this setting, as it can potentially expose your device to security risks. Only enable “Unknown Sources” when you trust the source of the APK file.
After enabling “Unknown Sources,” use a file manager app to locate the downloaded APK file. Open the APK file, and follow the on-screen instructions to install Kodi Krypton. Grant any necessary permissions during the installation process.
If Kodi is available in the Google Play Store on your device, you can install it directly from the Play Store. Open the Google Play Store app. Search for “Kodi.” Find the official Kodi app in the search results. Select the app and click the “Install” button. The Play Store will automatically download and install Kodi on your device.
After the installation is complete, launch Kodi from your app drawer. The first time you launch Kodi, it might take a few moments to load. Select your preferred language and other initial settings. Kodi Krypton is now installed and ready to use.
Restoring Your Kodi Configuration
With Kodi Krypton installed, the final step is to restore your backed-up configuration. This will bring back your addons, settings, and media library.
If you used the Kodi backup addon to create a backup, you can use the addon to restore your data. Open Kodi. Navigate to “Add-ons,” then open the “Backup” addon. Select the “Restore” option. Choose the backup file that you created earlier. The addon will restore all your Kodi data from the backup file.
If you manually backed up the Kodi data folder using a file manager, you need to manually copy the backed-up folder to the correct location. Use a file manager app to navigate to the backed-up Kodi data folder. Copy the entire folder. Navigate to the “Android/data” folder on your device’s internal storage. Paste the copied folder into this location. Ensure that the folder name is “org.xbmc.kodi” or whatever the folder was originally named. This will restore your Kodi data. When you launch Kodi, everything should be as it was before the upgrade.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful preparation, you might encounter some issues during the upgrade process. Here are some common problems and their solutions.
If Kodi is not installing, there could be several reasons. Insufficient storage space on your device is one possibility. Clear up some space by deleting unnecessary files or apps. A corrupted APK file can also cause installation problems. Redownload the APK file from the official Kodi website. Compatibility issues between Kodi and your device could also prevent installation. Check the device specs to make sure it’s compatible.
If Kodi is crashing after installation, it could be due to incompatible addons, outdated drivers, or insufficient resources. Disable problematic addons by navigating to the “Add-ons” section in Kodi and disabling any recently installed or suspicious addons. Update your device firmware to ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates. Free up RAM by closing unnecessary apps and processes running in the background.
Video playback issues can be caused by incompatible video codecs, buffering problems, or network issues. Install necessary codecs by searching for and installing codec packs from the Kodi addon repository. Improve your internet connection by using a wired connection or upgrading your Wi-Fi router. Adjust Kodi settings by enabling hardware acceleration or reducing the video quality.
If there are audio issues, adjusting the audio output settings may help, enabling audio passthrough in Kodi’s settings may also solve this.
Optimizing Kodi Krypton on Your Android TV Box
Once you have upgraded to Kodi Krypton, optimize it for your Android TV Box for optimal performance.
First, clean up unused addons. Over time, you may accumulate addons that you no longer use. Removing these can free up resources and improve Kodi’s performance. Go to the “Addons” section and uninstall the ones you don’t need.
Using a lightweight skin makes a big difference. Some skins are visually appealing but resource-intensive. Choose a skin that is designed for speed and efficiency. The default Kodi skin is usually a good option.
Tweaking video playback settings can also help. Experiment with the settings in the “Player” section to find the best configuration for your device. Lowering resolution can sometimes improve playback.
Caching options, Kodi uses a cache to store frequently accessed data. Adjusting the cache settings can help with buffering issues. Find the cache settings in advanced settings.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Android TV box to Kodi Krypton version seventeen is a great way to improve your home entertainment experience. The new features, enhanced performance, and improved interface make it a worthwhile upgrade. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you should be able to upgrade successfully without any major issues. This upgrade is a significant step in maximizing the usefulness and quality of your home entertainment setup.
Remember to back up your Kodi configuration before starting the upgrade process. This is crucial to prevent data loss. Explore Kodi’s features and customize it to your liking. There are countless addons available that can enhance your Kodi experience. With Kodi Krypton, you can transform your Android TV box into a powerful media center, providing you with endless entertainment options. Make sure to download all software from official websites for the best experience.
