How to Install Kodi on Your Smart TV (2026 Guide)

Whether you can install Kodi on your Smart TV depends entirely on the TV's operating system. This guide covers each case — and the one method that works no matter what TV you own.

First, what OS does your TV run?

• Android TV / Google TV (Sony, Philips, TCL, Nvidia Shield): Kodi installs directly. Easiest case.
• Samsung (Tizen) / LG (webOS): Kodi is not available natively. You'll use an external device.
• Any TV with a spare HDMI port: a $40 Firestick or Android box runs Kodi perfectly.

Method 1 — Android TV / Google TV (direct)

1. From the home screen, open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Kodi.
3. Select Install, then Open.

Done — Kodi runs natively. Update it from the Play Store when new versions land.

Method 2 — Samsung & LG TVs (external device)

Tizen and webOS don't allow Kodi, so plug in a streaming device:

1. Connect an Amazon Firestick or Android TV box to a free HDMI port.
2. Install Kodi on that device — see our Firestick Kodi guide for the sideload steps.
3. Switch your TV to that HDMI input and use Kodi from there.

This is more reliable than any "cast to TV" workaround and gives you the full Kodi experience.

Method 3 — Cast from phone (quick and dirty)

If you just want to watch occasionally, install Kodi on an Android phone and cast/mirror to the TV. Fine for a one-off; a Firestick is far better day to day.

After you install Kodi

Kodi is an empty media player until you add sources. Keep it legal, keep it updated, and run a VPN for privacy. If you want live TV and sports without the addon hassle, a proper IPTV service plugged into an IPTV player is the simpler route.

Bottom line

Android TV? Install from the Play Store. Samsung or LG? Add a Firestick. Either way you'll have Kodi running in minutes.