Roku is a popular media streaming device that is loved many. It’s so popular in fact that multiple iterations of the Roku box have come to pass. Even more so, Roku streaming capabilities have made way to TVs.
It is why people are coming to love with Roku’s streaming capabilities. Whether it’s Windows, Mac, Android, iOS or even game consoles, Roku works with all devices. Similar to Roku, Kodi is a media streaming tool that lets you stream content from a variety of sources.
With such capable streaming devices and tools out in the market, there are some burning questions in people’s minds:
- Can I install Kodi on my Roku?
- How to install Kodi on Roku?
- How to load Kodi on Roku?
Follow our guide as we explain to you how Kodi for Roku works and how to install Kodi on Roku.
What is Kodi and How Does it Work?
Formerly known as XMBC, Kodi is an open-source free media player that streams content from sources that you own. You simply download the software on a supported platform and connect your devices running on the same network. You can choose from the many official Kodi addons available to stream from places like Youtube, Twitch, and more.
Moreover, Kodi’s popularity is driving the development of third-party addons cooked up by the Kodi community. There are hundreds of Kodi addons to choose from. You can stream Movies, TV Shows, Music, and more using such addons. Kodi makes it possible to stream geo-restricted content and even paid events for free.
Get VPN NowHow to Install Kodi on Roku
There is, unfortunately, no official Kodi app for Roku. It’s because Kodi is a native C/C++ application, hence, it’s not supported by Roku. However, there is a way to get Kodi on Roku. The cast feature on Roku allows you to mirror applications from your device and on to Roku, this is how we’re going to be setting up Kodi on Roku.
Make sure that your Roku device and Android device share the same network.
Now, here’s how to cast Kodi on Roku:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- From Settings, go to Screen Mirroring
- Click on Enable Screen Mirroring
- Press OK
Also, make sure that you’re running the latest Roku OS version by going into Settings > System Update
How to Install Kodi on Roku 4, 3, 2
Roku 4, 3, and 2 make it easy to play Kodi on Roku as they support screen mirroring. It works by duplicating what’s on your smartphone or PC onto a TV. It’s an easy and convenient way to setup Kodi on Roku.
Before we begin setting up Kodi on Roku, both your Kodi and Roku devices must be on the same network. We have unfortunate news for iPhone users, screen mirroring is not supported on iPhone. For everyone else, here’s how to install Kodi on Roku 4, 3, and 2.
Enable Screen Mirroring on your Android Device
Although iPhones don’t support screen mirroring, a large majority of Android phones do. Screen mirroring is available on Android phones under different names, it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Here are some of the names you’ll find among Android phones:
- All Share Cast
- Wireless Display
- Quick Connect
- Cast
- HTC Connect
- Smart view
- Screen Casting
- Display Mirroring
These are some of the terms you’ll hear among different Android phones. With that out of the way, you can check by which name screen mirroring functionality is available on your Android device. The option for screen mirroring is tucked away in Settings under a sub-menu. Check under Network, Connection, or look for a menu like Cast.
Once you’ve enabled screen mirroring on your Android device, you’ve accomplished half step towards setting up Kodi on Roku. Remember that an official Kodi app is not available for Roku.
How to Get Kodi on Roku
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- Go into Settings
- Select Enable Screen Mirroring from the System menu
Now that you’ve enabled screen mirroring from your Roku device, it’s now time to enable it from your device. Follow us as we explain how to enable screen mirroring on each platform.
How to Get Kodi on Roku Using Windows PC
Kodi is available on Windows PC. It is very easy to set up Kodi on Windows platform and takes a few minutes to do so.
Here’s how to install Kodi on Roku with a few short steps:
- Click on the Start Menu from your Windows PC
- Type in “Device Settings” in the Windows Search
- Click on the result
- Click on Add Device
- You will see Roku 3 in the list, select and add your device
If you’re using a Windows-based device then you can do the following steps:
- From the right side, swipe on the edge of the screen
- Tap on Devices
- Tap on Project and then Add a Wireless Display
- Connect to a display that is connected to a Roku device.
