Kodi is a popular open-source media server application for various platforms. It lets you organize different types of content and also access streaming services.
Originally, it came out as a media center app for the first Xbox console. Presently, you can install the software on a devices with almost all operating systems.
We will focus more on Kodi on Linux in this post. Linux users can read this article to discover how to install and run Kodi on their operating system.
Table of Contents
What Do You Need to Run Kodi On Linux
To run Kodi on Linux, you must ensure that your system fulfills specific requirements. These include:
CPU: You need an x86-64 or x86 processor. Some examples of these include Intel, Pentium 4, and AMD Athlon 64.
RAM: A RAM of 1 GB or more is needed for running Kodi on an HTPC media player device. But if you use a system for multi-purpose usage, you need 2GB or more RAM.
Graphics: Kodi runs well on all graphic cards launched in the preceding 10 years. If you use cards from AMD/ATI or Intel, use those with a Mesa 11.3 or later.
Video decoding: You must ensure that your VPU or GPU supports VDPAU or VAAPI. If you have an older Nvidia or AMD cards, VAAPI is recommended.
Drive space: Kodi takes up anywhere between 100 to 200 MB space. If your hardware is compatible with net booting, there’s no need of internal storage for Kodi. Generally speaking, you need a minimum of 4 to 8 drive space for Kodi in your Linux device.
How to Set up Kodi on Ubuntu OS on Linux?
You can easily set up the latest versions of Kodi on Ubuntu Linux. Follow this process.
- Use the shortcut
Ctrl + Alt + Tto launch a terminal in Ubuntu. - To add the official Personal Package Archives (PPA) repository of Kodi, use the command
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:team-xbmc/ppa. - Now, update the package cache. This will allow your system to get the packages from the latest software repository.
- To do so, use the command
sudo apt update. - Now is the time to install Kodi via the following command:
sudo apt install Kodi. - This command will also upgrade a prior Kodi version if you have it.
- After Kodi has been installed, open it by navigating to the menu.
- Now, either find your preferred media in the library or access any streaming service.
POINT TO NOTE: This process to run Kodi on Linux is also applicable for Linux Mint, Deepin Linux, Pingui OS, and other Ubuntu-based Linux distributions.
Installing a VPN on Kodi
You are now ready to stream content through Kodi. But if you want to enjoy a safe and secure streaming experience, using a VPN is a must. A VPN encrypts or codes your web activities and data.
It does so in such a way that any external entity cannot decode it. VPN masks the user’s traffic and the IP address.
So, anyone trying to intercept your connection or steal your sensitive data in any way cannot do so.
It is critical to install a VPN before using Kodi on Linux. Various Kodi add-ons give you access to copyrighted content.
If caught, it can put you at risk. Also, many Kodi add-ons containing great content are restricted to specific locations. You cannot watch this content without bypassing the geo-restrictions.
A VPN helps you unblock geo-restrictions and access regional content easily.
You cannot install & use any VPN on Kodi. The VPN you install should be compatible with Kodi on Linux.
You can find a list of the best VPNs for Kodi on Firesticktricks.com.
These VPNs have thousands of servers across multiple countries. So, they enable you to access regional content with ease.
They are also equipped with various strong security features, such as split tunnelling, kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
Thus, by using any of them with Kodi on Linux, you can make way for a safer and more exciting streaming and gaming experience.
Final Thoughts
Kodi is a wonderful platform that lets you access a whole new world of content. The media player supports most major operating systems, including Linux.
But it is essential to use it with a VPN if you want to keep your privacy and security intact. Use the method above to set up Kodi on Linux, install suitable add-ons, and tap into a pool of new content.
A man with a tech effusive who has explored some of the amazing technology stuff and is exploring more. While moving towards, I had a chance to work on Android development, Linux, AWS, and DevOps with several open-source tools.
