How to install Kodi on USB? Media consumption has become a crucial aspect of our life in the current digital era. We frequently find ourselves looking for a practical and individualized way to organize and enjoy our favorite films, TV series, music, and other media. This is where the open-source media center program Kodi comes into play.
Users may organize, stream, and access their multimedia material from a variety of sources using Kodi’s robust platform, although Kodi is frequently set up on laptops, cellphones, and streaming devices, You can also set up Kodi on USB to use with any Smart TV anytime and any day.
This in-depth article will take you step-by-step through the installation of Kodi on USB. You will learn how to format the USB drive, download and install the Kodi software, set up your media library, and optimize Kodi for peak performance.
You will fully comprehend how to make the Kodi installation and how to own a portable version of the Kodi software that you may take with you anywhere.
Contents
Why should you install Kodi?
You can open up the world of options for your smart TV and turn it into a potent and personalized entertainment hub by installing it on a USB stick.
Access to a wide variety of entertainment options is one of the key benefits of installing it on a USB stick. You can add add-ons to Kodi, which are essentially plugins that let you stream content from different sources on your Smart TV.
Aside from the standard entertainment options on your Smart TV, you can investigate add-ons that provide access to live TV channels, sporting events, documentaries, and international material right on your TV screen.
You can take your customized Kodi configuration with you wherever you go and enjoy the same tailored experience on other smart TVs with a USB installation. Even though smart TVs offer access to online streaming services, there may be occasions when you prefer to watch media on a standalone device.
You can save your media library directly on the drive and access it without an online connection by installing it on a USB drive. You can save music, movies, TV series, and other media files on your USB drive and watch them whenever you want on your Smart TV.
A smooth offline media experience is provided by Kodi’s powerful media management features, which guarantee that your offline content is organized and easily accessible.
Can you install Kodi on your Smart TV?
You can download the Kodi app directly from the TV’s app store if your smart TV has built-in Kodi compatibility. In this instance, setting up Kodi on your Smart TV is as easy as downloading and installing any other program. You can therefore install the Kodi app on these. However, the installation process itself could be challenging.
Not all Android-powered TVs allow you to use the Google Play Store, even those that are. You will need to sideload the Kodi app for those that aren’t. How can we tell if Smart TVs are Android-compatible? Sadly, most boxes don’t explicitly state this.
When you look at the precise specifications of a certain model, the manufacturer’s website could give you more details. There are a few additional red flags as well. For instance, you can tell a Smart TV is running Android if it already has the Play Store app. The same is true if you have to enter your Google credentials while setting up your Smart TV for the first time.
Installing Kodi on a USB drive
Running Kodi on a USB drive requires a very simple process; follow the detailed step-by-step procedure explained below to do so.
Format the USB drive
USB flash drives must be appropriately formatted before Kodi can be installed on them. The drive will be made clean and ready for use for installation after being formatted. The USB disk can be formatted as follows:
Connect your computer to the USB drive you wish to run Kodi and launch the Finder (Mac) or File Explorer (Windows), Right-click the USB disk after finding it.
Choose “Format” from the menu, you can select the USB drive’s file system in the formatting box that will display. It is advised to choose the default file system for improved device compatibility. However, you can select NTFS if you intend to utilize the USB drive only with Windows-based devices. To start the formatting process, click the “Format” button.
Hold off till the procedure is over. Depending on how big the USB drive plugged is, this can take a while. After formatting is complete, your USB drive will be clean and ready to run Kodi.
Downloading and installing Kodi
It’s essential to think about your online privacy before you install and run Kodi. Why? If your ISP discovers you streaming Kodi on their network, they will aggressively limit your data. ISPs fully disapprove of Kodi.
You should utilize a VPN with Kodi, as we highly recommend. Your identity can be protected using a VPN from both hackers and your ISP. It helps hide the source and contents of data in transit by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a middle server.
Go to https://kodi.tv on your computer’s web browser to access the official Kodi website and go to the “Download” section of the homepage. You will see a list of the platforms that are supported, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. By selecting the corresponding icon or link, select the version that is compatible with your operating system.
You will be taken to the download page after choosing your operating system. Make sure to get Kodi’s most recent stable version. To begin downloading the Kodi installer file, click the provided download link. Find the installer file on your computer (it’s typically in the “Downloads” folder) after the download is complete.
