Updated on: November 7, 2024
Short on time? Here are some quick tips for staying safe on Kodi in 2024:
- Use only trusted Kodi add-ons. This means add-ons from the official Kodi repository or well-known and reputable third-party add-ons like Netflix that carry legally available content.
- Use a VPN. A good VPN, like ExpressVPN, prevents anyone from seeing what add-ons you’re using and what you’re watching on Kodi and hides your IP address from everyone, including your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
- Update your Kodi app. Updates often fix security vulnerabilities that threat actors can exploit to gain unauthorized access to user data or inject malicious software.
- Abide by local copyright laws. It’s important to familiarize yourself with laws about streaming copyrighted content in your country and stick to content that’s legal.
- Install antivirus software. A good antivirus can block and remove malware that might come from malicious Kodi add-ons.
Kodi itself is perfectly legal — it’s just a media center. It doesn’t provide any content of its own but offers a place where you organize and stream media content from a variety of sources. However, there are certain third-party add-ons you can install that provide access to copyrighted content, and streaming pirated content is illegal in most countries.
In the article below, I break down where and when Kodi is legal and offer a clear set of guidelines for using the app safely and legally.
Pro Tip: I strongly recommend using a VPN when streaming on Kodi. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic so that nobody else can see what you’re watching or which add-on you’re using. Plus, the best VPNs for Kodi we recommend have a no-logs policy, meaning they don’t see or record what you do on Kodi. Our no. 1 pick for Kodi in 2024 is ExpressVPN.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Is It Legal to Use Kodi?
While many people associate Kodi with piracy, there’s nothing illegal about the app itself, and it has many completely legitimate uses. You can, for example, use Kodi to organize and play personal media files or stream content from services like Netflix, YouTube, and ESPN using Kodi add-ons from its repository. You can find our list of the best legal Kodi add-ons here.
However, legal concerns may arise if you use third-party add-ons, which often provide free access to movies, TV shows, or live broadcasts without proper licensing. You should also be aware that some “Kodi boxes” (streaming boxes or sticks with Kodi pre-installed) and Kodi builds come with illegal third-party add-ons. If you prefer these for convenience, however, check our list of the best Kodi builds that are safe.
What makes certain add-ons illegal is that they give you access to copyrighted content, and streaming copyrighted content is illegal in most countries, including if you don’t download or share the media. Some countries are very strict when it comes to enforcing copyright laws and impose heavy penalties. That said, there are a small number of countries where it’s entirely legal to stream or download pirated content, provided it’s only for personal use.
I recommend always verifying the legitimacy of the add-ons you’re using on the app and familiarizing yourself with local laws to avoid unknowingly breaking the law.
Is Kodi Safe?
The official Kodi software and approved add-ons are generally safe and free of malicious code. You don’t have to worry about accidentally streaming copyrighted content via these add-ons either.
But the same can’t be said for unofficial third-party add-ons. The majority of third-party add-ons are hosted by unknown developers and haven’t been vetted by Kodi staff, so there’s always the risk that the add-on contains malware or spyware that could compromise your device’s security and your personal data. If you still want to use third-party add-ons, it’s best to invest in a good antivirus like Norton.
Additionally, some third-party add-ons source their content through torrents. Torrents are a type of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network, which means you’re downloading parts of a file from other users’ devices while also uploading parts of it to share with others. This comes with notable risks and disadvantages:
- Legal risks. Some torrents share copyrighted material without proper licensing, which means potentially breaking copyright laws.
- Malware. You may unintentionally download viruses or harmful software hidden in torrent files.
- Privacy issues. Your IP address is visible to other peers in the network, making it easier for them to track your online activity or identify your general location.
- Unstable connections. Torrents download content from many different users, which can lead to inconsistent streaming quality. If one or more sources are slow or unavailable, it can cause buffering and interruptions during playback.
Tips for Using Kodi Safely
1. Use Only Trusted Kodi Add-ons
The safest way to use Kodi is by sticking to add-ons from official Kodi repositories. These add-ons are vetted by the Kodi team and offer access to legal and reliable content sources, reducing the risks of malware and copyright infringement.
Be cautious of third-party Kodi “builds” or pre-configured setups that come with multiple add-ons. Many of these builds include unofficial add-ons with questionable content sources, which could expose you to legal issues or security risks.
