Kodi just launched a completely redesigned website last night that is making things difficult for those trying to sideload Kodi onto an Amazon Fire TV or Fire TV Stick using ES File Explorer. The new modern Kodi site is making it difficult to download the Kodi APK using ES File Explorer’s rudimentary web browsing capabilities. Nate from the Kodi team asked me to look into the issue and post a solution if I find one, so here’s an explanation of what’s happening, as well as a very simple workaround.
Before getting into things, it’s worth mentioning right of the bat that you can select the Kodi download link with my Downloader app just fine on Kodi’s new website, and it’s by far an easier way to navigate a website and download an APK on the Fire TV than ES File Explorer. The navigation menu on the Kodi site is still an issue, but just select the Android link lower on the home page to get to the download page and you’ll be installing Kodi in seconds.
If you’re adamant in still using ES File Explorer, the issue lies with the app’s inability to recognize some links on the new Kodi site as valid links. There is a slight issue with Kodi’s navigation menu, but the real issue comes when you try to select the Android link on Kodi’s download page. ES File Explorer simply will not highlight the link for you to select it.
The workaround is simple. Just as you would if you were using my Downloader app, ignore the navigation menu on Kodi’s site completely and scroll down to the “Android” link in the “Kodi runs on just about anything” section of the home page. Selecting that will take you to the download page.
On the Kodi download page, scroll down past the “Choose your weapon” section, where you normally would select Android but currently cannot. Select the “here” link in the “Older Releases” section of the download page.
Even though this area is meant to be a place to access older versions of Kodi, you can also download the latest version from here. So just select “android” then “arm” and pick the latest version of Kodi to download the APK.
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The link to older versions is not being highlighted either.
You just need to play around with the up, down, left, right buttons on the remote until the highlighter goes where you want.
You really should just use the Downloader app instead though.
After I selected android, I’m trying to click on the latest version of KODI but nothing is happening. I’m stuck here.
Also, when using downloader app, after putting in URL ( I was trying to use troypoint ) it just keeps saying connecting but download never begins. I know my connection is good. Any suggestions?
Ditto, help. Lol
Having same problem….just connecting forever
Same thing. Never begins download on downloader. Any help developer?
Once you’re hovered over the latest version, click all the way to the left, all the way down and then all the way to the right. Click “More” then “Open in Browser” then a pop up will show, click “ES Downloader” then “just once”
When I click on any link on simplykodi.com/downloads nothing happens. It stays stuck on the page not loading links
I’ve been playing with this app on downloader and es for weeks. Still nothing. I went to the older version, the open in browser, everything. NOTHING WORKS! Can someone please help! This is frustrating
Mine keeps saying unsupported browser link no matter what i do..uggg help please
Have the same problem, have you got it resolved?
I have the same problem please pop-up ads.
I used the Dowloader App and after going through the process of downloading in ended with “X App not installed”
Now what?
Same Problem! Did you find a solution?
I have the 17 1 version highlighted but no download is happening
Go to old then click the newest one it will download
I am a complete newbie and had a hard time but it finally worked. I kept backing out and going to downloads and finally was able to install. The only instructions I found were with ES.
You need to go to the bottom right of the screen where the three dots are and select open in new browser! Then download from there :)
Thanks!!!!!!
thanks a million.
“The new modern Kodi site is making it difficult to download the Kodi APK….”
Making it VERY difficult….
Freak yeah ty
oMG!!!! THX A BUNCH that was a vital piece of info missing and i reallllyyy appreciate u letting us knw that. my program has successfully dwnloaded and now i can cont. again thx u
Thank you! You’re the best
YOU are a ROCK STAR!!!
THANKS!
THIS WORKED!!!! ATTENTION PEOPLE FOLLOW THIS DIRECTION!
THANK YOU I CANT HELP CAPS! VERY VERY THANKFUL and EXCITED!!!
Thanks!
