Given how fantastic Apple TV is, it's a terrible shame that Kodi cannot be downloaded via the tvOS App Store. But that doesn't mean you can't utilize this program; all you need is a reliable tutorial that shows you how to set up Kodi on an Apple TV without jailbreaking it.
First of all, be aware that Kodi may be used with an Apple TV. But be ready to spend some time fiddling with your Apple TV and Kodi's installation file. So let's get started straight away, shall we?
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Kodi is a A multi-platform utility may be used to locate, organize, and Stream any sort of digital entertainment. Despite how fantastic it is, installing Kodi on the Apple TV set-top box is not a simple drag-and-drop process.
Apple releases a new model of Apple TV not long after internet hackers and fans of digital media discover that installing Kodi on an Apple TV is possible. While a new Apple TV box is fantastic, Kodi users now face a different set of difficulties.
Which generation of Apple TV you have affects your chances of success when trying to install Kodi on it.
Check These Official Requirements First!
Before you go any deeper into this process, it's wise to check Kodi's official requirements, ensuring that you have the right hardware and software. Take a look just below.
Apple TV (HD - released in 2015) or Apple TV 4K (released in 2017).
We've prepared 3 installation methods, as you can see just below. These give you plenty of options in terms of choosing an installation path that you're comfortable with. Check below.
Method #1: Install Kodi on Apple TV via Cydia Impactor
Method #2: Install Kodi on Apple TV via Xcode
Method #3: Install Kodi on Apple TV 4K (Wirelessly)
Method #1: Install Kodi on Apple TV via Cydia Impactor
Kodi's tvOS installation file is a DEB file. Cydia Impactor works with IPA files, so we'll first covert the installation file and then send it to your Apple TV. Go through the following steps.
Make sure that you have an application that unzips files. For Mac, one of the best options would be The Unarchiver. For Windows, we recommend 7-Zip. Use one of these to unzip Kodi’s DEB file.
Among the unzipped files, find the file named 'data.tar.' Once again, unzip this file.
You should have a folder named 'data.' Open it and navigate to the Applications folder.
Inside, you’ll find another folder named 'Kodi.app.' Don’t enter this folder! Instead, create a new folder next to the existing 'Kodi.app' folder. Name it 'Payload.'
Drag-and-drop the 'Kodi.app' folder into the Payload folder;
Now we need to create a new ZIP file. On Windows, right-click on the Payload folder and choose 7-Zip > Add to Archive. If you’re using a Mac, here’s a handy guide on how to unzip and zip folders.
Those who use 7-Zip will see a new dialog box. It's crucial to choose 'ZIP' as the archive format, as well as name your file 'Kodi.ipa.' Mac users will automatically end up with a ZIP file. They only need to rename the file to 'Kodi.ipa' as the last step.
By now, we've talked about creating Kodi's IPA file. We’ll use it to install Kodi on Apple TV via Cydia Impactor, so keep on reading.
Connect your Apple TV to your computer (via a USB cable) and make sure it’s powered on.
In case iTunes automatically opens, make sure to close it.
Open Cydia Impactor. You’ll need to unzip it in case you haven’t done that already.
You need to drag-and-drop the Kodi.ipa file to Cydia Impactor's interface. You’ll also be asked to enter your Apple ID. Fill out the required fields and click on 'OK.'
After a few minutes, Cydia Impactor will push the Kodi application to your Apple TV. Disconnect the device from your computer. That's it - you have installed Kodi on your Apple TV!
Method #2: Install Kodi on Apple TV via Xcode
Here's how to install Kodi on Apple TV by using Xcode, which is available only for macOS. Keep in mind that the following procedure can be somewhat complex, so make sure to pay close attention to each of the following steps.
Connect your Apple TV to your Mac - if you have the fourth-generation model (Apple TV HD).
Launch Xcode. Click on tvOS > Application using the left-placed sidebar. Then, choose 'Single View Application' on the right, and proceed.
Provide a name for the app. You can go with 'Kodi.' Create a unique identifier as well.
Once Xcode loads, you might see a warning about not having a provisioning file. Click on the button that says 'Fix Issue.'
You will see that you need to enter your Apple ID to fix this issue. So, go with your standard Apple ID. It’s even better if you have a Developer ID. Keep in mind that if you have a standard Apple ID, you will need to reinstall Kodi every seven days. Developers can use the app for up to a whole year.
Now you need to open the iOS App Signer. This is a simple application that comes with several fields that you need to fill out. In the first one, named 'Input File,' navigate to your Kodi's installation file. You don’t have to worry about fields like 'Signing Certificate' or 'Provisioning Profile.' At the bottom, you can find the 'App Display Name' field. Type in 'Kodi' and click on 'Start.'
After some time, the iOS App Signer will unpack Kodi's installation data and save a new file.
Go back to Xcode. From the top-placed menu bar, go to 'Window' > 'Devices.'
Find your Apple TV in the sidebar (which should be connected to your Mac and powered on). On the right-hand side, click on the '+' button. Now, find the newly created Kodi file.
Xcode will do the rest. Once the process is completed, you can safely disconnect your Apple TV. Connect it to your TV, power it one, and you should see the application installed.