If you must use a third-party add-on, look up the add-on’s name and developer and see if they have a presence on reputable forums, read user reviews and forum discussions, and download the add-on from well-known and trusted repositories. If the add-on asks for your login credentials for services like Netflix, Spotify, or other accounts, you should be extra vigilant to avoid exposing your personal login information to unknown developers.
2. Use a VPN
The best way to secure your privacy on Kodi is with a VPN. A VPN encrypts your traffic, which makes your Kodi activities unreadable to others, including your ISP (which typically sees everything you do online), your government, and any other third parties that may want to spy on you.
The VPN’s encryption means nobody would be able to see what Kodi add-on you’re using, whether it’s from the official repository or a third-party add-on, what you’re watching, when, and for how long. As a bonus, this also stops your ISPs from throttling your speeds for using “too much” bandwidth, because they won’t be able to tell whether you’re streaming or not.
VPNs also hide your IP address. When you connect to a VPN, the app assigns you an IP address that belongs to the server you’re connected to. This is particularly useful if you use add-ons that stream content from torrents, which make your IP address publicly visible to all peers. With the VPN on, you won’t expose your location and identity to anyone in the same network.
To use a VPN with Kodi, just follow these 3 simple steps. You can find more detailed step-by-step guides for installing a VPN on Kodi here.
- Choose a VPN that works well with Kodi. I recommend ExpressVPN. It’s fully compatible with Kodi and provides blazing-fast speeds for smooth HD streams.
- Download and install the VPN. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the installation wizard. This should take no longer than 2–3 minutes.
- Connect to a VPN server and launch Kodi. That’s it! You can now securely stream content on Kodi.
3. Keep Your Kodi App Updated
Kodi releases regular updates that fix security vulnerabilities, improve stability, and add new features. Running an outdated version of Kodi can expose you to malware or bugs that are addressed in the latest release.
I recommend enabling automatic updates on your device if possible (Kodi itself doesn’t have an auto-update function). The next best thing would be to periodically check the Kodi website to make sure you have the latest version installed.
4. Educate Yourself On Local Copyright Laws
Copyright laws vary significantly by country. Some countries have strict regulations on streaming unlicensed content, while others are more lenient. Familiarizing yourself with your country’s copyright rules can help you avoid legal troubles.
This is especially important when considering third-party add-ons or streaming sources that may host copyrighted material. When in doubt, stick to content that is clearly labeled as free and legal or accessible through authorized add-ons. If an add-on is giving away premium content for free, it’s probably breaking copyright laws.
5. Install Antivirus Software
Installing a good antivirus on your device can help catch malware or other threats that might come from insecure Kodi add-ons. My top recommendation is Norton — it has a 100% malware detection rate and can remove suspicious files before they harm your device.
Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to stream on Kodi?
It depends on what you’re streaming. If you’re just using it to access or organize legally obtained content, such as personal media files or licensed streaming services, this is entirely within the law. However, some third-party add-ons, which are not endorsed by Kodi, may provide access to copyrighted content without permission.
Streaming unlicensed material through these add-ons may be illegal, depending on your country’s copyright laws. To stay safe, it’s best to stick to official add-ons or reputable sources that stream authorized content.
Is Kodi a safe app?
Yes — Kodi doesn’t contain any malware and the app itself is completely legal. However, third-party add-ons for Kodi are a different story. They haven’t been vetted by Kodi staff, so they could contain malicious code or spyware.
Many third-party add-ons also provide access to copyrighted content without authorization, which could get you into legal trouble, or source their content from torrents, which may compromise your privacy.
Is Kodi legal in the US?
Yes, Kodi is legal in the US and pretty much every other country. This is because the app itself is just a simple media center. The reason many people associate Kodi with piracy is that some people install third-party add-ons for Kodi that provide free access to movies and TV shows without proper licensing. This is considered copyright infringement and is illegal in most countries, including the US.
Do I need a VPN to use Kodi?
It’s not strictly necessary, but there are many benefits. A VPN provides you with an extra layer of privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address. This means that nobody, including your ISP, can see what you’re streaming on Kodi or trace your activities back to you. This also prevents ISPs from throttling your speeds, since they can’t tell when you’re streaming.