So much easier! Thanks
Been trying to download that for ages, your advice worked. Thank you!
THANK YOU!!!! You should get a prize! I wish i have seen your comment lot before getting such headache with this lol
You
Are the real MVP
I open it in new browser and it downloaded but then it says unable to connect after trying to add file source in kodi.
I was trying install fire stick kodi my husband insist on clicking the okay button now i’m trying to delete and go back but no lock please help
Keep pressing the button it will work.
That actually worked for me….just kept pressing select until it downloaded…
Thank you!!
Ok I just got it open/working…used the downloader. But I have closed Kodi and its not showing up on my firestick home page. How do I get it on there after downloading ? Thanks in advance
Thank you, but it’s not working, Amazon has definitely blocked everything, any other recommendations.
Go here http://firetvguru.net
Amazon has nothing to do with this.
It’s only an issue between the es file explorer web browser and the Kodi website.
This article already includes a better solution than es ever was to begin with.
Hi. Same here I have an old firestick. keeps telling me to Purchase where it says get to open Es or Download.. Did you find any solution. Do we really have to keep buying these gadgets for upgrades?
It says purchase but you’re not purchasing it. You’re just adding it. It don’t charge you regardless of what it says. This website will make it easier then trying to find kodi to add it.
http://htpcbeginner.com/aftv
From there you should get what you need to get kodi
All you have to do just in case some haven’t found a solution is keep pressing the button until the dialogue box pops up like before. Before they updated i had to press on arm after i high lighted it like 20 times or so.
And this is why I still install AppStarter on every AFTV(S) device I use/help with. Even without the HOME button option. It makes managing Kodi & SPMC a breeze.
The downloader app is by far the easiest and quickest method, hands down.
One question friends, I have the fire tv one with OS 5.2.1.2 and I could not find a way to put kodi on my input screen, is there any way?
See here: http://www.aftvnews.com/how-to-get-kodi-to-show-up-on-the-home-screen-of-a-fire-tv-or-fire-tv-stick/
I could never get ES to work right ever even before this
They even made the phone version almost totally unuseable now too with ads lock screen ads etc.
And nobody wants to use krypton either
So many once great apps are just turning to crap with each successive update these days
I just downloaded your app and when I input http://kodi.tv and press download nothing happens, it just keeps working. Why is it that improvements seem to screw things.
Kodi’s site is having issues today. Try entering this direct download URL for Kodi 17.1 (latest): http://bit.ly/kodi171
I tried that link but my fire stick says “PARSE ERROR”
Are you trying to install Krypton aka v17 & above on FireOS 3 FW. That won’t work. You need to stick to Jarvis aka v16.1 if you have not upgraded to FireOS 5. Or you will get the parsing error when trying to install an app made for Lollipop aka Android 5 or above.
Unfortunately Kodi doesn’t have a valid link to Jarvis 16.1.
They still have the old files there. Just a bit more hidden. This is a direct link to the last Jarvis aka v16.1 directly from Kodi.TV
http://bit.ly/2ozyISt
Can’t thank you enough.the Jarvis 16.1 worked after repeated failed 17.1 attempts.just backtracked through old files.
Thx
Rich
Worked a treat thanks.
I figured it out. I had restore my FS back to factory settings then download Downloader and install 17.1.
THANK YOU , es file is being deleted RIGHT now!
The instructions do work. However, you will NOT see the download window right away. Click on the file, wait about 1-2 minutes and then click the “back” button. You should now see the download screen.
In ES Prompt for HTTP.. enter
https://kodi.tv/download/852
You can also get kodi 16.1 zip and apk from this source
http://htpcbeginner.com/aftv
Pulse Sky Q build doesn’t work with Krypton 17.1, so stick with Kodi Jarvis 16.1 if you want to use that.
Are you putting this in downloaded or es explorer?
Third line down “Kodi 16.1”. Use either ZIP mirror #3 or APK mirror 3 but the idea is, that if one doesn’t work, you just try another mirror.
