Learn how to install Kodi on all Roku devices, including Roku streaming stick, Roku TV, Roku Ultra, Roku Express and Roku Premiere. Includes step-by-step setup tutorials.
Installing Kodi on your Roku device may seem complicated, but this definitive guide makes the process simple. With easy-to-follow instructions tailored to every model, you’ll be streaming your favorite media through Kodi in no time.
What is Kodi and Why Install it on Roku?
Kodi is a free, open-source media center that consolidates all your entertainment into one place. It gives you instant access to movies, TV shows, music, sports and more. If you’re looking for Kodi alternatives check out this comparison of Kodi vs other streaming media platforms.
Benefits of adding Kodi to your Roku include:
- Stream your personal media library
- Access popular streaming addons and channels
- Watch live TV and sporting events
- Customizable interface with various skins
- Available for multiple platforms and devices
- Completely free and open source
Roku provides an excellent streaming platform. Combining it with Kodi significantly boosts its capabilities. This lets you harness the strengths of each to create the ultimate cord-cutting media setup.
However, Kodi does not have an official app in the Roku Channel Store. Read on to learn how to install Kodi on Roku anyway through sideloading and screen mirroring techniques.
Can You Install Third-Party Apps Like Kodi on Roku?
Roku uses closed system software that prevents users from sideloading unauthorized apps.
Without an official Kodi Roku app, your options are limited to:
- Screen mirroring Kodi from other devices
- Using a third party tool like Plex
Screen mirroring beams your smartphone, tablet or computer display to Roku so you can control Kodi externally. This is the most straightforward way to access Kodi. But first, you need to enable screen mirroring on your Roku.
Step-by-Step Tutorials for Installing Kodi on Every Roku Device
With screen mirroring enabled, you can now install Kodi onto devices that support it, then cast the interface to Roku.
Here are step-by-step instructions tailored for different computer platforms and mobile operating systems:
Get Kodi on Roku from a Windows PC
- Install Kodi on your Windows 10 or 11 computer
- Open the Action Center and click Connect
- Select your Roku display
- Accept the screen mirroring prompt on Roku
- Play media content through Kodi on your computer
Install Kodi on Roku Using an Android Device
- Install Kodi from the Google Play Store
- Enable screen casting in your Android settings
- Choose your Roku device to initiate connection
- Start streaming addons and media through the Kodi mobile app
Here are direct links to screen casting instructions for Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel and Other Android Phones.
Get Kodi on Roku TV from an iPhone
- Jailbreak your iPhone
- Install Kodi on your jailbroken iPhone
- Access Control Center and choose Screen Mirroring
- Select your Roku TV to connect
- Enjoy Kodi casting from iPhone to the big screen!
Note: You cannot screen mirror from a non-jailbroken iPhone. Jailbreaking gives root access needed to run unauthorized apps like Kodi.
Mirror Kodi Content to Roku Using Mac OS
- Download Kodi for macOS
- Click the Screen Mirroring icon in the menu bar
- Choose your Roku device
- Control and stream Kodi addons directly from your Mac
How to Install Kodi on Roku Models Like Ultra, Premiere, Stick and Streaming Stick+
The screen mirroring method to get Kodi on Roku works for all models including:
- Roku Ultra/Ultra LT
- Roku Premiere/Premiere+
- Roku Express/Express+
- Roku Streaming Stick/Streaming Stick+
- Roku Smart Soundbar
- Roku TV models
Follow the tutorials above based on whether you want to screen mirror from a Windows computer, iPhone, Android device or Mac.
The steps are the same across all models. Just select your specific Roku when initiating the screen sharing connection.
Set Up Kodi for Roku 2, 3 and 4
Setting up Kodi on older Roku 2, 3 and 4 models is also a straightforward process:
- Update Roku firmware to latest version
- Enable Screen Mirroring mode in settings
- Install Kodi on your computer or mobile device
- Mirror Kodi to Roku 2/3/4 as shown for Windows, Android, iPhone and Mac OS
Accessing Kodi on Roku without Screen Mirroring
Here are two alternatives if you want to use Kodi on Roku without relying on screen mirroring:
Stream Kodi from Plex Media Server
Plex is an app available in the Roku Channel Store that makes streaming your media library easy.
Follow these steps:
- Install Plex Media Server on your device running Kodi
- Add the Plex channel on your Roku
- Link your Plex/Kodi library to the Roku Plex app
- Browse and play addons and content from Kodi using the Plex interface
Benefits of accessing Kodi on Roku via Plex include:
- No need to keep another device running
- Streamlined browsing
- Automatic metadata fetching
- Ability to access your media remotely
Load Kodi on a Raspberry Pi
If you have a spare Raspberry Pi, you can install Kodi directly onto it and connect to your TV:
- Download and flash LibreELEC or OSMC onto your Pi
- Connect Raspberry Pi to TV via HDMI cable
- Launch Kodi using your TV remote to control it
- Stream addons and personal media
Why use a Raspberry Pi for Kodi streaming?