How to Get Kodi on Roku Using Android Smart TV
Kodi on Roku is easy to install if you have an Android Smart TV. Get Kodi on Roku for your Android Smart TV by following the easy steps we’ve explained below:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote
- Go to Settings and find the option for screen mirroring under Display, Network or Cast
- Enable the option and search for Roku devices nearby
- Click OK
From here you can get Kodi on Roku easily by installing it.
Watch Kodi on Roku Safely with FastestVPN
VPN is recommended for Kodi on Roku. It will enhance the capabilities of Kodi on Roku and allow you to stream geo-restricted content from a variety of sources. You can choose from hundreds of Kodi addons that stream content, such as UFC, WWE, Sports, TV Shows, Movies, and more.
We recommended using a fast and reliable VPN like FastestVPN. Here’s how to setup VPN for Kodi on Roku.
- Subscribe to FastestVPN
- Install the service using the Router method on your router
- Connect your Roku device to this router
You can now browse the web safely. Since VPN is installed directly in the router, you can add devices to this router and they will all benefit from FastestVPN’s service.
Compatible Roku Devices
One of the things you must ensure is that you have a compatible Roku device, not every Roku devices support screen mirroring.
Here’s the list of devices that are good to go for using Kodi on Roku:
- Roku Streaming Stick (Model 3500 and 3600)
- Roku 2 (Model 4210)
- Roku 3 (Model 4200)
- Roku 4 (Model 4400)
Best Kodi Addons on Roku
The amazing thing about Kodi is the addons. There are hundreds of addons for you to choose from. They enhance the capabilities of Kodi by enabling you to stream content from a variety of sources. By using popular addons, Kodi users can watch Movies, TV Shows, Documentaries, Music, and much more.
Here are some of the best addons when you add Kodi to Roku. We have categorized each of them, pick the ones which interest you.
Movies and TV Shows:
- SkyNet Kodi
- USTV Now
- Covenant
- Exodus
- Bob Unleashed
- BritFlix
- Wraith
- Genesis Reborn
- IPTV Bonanza
- Gurzil
Sports:
- SportsDevil
- BBC iPlayer
- Sports World
- Chronos
- Elektra World
- Bennu
- Pro Sport
- Planet MMA
- Veilside
- Atom Reborn
Music:
- Soundcloud
- Spotify
- Beatz
Live TV:
- Maverick TV
- StreamHub
- cloud TV
- USTV Now
- Stream Engine
How to Install Exodus on Roku
Once Kodi for Roku is up and running, you can enhance its capabilities by addons. Some addons are officially, but a large majority of them are built by a community of Kodi fans. Exodus is one of the best and popular Kodi addons that allows you to watch the latest Movies and TV Shows by using Kodi on Roku.
Here is how you can install Exodus on Roku:
- From the Kodi app on your Roku device, head into Settings and click on File Manager.
- Double-click on Add Source
- Insert this link (http://lazykodi.com/) in the URL field and click OK
- Name it “Lazy Kodi” and click OK
- Return to the Home screen and head into Addons
- Click on the package installer icon
- Select Install from zip file
- Click on Lazy Kodi and pick Kodi-xxx.zip
- Go back and select Install from Repository
- Pick Kodil Repository
- Select Videos Addons and click on Exodus
- Wait for the installation to finish.
That’s it! Exodus will be waiting for you in the Addons section. Use this addon to watch endless hours of entertainment when you add Kodi to Roku. Also, don’t forget to use FastestVPN with Kodi on Roku. A VPN like FastestVPN with Kodi on Roku will allow you to stream geo-restricted content without the fear of getting a legal notice from the DMCA.
Why do I need VPN for Roku?
