Kodi is among the most popular free media players in the market. It’s an open-source platform that allows you to access all your digital media and content from one source. Kodi turns any of your devices, such as a smartphone, computer, digital TV, or tablet, into a set-top box or streamer, allowing you to stream files from the internet, home network, or local storage.
Unfortunately, your internet connection is not secure. Other parties such as hackers, the government, and your internet service provider can access your online data, thus the need for using a VPN when streaming on the platform.
Besides privacy, a VPN service will allow you to stream extra content on Kodi. The best way to use a VPN with your Kodi is to install a VPN service compatible with Kodi. We will explain how to set up a VPN on Kodi and suggest some of our favorite VPNs that will work with Kodi.
How do I enable VPN on Kodi?
The easiest way to run a VPN over Kodi is not to install the VPN on the device where your Kodi app is, but we will share various other methods depending on the device you have.
Method 1: VPN app
First, you need to find a VPN app compatible with Kodi, then continue with the steps below.
- Download the VPN app on your device.
- Sign up in the VPN app or on their official website.
- Go to the VPN app, choose the server you want, and connect your device.
- You now have the Kodi app, and it will encrypt the traffic automatically.
Method 2: Kodi Add-on
You can also use in-built VPN add-ons to use VPN for Kodi. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Kodi
- Open the main menu and go to ‘Add-ons.’
- Click ‘Download and then ‘Program add-ons.’
- You should see a list of add-ons. Select an add-on that is compatible with your VPN service.
- Install the add-on on Kodi and open it.
- Click on ‘Configuring your VPN’ and log in.
- Select ‘Activate’ to turn on the VPN service.
Method 3: By router, phone, tablet, or computer
So not all VPN services have add-ons set up specifically for Kodi, so you can install a VPN on Kodi to use as an internal Kodi VPN add-on. Setting a VPN in your router secures all your devices and internet traffic.
Router
Installing a VPN to your router is different for every router. But there are two main requirements for the setup to work; they include:
- A router with DD-WRT firmware to encrypt Kodi. Only routers with this firmware work with VPNs.
- A VPN subscription with OpenVPN. OpenVPN is a protocol that some VPN providers offer, such as NordVPN and SurfShark.
Directions
- After confirming you have these, find your router on the router database or the DD-WRT website and download the file.
- Then download its corresponding bin fine.
- Go through the hardware-specific instructions for your router to know how to flash new firmware on your router.
Windows
- Go to the Microsoft store and download the Windows Kodi app.
- Select your VPN and sign in.
- Press ‘Connect’
- Open Kodi and start streaming securely.
Mac
- Go to the Apple store and download your VPN.
- Log in to the VPN and click ‘Connect.’
- Open the Kodi app on the Mac with the VPN.
Android
- Download a suitable VPN for Android from the Google Store.
- Sign up and connect to a server.
- Open Kodi and start streaming.
iOS
- Go to the Apple store on your iPhone and download a VPN.
- Sign up and connect to a server.
- Open Kodi.
Should I use a VPN while using Kodi?
There are several reasons why Kodi users use a VPN, such as:
Encrypt online traffic
Adding a VPN while using Kodi will protect you from hackers and malicious advertisers trying to use your information. By encrypting your data, malicious parties cannot read your sent data.
Stream anonymously
A VPN will hide the websites, apps, and device’s IP address and encrypts your online activity, preventing hackers or the government from tracking you.
Surpass firewalls and geoblocks
Most streaming services have geo-restrictions. A VPN will allow you to avoid geo-restrictions by routing your internet traffic to other countries. This will allow you to stream international content and other streaming services unavailable in your country.
Privacy from ISP
Internet service providers can track and access your online traffic, including data such as websites you visit, the amount of time you spend on a website, streamed content, and private information you wouldn’t want to share. Installing a VPN will prevent your ISP from collecting your data.
Also, VPN will also protect you from bandwidth throttling which is the deliberate slowing down of internet connection by ISPs. They do this when internet and network traffic are congested. Therefore it allows you to enjoy online streaming on your Kodi.
How do I use VPN on Kodi Firestick?
If your Kodi app is on Amazon Firestick, you can set up a VPN on your Amazon Firestick for secure streaming. Adding Kodi to your Firestick creates an all-in-one media player. The process may be a bit complex since you cannot download Kodi directly from the Amazon app, but you can accomplish it by following the steps below.
- Turn on your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV.
- Go to Settings > Device > Developer options.
- Allow ‘ADB debugging and apps from unknown sources.’
