How to Easily Install Kodi for Samsung Smart TVs in 2024

Looking to transform your Samsung Smart TV into a media powerhouse with Kodi? Kodi offers a lot more content and numerous addons than the official Samsung apps. However, installing Kodi for Samsung Smart TVs can get challenging as it isn’t compatible with Tizen (Samsung’s operating system).

Even though you can’t install Kodi directly on your Samsung Smart TV, I’ll show you a few easy workarounds. So let’s get started.

How to Install Kodi for Samsung Smart TVs — 3 Tried-And-Tested Methods

Installing Kodi on your Samsung Smart TV is easy if you follow my guide. There are multiple ways to get Kodi for Samsung Smart TVs — just go ahead and choose the one that works best for you.

Method 1. Cast Kodi on Samsung Smart TV Using Chromecast or Roku.

Chromecast and Roku allow you to stream content on your Samsung Smart TV from your smartphone or computer. However, you must ensure that your streaming device and Chromecast/Roku are connected to the same WiFi network.

Follow the steps below to watch your favorite Kodi content on your TV:

Step 1. Download and install the Google Home app from the Google Play or Apple App Store. It will allow you to add Chromecast/Roku to your device if you’re using a phone or tablet. If you’re a computer user, you can enable casting by opening Google Chrome and selecting Cast from the settings menu.

Step 2. Install Kodi on your device. Phone and tablet users can find the Kodi app in the Google Play Store. If you’re using a computer, you must install the Google Chrome browser and the Kodi Windows or macOS app from the official website. Complete the setup process by following the on-screen instructions.

Step 3. Click the Cast screen option on your Google Home app. If you’re using a computer, select the Cast option in the settings panel on Google Chrome. This will start the discovery process and let you connect your smartphone or computer to Chromecast or Roku. Make sure your TV is on.

Step 4. Once your devices are connected, open Kodi and navigate to what you want to watch on your smartphone or computer. Play the video, which should be cast to your Samsung Smart TV.

Method 2. Install Kodi for Samsung Smart TV Using a Fire TV Stick or Android TV Box

Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV Box can convert any regular big-screen TV into a Smart TV that is able to use Kodi. So you can set it up on your Samsung Smart TV and stream your favorite shows by following the steps below:

Step 1. Use the HDMI port to plug your Amazon Fire TV Stick or Android TV Box into your Samsung Smart TV.

Step 2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up a Fire TV Stick or Android TV and connect it to WiFi.

I’m using an Android TV Box, but you can also use an Amazon Fire TV Stick

Step 3. Open FireStick Home and install Kodi. If you’re using Android TV Box, launch the Google Play Store to search and download Kodi.

Use the search bar or the voice button on your TV’s remote to look up Kodi

Step 4. All you have to do now is to run Kodi. If you’re using a Fire TV Stick, go to Settings and click the Applications tab. Select the Manage Installed Applications button and launch Kodi.

You can also find Kodi listed as a new app on your home screen

Step 5. Navigate to your desired content and start watching your favorite shows.

Use your storage media or addons to watch movies and TV shows

Method 3. Install Kodi for Samsung Smart TV Using Your Windows PC/Laptop or Mac

This method uses your Samsung Smart TV as a secondary display for your Windows or Mac computer. All you need to do is follow the steps below:

Step 1. Download and install the Kodi app for Windows or macOS devices. You also need to launch the app and set it up.

Step 2. Take an HDMI cable and plug it manually into your Samsung Smart TV and your computer’s HDMI port. Windows and macOS can automatically detect the TV as a new display and use it as an external monitor.

Step 3. Start watching a TV show or movie using Kodi — it should be displayed on your Samsung Smart TV.

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

How Can I Add Free Movies to Kodi?

If you have your own movie files, you can add them to Kodi to watch from within the application. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:

1. Ensure the movie files are legally obtained. First, always make sure you have the right to the movie files you're adding to Kodi. This means they should be either purchased by you, public domain, or personal creations.

2. Add Movies to Kodi:

• Open Kodi and go to the main menu.
• Select Files.
• Click Add videos….
• In the window that pops up, click on the Browse button.
• Navigate to the directory where you have your movie files stored.
• Once you've selected the appropriate directory, click OK.
• Kodi will then ask you to set a media source type. For movies, you'll choose the Movies category. This helps Kodi fetch metadata for movies like synopsis, cast, cover art, etc.
• Confirm and allow Kodi to update your library. Depending on the number of movies you're adding, this might take some time as Kodi fetches information for each movie.

3. Start watching movies. After adding the movie files, you can navigate to the Movies section of Kodi, and your movies should be listed there. Click on any of them to watch.

Can I Break My Samsung TV by Sideloading Apps?

Not directly, but there are potential risks. In the context of a Smart TV, sideloading typically involves installing apps that aren't available on the TV's default app store. If you're downloading apps from the internet to sideload onto your TV, using a VPN can provide an added layer of security.

Here are the potential risks:

• Malware and viruses. Just as with any other device, TVs can be susceptible to malware, especially if you're sideloading from unknown or untrustworthy sources. A malicious app could harm the TV's software or steal your data.
• Incompatibility. An app that isn't designed for your TV might not work correctly. It can cause crashes, freezes, or other erratic behavior.
• Overloading storage. TVs typically have limited storage compared to smartphones or computers. Sideloading too many apps might fill up your TV's storage, causing performance issues.
• Bricking risk. In extreme cases, if you modify the TV's firmware or system software while trying to sideload apps or gain root access, there's a risk of bricking the TV — rendering it non-functional. This is a rare occurrence and is more related to deep software modifications rather than simply sideloading an app.
• Warranty issues. Sideloading apps or making other unauthorized modifications could void your TV's warranty.

FAQs on Installing Kodi for Samsung Smart TVs

Is it legal to use Kodi?

Using Kodi is legal, but some unofficial addons can contain copyrighted content. That’s because they are unregulated and don’t undergo proper authorization. Besides, they may contain malware or spyware. When you watch movies on Kodi, make sure they are legally obtained.

Can I install Kodi APK on a Samsung Smart TV?

Unfortunately, you can’t install the Kodi APK on Samsung Smart TV as it runs on Tizen OS. However, there are a few methods that allow you to watch Kodi content on the big screen. If you don’t have time to try them out, here are some Kodi alternate Samsung Smart TV apps:

• Popcorn Time
• Stremio
• Usher
• Plex

How to use Kodi Leia/Krypton on Samsung Smart TV?

You can use the Leia/Krypton Kodi versions on Samsung Smart TVs by simply installing them on your device. Head to the Settings panel and enable Unknown Sources to manually roll back or upgrade to a different Kodi version. Remember about the risks associated with sideloading apps.

Is Kodi free on Samsung TV?

Yes, Kodi is free on Samsung TVs and other devices. There are multiple ways to get Kodi for Samsung Smart TVs, such as using Chromecast, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Android TV Box, laptops, and PCs.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, getting Kodi on your Samsung Smart TV might seem a bit tricky since it's not directly compatible with Tizen OS. But don't worry, there's more than one way to enjoy Kodi's vast media library on your TV. Whether you choose to use Chromecast, Roku, a Fire TV Stick, an Android TV Box, or simply connect your computer, you can still stream your favorite shows and movies.

Remember to always prioritize security and legality when accessing content through Kodi by ensuring all content is appropriately licensed. With these handy methods, you'll be all set to transform your Samsung Smart TV into a true media powerhouse with Kodi. Enjoy the show!