Currently any user can find dozens of file management systems on the network of networks, but without a doubt one stands out far above all. We are talking about Kodi, which allows us to centralize all our multimedia content in one place, but also add add-ons, better known as addons, which will greatly improve our user experience.
We will talk about the latter in this article in which we will explain how to download and install extensions and addons on Kodi in the easiest way possible and so that you can get the most out of this popular multimedia file management system.
What is Kodi?
Before embarking on the adventure of installing extensions and addons in Kodi, formerly known as Xbox Media Center or XBMC, we must know that we are facing a multiplatform application that allows us to multimedia content management, in a more or less simple way and that has gained popularity significantly in recent times.
One of the keys is that it is available for a large number of platforms and above all the great possibilities it offers us, thanks to addons or extensions, which we are going to talk about in depth today.
En this link You can download Kodi for all the platforms on which it is available which, as seen in the image above, are many and varied (Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, iOS and others). Of course Any download is completely free and its use is also free as it works under the GNU / GPL license.
What are Kodi addons?
Once we have more or less clear what Kodi is and what it is for, we must know what the addons. Also known as extensions, there is one available for almost anything you can imagine, as long as it is related to the organization and management of multimedia content.
The amount of addons that are available is enormous, to the point that they are organized by practically endless categories. For example, we can find one that connects automatically with online video services, such as YouTube, which means that we do not even have to open the browser or the Google service application to enjoy all its content.
Improve connectivity, the information shown by multimedia content or improve the way we watch our favorite series are some of the many extensions available for Kodi, which like the application, in most cases are completely free.
Installing addons from the Kodi repository
With the arrival on the market of Kodi 17 Krypton, some changes have been added to the Kodi addons installation and management system, something that users have greatly appreciated.
One of the main changes is the simplification of access to the extensions, which are now included in the program's own installation, being able to access them very easily. To do this we must access the addons category from the side menu that we will find on the main screen. Once we access the main categories of extensions will be shown to us.
For example we can install the YouTube extension, which, as we said before, allows us to enjoy the contents of the Google service without even opening the web browser.
Once installed, this or any extension, we can start to take advantage of it, although we will first have to identify ourselves and prove our identity to be able to use our Google account associated with YouTube.
Third-party addons for Kodi
After downloading Kodi, the normal thing is that we stick to the addons that Kodi offers us officially, to call it somehow, but there are also many third parties that offer us the most interesting extensions.
Before launching to install addons from third-party repositories we must activate the option that will allow these installations. To do this, we must access the Kodi configuration, which is in the gear wheel icon that we will find at the top of the side panel. Once located, click on System Settings.
Within the settings section, we must access the addons section that we will find in the side panel. There activate the option Unknown origins. With this we will enable the option to install any extension for Kodi in ZIP format and even if it is not in the official repository of the application.
These third-party addons can be found in a large number of places, including the official Kodi page. For example, we can download a Plex extension from it that will allow us to connect the Plex account with Kodi quickly and easily.
How to install addons on Kodi from external files
Once the ZIP file of the add-on for Kodi has been downloaded, now it is time to install it. Of course, don't worry since it is almost as simple as installing the extensions from the official repository. Remember that yes, we must have active the possibility of installing external or third-party files, in the configuration menu.
Access the addons section found in the side panel menu. Now access the option "Install from ZIP file". Using the file explorer we must locate the file that we downloaded a while ago. Select it and the installation will start automatically.
Once installed, you can configure it to your liking, as you can do with any extension installed from the official Kodi repository. For this, it will be enough for you to go to the section of the installed addons.
How to install a repository on Kodi
Last We will not stop explaining the last option we have to install extensions on Kodi, and that is through the installation of a repository in the application itself. This will mean that we do not have to resort to the official repository, which sometimes does not have what we are looking for available, and neither to manually install third-party addons.
Simply explained, a repository of addons for Kodi is the direct connection to a remote server that contains all the extensions, so that they are listed in the application installed on your computer, allowing us to easily install add-ons. As surely you were already imagining all this content, on many occasions, it has not been reviewed, and it can create a problem for us.
The first step to install in a repository on Kodi, I start by installing an add-on, baptized with the name of SuperRepo, and that it is one of the most popular extensions worldwide. As we have already explained, to do so you must access the configuration panel by clicking on the cogwheel on the side panel and enter the File Explorer section.
Continue choosing "Add source" and tap on the option "None" of the central square. In the box that appears, type http://srp.nu/ which is the web address of SuperRepo. Back to the previous table, identify this entry with the name you want, to know that it corresponds to SuperRepo.
Now go back to the main Kodi screen, and once again from the side panel, access the addons section. We must choose the option "Install from a ZIP file”. However, unlike how we have explained before to install an extension, we do not need to download the .ZIP file previously, since it is already on the server that we have previously configured as a source.
In the list of sources that is shown, tap on the SuperRepo entry, and you should access the version of Kodi you have installed. The most common case is that of Kodi 17, which is the latest version of the application available on the market, although it is more than possible that you could have another version of the application available. Now inside the directory, go to the "All" folder and there the repository installation ZIP file will be stored, which just by touching it will install it in a few seconds and will give us access to a huge number of extensions.
Once the installation is finished, we must go to the addons section of the side panel, located on the main Kodi screen and we can install extensions by accessing the option to install from repository.
Kodi is undoubtedly one of the best systems to manage our multimedia content that you should not stop trying right now, not only to be able to have everything organized, but to be able to enjoy your videos or photos on various devices, and can also expand very much its features and options thanks to addons also known as extensions.
What are the best addons you've tried for Kodi?. Tell us in the space reserved for comments on this post or through any of the social networks in which we are present, so that we can all have the best extensions installed.