- Go to the Amazon app store, search for the ‘Downloader’ app, and install it.
- Open the Downloader app and type https://kodi.tv/download/ on the search bar.
- Select the Android and 32-bit version of the app.
- Click ‘Install’
- Download your desired VPN app onto your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV from the Amazon app store.
- Select a server, and now you can use the Kodi software and VPN on Fire TV Stick.
Who needs a VPN on Kodi?
Anyone using some illegal add-on or wants to access geo-blocked content and add-on should use a VPN on Kodi. Either way, the quality of your VPN service will determine the success of both tasks.
Also, anyone who wants to cover their online traffic data and IP address will benefit from a good VPN. Finally, you can install a VPN on Kodi to improve your HD streaming capabilities.
Pros and cons of using a VPN on Kodi
So although most people understand the benefits and use of a VPN, they come with a few drawbacks. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN with Kodi.
Pros of using VPN on Kodi
Privacy
VPN apps encrypt your internet connection and route it through an intermediary server in a different location. This prevents your ISP from accessing your online data and surveillance from other parties on your network.
The VPN will allow you to stream and download illegal or copyrighted content. The encryption also protects you from bandwidth throttling, allowing you to get the best streaming quality.
Additionally, the apps and websites you use cannot identify you or the IP address of your device.
Security
The VPN’s encryption also protections your internet connection and data from attacks from hackers. It encrypts your data before leaving your device, so an attacker can’t even read it. Some VPNs also block malware and ads.
Stream geo-blocked content
You can select the location of the VPN server you want and access apps and websites from that server’s location. In addition, the VPN will bypass location restrictions and allow you to securely access video streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, among others, from different countries.
Fights censorship
There are countries in the world with governments that control the flow of information, including the internet, like China. In some, they also restrict the use of popular services such as Twitter, Facebook, and Wikipedia. But a VPN can encrypt your internet connection and help you unblock specific websites and apps.
Cons of using VPN on Kodi
Slower internet connection
Using a VPN on any of your devices will slow down internet speed to some extent. First, the encryption and decryption process causes some delay which is more noticeable on low-powered devices like smart TVs and streaming devices.
Second, since all your data has to pass through the VPN server, it causes some congestion on the path the data takes to reach its destination, thus slowing down the connection.
Thankfully, you can reduce the delay by choosing a VPN server close to your location. Also, choosing a fast VPN service can prevent slow internet since most premium VPN users don’t experience the speed drop.
Your VPN provider can see and access your data.
So although a VPN hides your data from hackers and your internet service provider, it doesn’t hide it from your VPN provider. So your data is not completely safe.
The solution may be choosing VPNs that adhere to no-logs policies, which means they don’t save any information about their user’s internet activities while using their VPN.
But some VPNs are not trustworthy, and thy may harvest data to sell to third parties like advertisers.
Cost
Unfortunately, you have to pay to get the most out of your VPN. Although there are plenty of free VPNs, their performance, security, and privacy are more limited than their paid counterparts.
VPNs can be blocked
Many people use VPNs to stream content or bypass censorship in countries or institutions securely. But sometimes, institutions and governments can block the connections between your device and the VPN servers, leaving you without its protection. Therefore, we recommend using VPNs with a good track record, such as ExpressVPN with Kodi.
Reduced convenience
There are extra inconveniences when using a VPN; for instance, you may have to input your credentials more often, you cannot access your online bank account, or you may have to decipher a lot more CAPTCHAs to access sites. You may also not access home printers, security cameras, and other home devices while your VPN is enabled.
What is the best VPN to use on Kodi?
Our top recommendation for the best VPN to use on Kodi is NordVPN due to its high-security features. NordVPN is a reputable VPN with a massive global server network comprising 5,200+ connections, giving you access to Kodi and other streaming services in any part of the world.
It is available on several platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux, and is reasonably priced. In addition, it has very user-friendly software and a speed of 760-880Mbps. The only downside is you will be limited to only six devices.
ExpressVPN and Surfshark are also great alternatives. All three VPNs provide excellent speed, adhere to no-logs policies, and can effectively block the most popular streaming services across the world. They also come with a 30-day refund if their services aren’t satisfactory, allowing you to try them risk-free.
Conclusion
We believe using a VPN with Kodi is worth it since its open-source. After learning how you can set up a VPN with Kodi, you will be able to privately and securely access the most popular streaming services from different locations at a reasonable price.
However, the VPN service you use will affect its performance and privacy. Thus, we have recommended a few of our favorite VPNs that will guarantee the privacy and security of your online activities.