- Very cheap, dedicated streaming box
- Customizable and expandable
- Low electricity usage with decent performance
- Purpose-built for Kodi environment
Now that you know how to get Kodi working on your Roku, let’s look at some of the fantastic streaming possibilities it unlocks.
Must-Have Kodi Addons for Roku in 2024
One of Kodi’s best features is the huge selection of community-built addons that grant access to unlimited movies, TV shows, sports and more in just a few clicks.
Some top Kodi addons for streaming on Roku include:
Video Addons
- The Crew – Movies, TV shows, documentaries
- The Oath – Extensive video library
- Umbrella – Premium streaming sources
- Tempest – Latest movie releases
- Ghost – Huge selection of 4K/1080p content
Sports Addons
- The Crew – Catch live games across sports
- Rising Tides – Aggregates sports streams
- SportsAccess – NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB
- Red Bull TV – Extreme sports action
Music & Entertainment
- YouTube – Official addon with millions of videos
- Spotify – Stream songs directly in Kodi
- Radio Player – Internet radio stations
- PBS Kids – Educational children’s content
Check out the best Kodi addons curated by expert Kodi users. You’ll find detailed descriptions highlighting features and library size to determine which ones suit your interests.
Boost Security While Streaming Kodi Addons on Roku
Accessing free media with Kodi addons does come with privacy and security risks. Your internet traffic could be logged by internet service providers (ISPs) or media companies targeting pirates.
To keep your identity anonymous, use a trusted VPN for Kodi like ExpressVPN. Key advantages include:
- Encrypts data so no one can see what you’re streaming
- Hides your IP address and location
- Bypasses geo-restrictions to access more addons
- Fast speeds for smooth HD streaming
- Unlimited bandwidth with no caps
VPNs help you take control of your privacy to safely unlock Kodi’s full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Using Kodi on Roku
Can you jailbreak Roku devices?
No, jailbreaking Roku media players is not possible. They run proprietary Linux-based firmware that cannot be accessed or modified at an operating system level like on Android TV boxes.
Without a jailbroken device, sideloading third party apps is restricted. So getting the official Kodi Roku app or APK file running is unfortunately not feasible. This guide covers resolving Kodi issues on Firestick.
Is screen mirroring Kodi to Roku better than casting?
There is little difference in the end result between casting vs screen mirroring Kodi to Roku.
Screen mirroring shows the same display on both the source device and Roku. This allows you to still use your phone or computer normally while content streams in the background.
Casting is more akin to only using Roku as the display. It directly receives the streaming video signal without mirroring everything else on your device’s screen. See how to setup Kodi on Apple TV via casting and mirroring.
Both work well. Screen mirroring gives you greater flexibility to multitask but uses more battery power.
Can you get Kodi on Roku Stick via USB installation?
No, installing third party apps on Roku Streaming Stick via USB is restricted, much like the set-top boxes.
Even with developer mode enabled, only approved Roku channels can be sideloaded. Unsupported apps fail to install or crash immediately while launching.
So USB installation methods unfortunately won’t help get Kodi running natively. Stick with the screen mirroring solutions outlined above. Check out setting up Kodi on LG TVs for another television screen mirroring option.
Does Kodi work better on Android TV or Roku?
Kodi can directly be installed onto Android smart TVs since they use an open operating system that permits sideloading APK app packages. This gives Android TV the edge for Kodi integration and customization.
However, the Roku interface and streaming performance is superior to most Android TVs. Screen mirroring Kodi retains Roku’s advantages while still granting full Kodi functionality from another device. Learn how to get Kodi working on Samsung smart TVs.
So combining Roku with screen mirrored Kodi offers the best overall cord cutting experience in most cases. But Android TVs are great too if you desire deeper Kodi integration and control.
Unlock Entertainment Freedom with Kodi on Roku
While the lack of an official Kodi Roku app limits options, this guide shows you several workarounds. Screen mirroring from Windows, Android, iPhone or Mac provides the most straightforward solution.
Casting the Kodi interface allows your Roku to play virtually any media format from the extensive built-in tools and community addons. This transforms it into an unrestricted personal streaming server. Here is a Kodi vs Stremio streaming media center comparison.
The process does involve some initial setup. But once configured, using Kodi on your Roku unlocks an exceptional selection of free entertainment spanning movies, TV, music, sports, kids programming and more.
What tips do you have for streaming Kodi addons on Roku? Are you using a special setup or tools we haven’t covered? Let us know in the comments!