Digital video-streaming services like Netflix are subject to regulations. Geo-restrictions prevent streaming services to offer their entire library across every region. Hence, entertainment enthusiasts choose a VPN service like FastestVPN to unblock every such content.
A VPN lets you spoof your Geo-location in order to gain access to restricted content. Not only that but using a VPN let you stay anonymous on the internet. It is important because accessing geo-restricted or blocked content can be tracked by your ISP. You can then end up a legal notice from the DMCA.
Kodi on Roku is a strong combination to stream entertainment. Use FastestVPN to securely stream content from across regions and even watch paid content for free.
How to Jailbreak Roku?
If you’re wondering how to jailbreak Roku then there’s bad news. There is no way to jailbreak Roku because it’s built on a specialized Linux based operating system called Roku OS. It’s not possible to gain root access to your Roku device. Even the method to install Kodi on Roku that we’ve discussed here is not an official method or uses a direct app built specifically for Roku.
The only way we can use Kodi on Roku is through screen-mirroring option available on some platforms.
Types of Roku Devices
Roku is a media streaming box that comes in different shapes and sizes. You can easily purchase them boxes online or through a physical retail shop for setting up Kodi on Roku. Here are the different Roku products on sale:
-
Roku Express
This is the cheapest option starting at just $30. Roku express is a small form factor box that comes with a remote and plugs in an HDMI port of your display.
-
Roku Express+
Roku Express+ is the second offering, priced at $40. It is similar to Express but features the option to connect with older TVs without HDMI port using A/V cable.
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Roku Streaming Stick
Priced at $36, Roku Stream Stick is the smallest of the bunch. It’s the size of an average USB stick and plugs directly in the HDMI port of your display.
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Roku Streaming Stick+
Roku Streaming Stick+ is an enhanced version of the Streaming Stick. It features 4K and HDR capabilities in the same small factor. It costs $50.
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Roku Ultra
Roku Ultra is the ultimate Roku box that features the best Roku has to offer. It’s slightly bigger than the Express and comes with a remote, priced at $60.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can Roku be used without installing Kodi?
Roku itself is a media streaming device that is powered by its own OS called Roku OS. It’s a powerhouse with extensive media streaming capabilities. You can download hundreds of apps from its store and stream entertainment without Kodi.
- Can you install Kodi on Roku?
Officially, there is no app for Kodi on Roku. But Kodi on Roku works by screen mirroring feature that is found on some platforms like Android. Follow our guide above for complete details on how to install Kodi on Roku with a Windows PC and Android device.
- Is Roku free or paid?
Roku devices are a one-time purchase that has no reoccurring cost. You simply pay for the hardware and use one of many free apps like Youtube, Sky News, TV Player, and more to stream free content. However, paid streaming services like Netflix and Hulu have their own associated cost.
- Why use Kodi?
Kodi is a media streaming software that is built around streaming content from multiple sources. On top of that, the Kodi community has developed hundreds of addons that enable geo-restricted streams and paid content for free. Although a Kodi app for Roku does not exist, use our elaborate guide here to learn how to install Kodi on Roku.
Kodi on Other Platforms
Kodi on Roku is not the only combination available, there are many more. Kodi is a streaming tool that lets you stream media from sources you own, it works on many other platforms.
Here’s a list of platforms Kodi is available on:
- Android
- Mac
- Windows
- iOS
- Apple TV
- Raspberry Pi
- FireStick
- Xbox One
- Chromebook
- Smart TV
Conclusion
Roku is a robust media streaming box that when paired with Kodi works even better. By default, Kodi is a legal app that streams content from sources that you own. However, using addons such as Exodus that can stream geo-restriction and paid content for free makes for an issue. While using Kodi on Roku, It is recommended that you always use a reliable VPN like FastestVPN to protect you at all times. FastestVPN will ensure that you stay anonymous and are able to stream geo-restricted content with Kodi on Roku.
Setting up Kodi on Roku is easy, follow our guide above.