Kodi is a media-playback software that enables you to watch videos, music, and other content on multiple devices. Kodi can be custom tailored on your application of choice and utilized on multiple operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows, and more.

Kodi believes its software should be available to you for free. While this technology may allow you to have a distinctive streaming experience, open-source software has more risk of being misused by hackers to locate your location and attempt privacy invasions.

You may be wondering how you can enjoy Kodi’s services while also taking steps to protect yourself. The solution is using a virtual private network (VPN) since the best VPNs provide the safest viewing experience while using Kodi.

We’ve got all the answers on how to use Kodi with a VPN. We’ve also researched the best Kodi VPN privacy solutions for you.

How to use a VPN with Kodi

The Kodi software is available on multiple platforms and supports several media-streaming techniques. Kodi allows you to build your own local content library or access open-source content online for a unique TV experience.

When downloading and streaming media, it’s never a bad idea to run a VPN for your own privacy and security. Below, we’ll cover numerous ways that a VPN can be properly used with Kodi to keep your data safe.

Windows or Mac

1. Choose your VPN service and install it on your personal computer.
2. After the VPN connection is established, go to the Kodi.tv download page and install the application for either the Windows or Mac operating system.

iPhone or iPad

The Apple App Store does not offer a Kodi app at this time, so you will first need to download it through a GUI tool that works with mobile interfaces like Cydia Impactor.

1. Download and connect your preferred VPN on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Download Cydia Impactor to your personal computer.
3. Download the most recent Kodi IPA file to your computer.
4. Connect your iPhone to your computer.
5. Open the Cydia Impactor software, which should prompt a box to pop up on your screen.
6. Drag the Kodi IPA file into the Cydia Impactor software.
7. Choose your iPhone from the menu and hit Start.
8. Enter your Apple ID email.
9. Go to Settings on your iPhone > General > Profiles & Device Management.
10. Tap your profile and then click on Trust.
11. Ensure your VPN is turned on before you launch the Kodi streaming software.

Gaming consoles

Fun fact: Kodi’s open-source software was originally developed in 2002 for users of the Xbox console. Read below on how to use Kodi and a VPN with your Xbox and Playstation gaming consoles.

Xbox

To utilize Kodi with your Xbox, ensure that you have the Xbox One or newer console and have set up an Xbox live account. Because Xbox does not coordinate with VPN services, a router, Windows, or Mac system will need to be used.

Xbox VPN with a router

When choosing to set up your VPN with a router, you are using a VPN on the same router as your Xbox. It's helpful to note that each manufacturer will vary on make and model, so how to set up your VPN router will be based on your unique specifications.

1. Choose your preferred VPN.
2. Set up your VPN by going to your router’s support website and following its instructions.
3. On your Xbox main screen, press Y on your controller.
4. Enter Kodi in the search screen and select the app.
5. Click Get.
6. Launch the program.

Xbox VPN with Windows

If you're using Windows 10, the mechanism must be wireless internally or with an external wireless adapter.

1. Go to your Windows home screen by clicking on the Windows button.
2. Type “cmd’ to initiate a command prompt.
3. Select Run as administrator.
4. When the command prompt window comes up, type “netsh wlan show drivers” and hit enter.
5. You will be able to see your network and connect your Xbox onto the same network as your computer.
6. Launch your VPN service.

Xbox VPN with Mac

You may have to connect your Mac to the internet through an Ethernet cable if it will not work with Wi-Fi internet.

1. Find System Preferences.
2. Select Sharing.
3. Select Internet Sharing.
4. Within the Share Your Connection From tab, pick VPN.
5. Within In To Computer Using, check the box for Wi-Fi.
6. Create a unique network name and password.
7. If it states Default for the channel, leave it.
8. Select WPA2 Personal for the security option and hit OK.
9. Allow Internet Sharing.
10. Turn your Wi-Fi internet on and click start.
11. Find your Xbox’s settings and click Join this Wi-Fi network.

PlayStation

PlayStation with router

1. Connect your VPN and router together.
2. Locate the XMB Menu on your PlayStation and go to Settings > Network Settings.
3. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
4. Select Use Wi-Fi.
5. Click on Easy to set your connection and join your Wi-Fi network.
6. Enter your individual password.
7. Pick Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
8. Affirm and accept all settings.

