How To Use Kodi For The First Time

December 15, 2016 by admin 267 Comments

Kodi has always been the go-to platform for individuals with penchant for entertainment at home. As such many want to learn how to use Kodi when thinking of creating their own personal media center from an old PC, XBMC, MacBook and other gadgets running on iOS, Android, Windows or Linux. Yes, it can even be installed on their very own Amazon Fire TV Stick. If this is your maiden foray to streamed entertainment, check out how to use Kodi to watch videos, television shows, movies, listen to music, and more..

1. Installation

The first step on how to use Kodi, of course, is on how to properly install the software on supported hardware. Before you get groovy on add-ons and all that media streaming hype, you need to install it on a computer or ARM-powered tablets, laptop, tablets, phones, streaming sticks, etc. and then, hooking the said device to the television. You can download the Kodi software HERE

2. File Sharing

Once installed, you can now add files. This can either be done via plain file views or through robust file sharing. Think of cover art, trailers, video clips, summaries and thumbnails. Adding these media sources allow you to customize everything from naming your files, to adding video sources, and more. For privacy, password protect is also possible. Check out the walkthrough HERE.

3. Add Videos, Music, Pictures and more

Now, to add videos to your custom library, simply select on the home screen the “videos” button, files, and then, “add videos”. If there’s no “add videos” option, simply enable this by going to the settings>appearance>file lists>”add source”. This will then, display the “add video source” screen. You can either select “browse” or add the network file path. Now, you can save your videos in a folder customized for your videos.

The same steps also apply for adding pictures to your Kodi. For music, however, you need to have an ID tag scheme to customize your music library. For a more detailed walkthrough, go HERE.

4. The Controller

The Kodi remote control is designed to work in a 10-foot interface making it great for living room environment. It works like any typical remote control with power, volume, channel, and other buttons for you to navigate around your media files and media box settings. Kodi also supports mouse and keyboard control as well as touch controls via compatible portable gadgets like smartphones and tablets via an app.

5. Installing Add-Ons

Much of the controversy around the Kodi platform is on its add-ons. Continually being developed by its creative team and third parties, it has a growing list meant to drive online content like YouTube, Vimeo, Hulu, or Pandora; themes or skins for its personalization, and both official and unofficial repositories. Check out the Add On Manager HERE.

6. Change Skin

Customize the overall look and feel of your Kodi media platform. Choose from hundreds of skins or themes ranging from its default skin, Confluence, to Immersive design, Titan, Welo, Aeon Nox, Transparency, and so on. Simply go to System > Appearance > Skin or follow this walkthough HERE.

Important Reminder

Watch unlimited movies, television series, PPV, live broadcasts, sports, and contests. Listen to music. Compile your most memorable photographs. Knowing how to use Kodi will lead you to more exciting entertainment ahead. Later on, you will learn about how to make good use of its context menu and begin experimenting on your own! Download it now!