How to Install and Use Kodi on Raspberry Pi - Raspberry Pi BD

If you’re looking to turn your Raspberry Pi into a powerful media center, Kodi is one of the best options available. Kodi is an open-source media player and entertainment hub that can help you organize and stream movies, music, TV shows, and more. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install Kodi on your Raspberry Pi and transform it into a full-fledged media center.

Why Use Kodi on Raspberry Pi?

There are several reasons why Kodi is a great choice for a Raspberry Pi-powered media center:

• Open Source: Kodi is completely free to use and open-source, giving you full control over the software.
• Media Streaming: You can stream videos, music, and live TV from various online sources, as well as from your local network.
• Customizable: Kodi supports a variety of add-ons that extend its functionality, such as weather apps, sports streaming, and more.
• Low Cost: By using a Raspberry Pi, you can set up Kodi for a very low cost compared to traditional media centers.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, ensure you have the following items:

• Raspberry Pi: Any model from Raspberry Pi 2 onward will work, but the Raspberry Pi 4 will provide the best performance.
• MicroSD Card: A class 10 microSD card with at least 8GB of storage is recommended for the best performance.
• Power Supply: A power supply that is appropriate for your Raspberry Pi model.
• HDMI Cable: To connect your Raspberry Pi to a monitor or TV.
• Keyboard and Mouse: For easy navigation during the setup process.
• Internet Connection: Either Wi-Fi or Ethernet to install Kodi and stream media.

Step 1: Install OSMC or LibreELEC

The easiest way to get Kodi running on your Raspberry Pi is by using a pre-configured operating system like **OSMC** or **LibreELEC**, both of which are designed for media center purposes and come with Kodi pre-installed. Here’s how to install one of these systems:

Using OSMC:

1. Go to the OSMC website and download the OSMC installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
2. Insert your microSD card into your computer and run the OSMC installer.
3. Select your Raspberry Pi model and choose the OSMC version to install.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to write OSMC to the SD card.
5. Once the installation is complete, insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi and power it up. OSMC will boot up automatically, and Kodi will be ready to use.

Using LibreELEC:

1. Visit the LibreELEC download page.
2. Download the appropriate version of LibreELEC for your Raspberry Pi model.
3. Use a tool like **Balena Etcher** or **Raspberry Pi Imager** to write the LibreELEC image to your microSD card.
4. After the image is written, insert the SD card into your Raspberry Pi, connect the Raspberry Pi to your TV, and power it on. LibreELEC will launch Kodi right away.

Step 2: Set Up Kodi on Raspberry Pi

After Kodi has been installed and is running on your Raspberry Pi, you’ll want to configure it to suit your needs. Here’s how:

• Network Setup: Ensure that your Raspberry Pi is connected to the internet via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Go to the **Settings** menu, select **System**, and then choose **Network** to configure your connection.
• Adding Media Sources: In Kodi, you can add movies, TV shows, music, and other media to your library. Go to the **Videos** or **Music** section and choose **Add Videos** or **Add Music** to specify the location of your media files.
• Install Add-ons: Kodi supports a wide range of add-ons. You can install add-ons for streaming services, live TV, weather, and much more. Go to the **Add-ons** section to browse and install add-ons.
• Set Up Remote Control: If you’d prefer to control Kodi remotely, you can install the **Kore** Kodi remote app on your smartphone. Just ensure that your Raspberry Pi and smartphone are on the same network.

Step 3: Enjoy Your Media Center!

With Kodi now set up on your Raspberry Pi, you can enjoy streaming media, watching movies, listening to music, and using various add-ons. You can even use your Raspberry Pi as a server to stream content to other devices in your home.

To control Kodi, you can use a keyboard and mouse, a wireless remote, or the Kore mobile app. You can also customize Kodi’s interface, themes, and settings to match your preferences.

Benefits of Using Kodi on Raspberry Pi

• Cost-Effective: Setting up a media center on a Raspberry Pi is much cheaper than purchasing a dedicated media player.
• Compact and Silent: The Raspberry Pi is small, lightweight, and silent, making it an ideal home theater solution.
• Endless Customization: Kodi offers a wealth of customization options, from themes to add-ons.
• Wide Support for Formats: Kodi supports virtually every audio and video format, ensuring compatibility with most media files.