How to Install Kodi on Roku in 2023 (Use This Simple Trick)

Do you want to unlock the full potential of your Roku device? Installing Kodi on Roku provides access to a world of streaming media and entertainment not available through the standard Roku channel store.

With Kodi, you can stream the latest movies, binge watch entire TV series, listen to podcasts, play retro video games, and more! Kodi brings an entire media center filled with custom add-ons and builds directly to your living room.

Unfortunately, Roku does not allow sideloading of third-party apps like Kodi. But don‘t worry – with this simple tutorial, you‘ll learn how to install Kodi on Roku using screen mirroring.

By the end, you‘ll be able to cast unlimited media content from a smartphone or computer directly to your Roku. Plus, I‘ll provide tips on protecting your privacy and security when streaming free media.

Let‘s get started!

Why Install Kodi on Your Roku Device?

Here are just a few of the many benefits of installing Kodi on your Roku:

• Access 100s of free streaming add-ons – Kodi add-ons provide free access to movies, shows, live TV, sports and more. Popular options include The Crew, Seren, and The Oath.

• Watch new movie releases – Want to stream the latest blockbusters? Kodi add-ons like The Crew have sections dedicated to new cinema releases in HD quality.

• Customize your streaming experience – With skins and builds, you can customize Kodi‘s interface to your personal taste. Builds like Titanium provide a polished look and feel.

• Listen to music and podcasts – Kodi isn‘t just for video. You also get access to virtually any song, album, artist or podcast you want.

• Play retro games – Relive classics from systems like NES, SNES, Genesis, and more by installing Kodi game add-ons like RetroPlayer.

• Get more from your Roku – Kodi unleashes extra functionality not possible with the standard Roku firmware. Take full advantage of your device!

According to a 2022 survey, over 33 million US households have canceled cable TV in favor of streaming devices like Roku. Kodi supercharges what‘s possible on your Roku for the ultimate cord-cutting experience.

Now let‘s go over what you‘ll need before installing Kodi on your Roku.

Pre-Installation Requirements

Since Kodi cannot be directly installed on Roku, we‘ll need to use a secondary device to screen mirror Kodi over to the Roku.

You‘ll need the following:

• A Roku streaming device – This guide will work on any Roku model including Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, etc.

• A computer or mobile device – This will be used to install Kodi and screen mirror to your Roku.Windows PC, Mac, Android phone/tablet, iPhone/iPad, etc will work.

• The Kodi media center app – Download and install Kodi onto the device you‘ll use for screen mirroring. Get it from the Official Kodi Website.

• Roku screen mirroring configured – We‘ll enable screen mirroring on your Roku later. This allows casting content from other devices.

That‘s it! With these basics covered, you‘re ready to start the Kodi on Roku installation process.

Step 1 – Set Up Roku for Screen Mirroring

The first thing we need to do is configure the Roku for screen mirroring. This allows you to cast or "mirror" your smartphone or computer screen directly onto the Roku.

Here are the quick steps to enable screen mirroring on your Roku:

1. From the Home screen, go to Settings > System > Screen Mirroring.

2. Set Screen Mirroring to Prompt.

3. Make sure Enable Remote Display is On.

4. Go back to the Roku Home screen.

Now your Roku is ready to receive the screen mirroring signal once we install Kodi in the next step.

Step 2 – Install Kodi Media Center on Your Device

With Roku configured, it‘s time to install Kodi onto the device you‘ll use to mirror to the Roku.

As mentioned earlier, Kodi runs on a variety of devices. Simply choose the one that best fits your needs:

Windows Computer

1. Download Kodi for Windows from the Official Kodi Website.

2. Run the installer and follow the setup wizard.

3. Launch Kodi from your start menu or desktop shortcut.

iPhone or iPad

1. Open the App Store and search for "Kodi".

2. Download and install the Official Kodi app.

3. Open Kodi from your home screen.

Android Smartphone or Tablet

1. Open the Google Play Store and search for "Kodi".

2. Download and install the Official Kodi app.

3. Launch Kodi from your app drawer.

That‘s it! Kodi is now installed and ready to use. Next, we‘ll mirror it onto the Roku.

Step 3 – Mirror Kodi to Your Roku

Now that screen mirroring is enabled on your Roku and Kodi is installed on your preferred device, it‘s time to bring them together.

The steps below show how to mirror Kodi directly onto your Roku television:

On Windows/Mac:

1. Right click the Kodi shortcut and choose Launch from… > Wireless Display.

2. Select your Roku device.

3. Allow screen mirroring on the Roku prompt.

4. Kodi will now display on your TV!

On iPhone/iPad:

1. Swipe down from the top and tap Screen Mirroring.

2. Choose your Roku device.

3. Allow the connection on the Roku prompt.

4. The iOS/iPadOS Kodi app will mirror to the big screen.

On Android:

1. Pull down the quick settings shade and tap Smart View.

2. Choose your Roku device.

3. Allow screen mirroring on the Roku prompt.

4. The Android Kodi app will now cast to your TV.

With Kodi screen mirroring set up on your chosen device, you can now enjoy unlimited media streaming on your Roku!

Protect Your Privacy with a VPN

When streaming free movies, shows, and other media with Kodi, it‘s highly recommended to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for privacy and security.

Here‘s why a VPN is important when using Kodi:

• Hides your activity – Your ISP can see what you stream over Kodi. A VPN encrypts this traffic to keep it private.

• Avoids ISP throttling – Many ISPs throttling streaming traffic. A VPN bypass this.

• Improves streaming speeds – VPN servers provide faster streaming rates for buffer-free playback.

• Enhances security – VPN encryption protects you from malware, hackers, and other cyber threats.

• Unblock geo-restrictions – VPNs allow you to access region-blocked Kodi add-ons.

According to a 2021 report, 78% of VPN users cite privacy protection as the key reason for getting a VPN.

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Router

For the best privacy protection, I recommend installing your VPN at the router level. This encrypts traffic for all devices on your home network, including the Roku.

Here‘s a quick overview on setting up a VPN router:

1. Sign up for a top-rated VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

2. Configure the VPN connection settings on a compatible WiFi router.

3. Connect your streaming devices like Roku to the VPN-enabled router.

4. Enjoy safe Kodi streaming on any device, even the Roku!

Check out my full guide on how to install a VPN on a router for step-by-step instructions and video walkthrough.

With Kodi installed on your Roku using the screen mirroring workaround, unlock a world of streaming media add-ons and enjoy peace of mind with a VPN running across all your devices for ultimate privacy.

Now go enjoy endless movies, shows, sports, and more! Let me know if you have any other questions.