Method #3: Install Kodi on Apple TV 4K Wirelessly
To install Kodi on the Apple TV 4K, you need to use our previously explained method (Xcode). However, instead of using a cable to connect your Apple TV to your Mac, you need to make a wireless connection. So, here's what you need to know.
On your Apple TV 4K, go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Remote App and Devices.
On your Mac, open Xcode and go to Windows > Devices and Simulators using the menu bar.
In case your Mac and your Apple TV 4K are physically close, you'll see a button to pair your Mac with your streaming device. The button will say 'Pair With (Your Name) Apple TV.' Click on it.
Even if you don't see the pairing button, select your Apple TV from the left-placed sidebar.
Then, click on '+' on the right side of the interface.
Select Kodi's IPA installation file and click on 'Open.'
The application will now transfer to your Apple TV. That's it!
Install Kodi on Apple TV 4K
With the Apple TV 4K, Apple removed the USB-C port used to install Kodi on the Apple TV HD. Installing Kodi on theApple TV 4Krequires a Mac, a paid Apple Developer account, and XCode, a free download from the Mac App Store. Even then, the Kodi app is signed for only one year.
Impactor is an open-source app for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. It allows you to work with file structures on mobile phones, tablets, and other devices such as an Apple TV. It connects with the Apple TV OS through a USB-A to USB-C cable and allows you to load the Kodi software.
The process is relatively straightforward. When it is complete, you can access everything Kodi has to offer.
Here's how it's done.
1- Download and install Cydia Impactor on your computer.
3- Connect the Apple TV HD to the computer with a USB-A to USB-C cable.
4- Open Cydia Impactor and drag Kodi onto the Impactor window.
5- Select the Apple TV from the Cydia menu and click Start.
6- Enter your Apple ID. The Kodi app must be signed by Apple's servers to run.
Consider setting up a second Apple ID. Given the amount of content associated with your Apple ID, including payment sources, you may want to set up a separate Apple ID to accomplish this step.
After Impactor completes the install, disconnect the Apple TV and reconnect it to the television.
Power up the Apple TV. Kodi is listed alongside the other apps.
If something goes wrong with the Kodi installation or you want to return to the familiar Apple TV interface, restore the Apple TV to factory settings, which returns it to a like-new state.
Install Kodi on Your 3rd Generation Apple TV
The wiki at Kodi.tv, Kodi's official web destination, is clear on this. However, there is a workaround if you have a Mac. You can install Kodi on the Mac and then use AirPlay to mirror content to the Apple TV. Beware of sites online promising to jailbreak the 3rd generation Apple TV for a fee. The chances are good that you'll pay money, ship your Apple TV, and the site won't be able to complete the process.
To date, the Apple TV 3 (1080 version) has not been jailbroken yet.
Install Kodi on Your 2nd Generation Apple TV
Adding Kodi to an Apple TV is possible on a 2nd generation set-top box, but you must jailbreak the Apple TV. Kodi no longer supports the 2nd generation Apple TV. If you can find Kodi 14.2 Helix, the last version of Kodi to run on the 2nd generation Apple TV, you can run it.
Jailbreaking involves putting a new operating system on an Apple TV that either overwrites the existing system or runs alongside it. The benefits to jailbreaking are that you can load and run a universe of apps other than the limited number allowed on a stock 2nd generation Apple TV.
In theory, you can load Kodi's predecessor XBMC onto the original pizza-box-style Apple TV. The process may be more trouble than it's worth since other easier options are available.
For best results, replace the Apple TV's wireless card with a higher-speed PCI Express mini card to handle high-definition video and upgrade the built-in hard drive. When you do this, you'll be dealing with persistent error messages.
Alternatives to Using Kodi With Apple TV
As the Apple TV platform has matured, and with the introduction of apps for tvOS, new apps have emerged that can handle many of the duties that used to be the purview of Kodi. For example, apps like Plex and Infuse are stable and fully developed alternatives to Kodi's organization and playing of media that resides on your file servers or computer.
If you're excited to experiment with your Apple TV, Kodi can open up a wide world of additional media opportunities outside your Apple TV ecosystem.
Want to Learn More About Using Kodi?
We sincerely hope that by now you're running Kodi 19 on your Windows PC. Next, it's time to expand your knowledge by using the resources found below.
If you’re new to Kodi, you may still have questions. Don’t worry though, we’ve included this section just for you.
Is Kodi legal?
Absolutely! There is nothing illegal about the application itself. But, there are some users who have figured out ways to pirate content and because Kodi is an open-source platform that allows you to install add-ons from anywhere, what you do with Kodi could be illegal.
Not only could you get into legal trouble for pirating copyright content, but your ISP can also monitor what you do with Kodi. It’s for that reason that many users opt for a VPNwhen using add-ons that aren’t exactly lawful.
Can I download Kodi on iOS?
Yes, but it isn’t flawless by any means. iPhone users often have difficulty with applications like Kodi because Apple takes a very ‘Big Brother’ stance on their products.
Fortunately, you can download the application from the App Store or from Kodi’s website.