To launch the installation wizard, double-click on the Kodi installer file. Click “Next” in the installation process to continue. After reading the licensing agreement, check the box to accept the conditions. Next, select “Next.”
Select the folder in which Kodi will be installed. It will recommend the Program Files directory on your system disk by default. Although you can choose a different location, it is advised to leave the default settings in place for simplicity. Then click start, once this is completed, a Kodi shortcut will be created by default on most flash drives.
How to configure Kodi
After you have completed the installation successfully on your USB stick, it’s time to set it up so that it provides you with the best media center experience possible. To get started, take these actions:
Remove the flash drive from the system safely, put the USB drive into the device that you want to use to run Kodi, and locate the Kodi installation file by opening the USB drive plugged in, according to your operating system. The file that runs the program may have a different name. To start Kodi, double-click on the exe file.
Setting Kodi up
When you have Kodi on the USB drive, insert the USB that you installed Kodi into your TV’s USB port, then the initial setup procedure will appear. To set Kodi up how you like it, simply follow the steps. Here is a summary of the setup procedure:
Select the language you like for the Kodi user interface and set your location and time zone for accurate date and time information in the regional settings, alter the interface of Kodi’s theme and design according to your taste, choose the directories or folders where your media files are kept. These could be network sites or local files.
The media sources you’ve chosen will be scanned and indexed by Kodi to build a library of your stuff. This makes Kodi’s organizing and navigation simple.
Investigate and set up extensions and add-ons to increase Kodi’s capabilities. These add-ons consist of extra streaming services, skins, subtitles, and other things.
Set up the resolution, aspect ratio, audio device, and subtitle choices for audio and visual output. Establish network connectivity so you can view and stream internet stuff. To finish the setup procedure, check your options and confirm.
TV can’t run Android
There is no method for you to run Kodi directly on one of those Smart TVs that don’t have an Android operating system. Does that imply that Kodi’s benefits cannot be accessed on all non-android Smart TVs? Definitely not. There is a way if you have the will.
There are at least two ways for you to accomplish it. You can use a PC running Kodi and project the content to your TV, or you can utilize an external Kodi-powered TV box.
Using a TV box
The ideal approach and alternative to running Kodi on USB is to run it on a TV box. Running it through your computer may be preferable to running it directly through your TV. You can buy dozens of various TV boxes online or from neighborhood brick-and-mortar resellers in your region. Even some gadget makers will already have installed Kodi.
For those who don’t, setting it up is quite similar to setting it up on a smart TV that is compatible. The Play Store is accessible on some TV boxes, like Android TV boxes, but not all of them.
Pros of using a TV box
Running Kodi on an external box allows for much more customization than doing so on a smart TV, which is one of its main benefits. On any TV box, you guys may run the programs of your choice in addition to Kodi. Additionally, common TV boxes have USB ports to connect external devices.
Then you may use your TV box to attach a USB hard drive and utilize it to store your media library. And you could set up a Plex server on your TV box if you want to share that library with other gadgets. Simply put, having a separate TV box gives you more options.
Cons of using a TV box
The only reasonable disadvantage of using a TV box over a USB flash drive is probably its size, a drive is substantially smaller, and carrying a flash drive around is easier than carrying a TV box around.
OpenELEC Kodi on a USB flash drive
OpenELEC is a very slim Linux distribution made just to run Kodi swiftly and effectively.
OpenELEC was the “gold standard” for single-board HTPCs before the introduction of LibreELEC. However, LibreELEC has surpassed the original OpenELEC OS in terms of popularity.
Run OpenELEC on Windows
For Windows users, installing OpenELEC is swift and simple: first download and launch the program. Choose the drive on which to install OpenELEC. Using appropriate tools, unpack the package you obtained earlier. Choose the resulting file in Win 32 Disk Imager at this point.
Reboot the system with the USB device attached after the installation is complete to access the BIOS settings. The maker of your equipment will determine how you should proceed. Change the computer’s boot order so that the USB drive loads before the hard drive does. You’ll be able to boot straight into OpenELEC by doing this.
