Have you tried everything at your disposal and still can’t figure out why Kodi isn’t working? Well, you’ve come to the right place. There are straightforward and quick fixes that will help resolve any issues you’re facing when using Kodi in next to no time. This guide is designed to help you with common problems when using Kodi. As we go into this in-depth guide, you’ll learn the exact tips and tricks to troubleshoot any Kodi issues. So whether you’re experiencing buffering, crashing, freezing, or playback issues when using Kodi, this in-depth guide has covered you in helping you solve these problems. So, if you’re ready, let’s get started.
What Are The Most Common Kodi Problems?
So you’re all set and ready to binge-watch a show on Kodi, and suddenly, Kodi starts acting up. It starts displaying a black screen, or you begin to experience glitches, and your internet connection causes buffering issues as you play the TV shows. Here are the most common issues you may experience when you’re using Kodi:
1) Kodi Keeps Crashing & Freezing
If Kodi crashes when you’re launching it, it could be due to changes in the streaming sources and having incompatible add-ons. If you find that Kodi is constantly crashing and freezing, then there’s a surefire reason that needs to be resolved. Try to analyze when this problem began and what actions you took before this problem started. You can reset Kodi settings or remove an add-on you installed recently before the trouble began. Hardware acceleration is another main reason why Kodi may constantly crash and freeze.
2) Kodi Video Stuttering & Having Buffering Issues
Streaming issues can occur due to a slow internet connection and weak network signals. If you find that there are no apparent issues with your network, there may be additional factors that are contributing to this problem. Some content providers restrict access to their content using methods such as region-locking. You can bypass these geo-location restrictions by installing a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) provider.
Another common problem you may encounter is HD and 4K streams stuttering. If your internet speed needs to be faster to handle these streams, it can result in buffering. Some devices can’t handle high-quality streaming. You should check if your specific device faces issues with 4K streams since some devices are not equipped to handle it. Take Amazon Firesticks, for example, which are known for stuttering during 4K streams. So, the device that you’re using also has an impact on streaming.
3) Black Screen Or Blank Screen
There are several reasons why a black screen may appear as you’re using Kodi. You can also encounter a blank screen when regularly streaming on Kodi. There are some reasons why this may happen: It can happen if you’re trying to upgrade to a new Kodi version or you’re trying to change from the Confluence skin to the new Estuary skin.
4) Some Kodi Builds Not Working
Sometimes, specific Kodi Builds don’t work. Kodi users often go through a long process of downloading Kodi skins to enhance their interface and add repositories to install add-ons. Instead of going through a lengthy process, users can install a Kodi Build, which enhances their interface and lets them get their hands on top-notch add-ons. However, you may encounter some issues when installing a Build: Builds sometimes contain unofficial add-ons for which support isn’t available. Builds also tend not to be kept up to date, which means several add-ons may have been taken down since then.
5) Kodi Streams That Are Unplayable
Sometimes, Kodi streams become unplayable. One major factor that can be attributed to this is that your internet connection might be slow or that you’re not connected to the internet to begin with, which results in you being unable to load streams. Some Kodi add-ons may also stop working due to changes in streaming sources or outdated code. Always ensure that the add-ons are updated and look for alternative add-ons when necessary.
Easy Fixes For Kodi Issues
Here are some tips and tricks that will help you resolve issues that come up when you’re using Kodi:
1) Disable Hardware Acceleration
Disabling Hardware Acceleration is essential since it contributes the most towards Kodi crashes. Kodi crashes occur the most on Android. To disable Hardware Acceleration, go to the Kodi home screen, click the gear icon, and then go to Player settings. When you go to the bottom of the page, you’ll find another gear icon with the word Basic beside it. Click it until it displays Expert. It gives you access to advanced options. After that, scroll down, go to the Allow hardware acceleration – DXVA2 option, and turn it off by toggling the option to “Off” or “Disabled.” Save the settings and restart Kodi to see if the problem persists.
2) Troubleshoot Streaming Issues
Streams sometimes don’t play because add-ons no longer work. Development teams come and go due to the threat of legal action that could be taken against them; in that case, you can’t install new add-ons from the repo, or the add-ons already installed are either unstable or don’t work.
First, ensure you have a stable internet connection to solve streaming issues, as a slow internet connection can contribute to playback problems. You should also install the latest Kodi version and clear the cache and providers within your add-ons. Sometimes, the streaming sources used by Kodi add-ons are unreliable and can go offline. In that case, try a different source or wait for the source to come back online.
3) Fix Black Screen or Blank Screen Issues
A way to resolve this issue is to delete your Addons.db file, which caches information on your add-ons. Deleting the file does not delete the add-ons. You can find that file in the following locations, depending on the operating system you’re using:
- Windows: Click Start and type %APPDATA%\kodi\userdata\Database
- Mac: /Users/[YOURUSERNAME]/Library/Application Support/Kodi/userdata/Database
- iOS: /private/var/mobile/Library/Preferences/Kodi/userdata/Database
- Android: Android/data/orgkodi/files/.kodi/userdata/Database
- Linux: ~/.kodi/userdata/Database
4) Update Kodi Add-ons To Latest Builds
If certain Kodi Builds aren’t working, uninstall your build and manually install the add-ons you want. That way, you won’t have loads of add-ons you never use, and you’ll be able to determine the exact add-ons that may have caused the issues.
An outdated version of Kodi will be incompatible with several of its add-ons and the operating system. The incompatibility will not let the app modules that are essential for its operation; hence, the app won’t work. Go to the Google Play Store and search Kodi. Click on Update, and once it’s updated, check to see if Kodi is working correctly again.
Should I Use A VPN With Kodi?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts internet traffic and masks a user’s IP address, meaning no one can decode it. It prevents ISPs (Internet service providers) from throttling your connection. Since it hides your IP address, third parties like advertisers could not gather details about you, such as your personal information.
VPNs would also give you unrestricted access to Kodi add-ons that may be geo-restricted and provide enhanced security for Kodi Builds if you’re installing Kodi Builds and add-ons from unofficial sources. If you’re using Kodi on a public WiFi network, then using a VPN prevents your data from being intercepted by hackers and cybercriminals.
Conclusion
Using Kodi to binge-watch your favorite movies and TV shows is all fun and games until you end up having issues with Kodi, like crashes, blank screens, and Builds not working, which frustrates the user. By implementing these easy-to-follow tips and tricks, you’ll be quickly able to troubleshoot any of the issues that come up and begin using Kodi again.