Are you putting this in downloader or es explorer?
ES Explorer. You can navigate to the mirrors using Firestick remote easily.
Given the VERY specific questions and screen shots you’ve provided, it worked perfectly for me. MANY thanks!
When I click on the download from the home screen after entering the url all it does is pop up a window saying connecting but never loads, any suggestions?
I’m having same problem. I’ve tried different URL’s with no luck. They must be having problems with the new site
took a minute to really understand . the pictures on this page are really blurry. but this did work. i had reset my firestick thinking i did something wrong.
While using fire stick I go to download Es file explorer, once I click on the app the screen goes black and nothing happens, any help?
Thank you so much for posting this. Someone I know wanted to charge me to reinstall Kodi. I have done it for free with the help of this post. Again, thank you so very much.
Thanks so much for posting this info!
After banging head on wall I switched to downloader instead of ES explorer. Cones up with a red round pointer to select android and it cones up no problem for downloading with new firestick.
Just bought new firestick tried downloading Kodi didn’t work any ideas
If you are having issues, save the following as your bookmark in ES File:
http:\\kodi.tv\download\852
This should work!
I got to the part where I was able to click download in the downloaded app. But when I click download it buffers to a percentage and then it says CONNECTION FAILED. Can some one help me.
i am having the same issue, did you figure out a solution?
what you using to download it with brian? es/downloader or another one? have you turned on the”allow installation from unknown sources etc and apk debugging and alike?
also anyone no if fireDL is till operational? i was using this last time i did mine…
very quick and easy to use..
delilah have you done the stuff in security settings too if its a new stick?
I am trying to use the ES file explorer to download Spins tv, even with creating new accounts, it keeps saying “your account has been suspended. Any ideas how to fix this?
has anyone had an issue where it wont let you click install when putting it on your android phone? if so how did you fix it
Trying to install with downloader and it just says connecting never connects. If I put an incorrect link it let’s me know so I know it is out to the web.
I have Jarvis 16.1 was told to upgrade to krypton 17.3 when I donloaded it it took me to to the new version but 20 after I get on it takes me back to the home page. When I Re launch it it does the same thing. Any suggestions on how to fix it?
When you find out please post it I’m having the same problem it keeps telling me I’m not connected to the server
is it a uk or states build you guys are looking for?
I am looking for the state build. I don’t know why but every video I use says that I am not connected to the network. It’s driving me crazy. I can’t even update my other Firesticks cause I’m scared I won’t be able to use them anymore.
firestick search firedl then there ar options / shortcodes for everything you guys need… :)
I just used the downloader to get kodi working, but I jave now closed Kodi and it does not appear on my firestick home page. Any help is appreciated! Thanks
My firestick won’t let me change skins. I get to the skin page push the get more button and it takes me right back to the skin page instead of giving me different skin options. Plz help
Thank you so much , I was having a hard time trying to update kodi.
I cannot download kodi though downloader, ES file manager or fireDL on my Fire TV Box. I have tried about 15 different links on each of the 3 downloading apps but have had no luck. I had it on there originally then it wasn’t working. I did a factory reset of the Fire TV box and now my device will not connect to any kodi website or any site that allows me to download kodi onto the FireTV Box. I have followed the exact directions listed on this site multiple times to verify I have done everything correctly but I have had no luck. Before I throw it out my window, someone please help me!
I have tried connecting to Kodi site with Downloader on Fire Tv and nothing. I was able to download kodi last night to our other fire tv but the second box is a no go. Have tried multiple websites but Downloader is not connecting on fire tv. Our laptops are connecting. Something is amiss with the Fire Tv boxes. Have reset but nothing. Very sad.
Hi when I download any version of kodi when downloaded I get no app found to handle this file. Hello please
brandon,
mate your going to the 3 dots in the bottom right hand corner,has worked a treat,
and thats after 4 hours of trying everything else.
well done pal