Run OpenELEC on Mac
Run the Disk Utility program on your Mac first when the file has been downloaded, and choose Erase on the screen after choosing the USB device you want to install OpenELEC on.
- Make sure to select Master Boot Records under Schemes and MS-DOS (FAT) under Format. Hit Erase after naming the drive appropriately.
- Choose the Create a Live USB tab in the Mac Linux USB Loader once it has opened.
- Select the drive where OpenELEC will be installed now.
- Select Others in Distribution on the subsequent screen after clicking Next.
- To start the setup procedure, choose Begin Installation. You will receive a notification stating that the installation of the software was successful after the process is finished.
Reboot the device, then plug in the USB drive to access the BIOS settings. Your device’s model will determine how you accomplish this. Change the computer’s boot order to ensure the USB drive loads before the hard drive does. In this manner, OpenELEC can be launched immediately.
Note that OpenELEC running on your Mac does not guarantee it will run on your Apple TV.
Kodibuntu on a USB flash drive
Download the most recent version of Kodibuntu from this link to make a bootable USB drive for it. Depending on the capabilities of your system, select either the 32-bit or 64-bit version.
You will need software to set up and use your USB drive after downloading the necessary version.
Run Kodibuntu on Windows
Open the Linux Live USB creator after downloading it. The application is broken up into sections and is simple to use.
Select a file to serve as a picture on your USB disk.
Persistence should be set to approximately 2000 MB. Naturally, the space you give to this will match the size of your USB disk. You won’t need to start over with a new installation each time it starts up if you have these things saved to your USB stick.
Uncheck “Format the key in FAT32.” The whole contents of your USB disk will be deleted. In light of this, kindly use a drive that you intend to use only for running the OS and click Install.
Run Kodibuntu on Mac
- Choose Erase on the screen after choosing the USB device you want to install it on.
- Make sure to select Master Boot Records under Schemes and MS-DOS (FAT) under Format. Hit Erase after naming the drive as it should be.
- Choose the Create a Live USB tab in the Mac Linux USB Loader once it has opened, and select where to install Kodibuntu.
- Select Others in Distribution on the subsequent screen after clicking Next.
- To start the setup process, choose Begin Installation. You will receive a notification stating that the installation of the software was successful after the process is finished.
- Reboot the device, then plug in the USB drive to access the BIOS settings. Your device’s model will determine how you accomplish this.
Kodibuntu vs OpenElec
Although Kodibuntu operates rapidly, OpenElec is typically a little quicker. However, Kodibuntu enables you to explore the greater Linux environment, whereas OpenElec essentially forces you to use Kodi exclusively.
Both OpenElec and Kodibuntu are completely free and simple to set up. Additionally, they both use Linux, a free and open-source operating system.
OpenELEC is a tiny bit quicker. Both OpenElec and Kodibuntu are speedy. The OpenELEC operating system, on the other hand, is designed from the ground up for speed. OpenELEC was particularly created by its developers to use the least amount of resources required to operate Kodi.
It’s simpler to edit and adapt Kodibuntu and only Kodi add-ons are supported by OpenELEC.
Which option is the best
The ideal method for the installation of Kodi on your TV will depend on your requirements and tastes. Each choice has pros and downsides to take into account.
The “best” option ultimately relies on the features of your TV, your budget, and your particular preferences. To enjoy Kodi on your TV, consider your demands and select the option that best meets them.
FAQ
Can you install Kodi on a USB stick?
Kodi can be made to work on a USB. By following the detailed instructions explained above, you can swiftly do this.
How to install Kodi on Android box from USB?
After plugging the USB flash drive into the box, search for the package and install it on the Android box.
How do I install apps from a USB?
This can be done by connecting the USB flash drive to the device you wish to install and run the app on the device, a more detailed procedure is explained above.
How do I add to USB?
Using the drag and drop method is a straightforward method to add to a flash drive, simply drag the intended item you wish to add to the flash drive’s folder.
Conclusion
By setting up Kodi on a USB stick, you may travel with your media center at all times. You can benefit from the adaptability and flexibility of having Kodi on a device that can be carried around by following the instructions provided in this article on running Kodi on USB.
The USB installation method makes sure you can access your preferred media and make use of Kodi’s wealth of features without any hassles.