PlayStation with Windows

1. Connect to your Windows VPN.
2. Connect your PlayStation to your Windows on your personal computer by using a crossover cable.
3. Select your Windows Menu by sliding over.
4. Select Control Panel.
5. Choose Network and Sharing Center.
6. Choose Change Adapter Settings and select VPN Properties.
7. Hit Sharing and choose Allow Other Network Users to Connect.
8. When you see your Home Networking Connection, select your current Wi-Fi network and hit OK.
9. Open your VPN and connect to a server.
10. Within your PlayStation, go to the XMB menu and click on Settings > Network Settings.
11. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
12. Choose Use a LAN Cable.
13. Choose Easy under the Select Connection Method prompt.
14. Pick Do Not Use Proxy Server.
15. Accept your connection and then test it out.

Playstation with Mac

1. Connect your Mac to your Playstation with a crossover cable.
2. Via your Mac, choose System Preferences.
3. Select Sharing > Internet Sharing.
4. Choose the method You will Share Your Connection From.
5. When you see Under To Computers Using, choose the same connection you currently have.
6. Click the box near Internet Sharing and it should light up green.
7. In your VPN app, connect to a server.
8. On your PlayStation’s XMB menu, hit Settings > Network Settings.
9. Choose Set Up Internet Connection and select Use a LAN Cable.
10. Pick Easy under Your Connection Method.
11. The system will scan your Ethernet connection.
12. Choose Do Not Use a Proxy Server.
13. Accept all settings and test the connection.

Smart TVs

If your smart TV has the Google Play Store, you'll be able to install a VPN with Kodi.

1. Go to the Google Play store and download Kodi.
2. Through your TV's apps menu, locate Kodi.
3. Launch the Kodi service.
4. Install your VPN on your smart TV and start enjoying Kodi.

Raspberry Pi

A Raspberry Pi is essentially a smaller computer about the size of a credit card that enables you to do the same functions as your desktop computer and is compatible with Kodi software. Read below on how to use your VPN with your Raspberry Pi device.

1. Navigate to the VPN provider’s website and download the installer for Raspberry Pi.
2. Open your Raspberry Pi device.
3. Find your installer file, which could look like cd~/Downloads/.
4. Type “sudo dpkg -i FILENAME.deb” to extract the installer.
5. Open a new terminal window.
6. If it asks for either your login or activation code, enter it.
7. When your VPN is running, install Kodi by going to https://www.libreelec.tv/downloads/.
8. Review what your device runs on and select either Linux 32-bit or Linux 64-bit
9. Follow the prompts to finalize the installation

3 reasons to use a VPN with Kodi

There are several important reasons you may choose to use a VPN with Kodi’s server. A robust VPN will keep your location and identity concealed, will give you access to content that may be geographically unavailable, and could bypass ISP throttling for a smoother viewing experience.

1. Keep your location hidden

When you use a VPN service, you're routing your internet traffic into an encrypted area, which makes it more difficult for someone to meddle in your online activities. Additionally, proper VPN usage encrypts your IP address, which, if found, could possibly lead someone to your geographical location.

2. Make geo-blocked content accessible

Some TV and music streaming services have licensing agreements for streaming their content at various locations. Netflix and Hulu are just two television services that are not available in every country. Pandora music streaming, another popular service, is only accessible within the United States. A VPN can help you bypass location limits and let you enjoy your media of choice.

3. Bypass ISP throttling

Internet service providers (ISPs) are permitted to intentionally slow down your internet connection to lower network congestion or comply with governmental regulations. This is called ISP or bandwidth throttling, and it can dampen your viewing experience with delays and buffering while you are streaming.

A VPN encrypts your data, so it hides the content you're watching from your ISP. Your ISP could be utilizing your browsing history to target you with ads, sell it to vendors, or give it to the government. An ISP is also vulnerable to hackers who can breach their database and steal your information.

How to choose a VPN for Kodi

When selecting a VPN for Kodi, you will want to think about your overall entertainment experience and your safety. The best VPNs for Kodi will have robust encryption, strong security features, a good speed, and servers located in your preferred geographical viewing area.

A strong 256-bit AES encryption will code your data and make it untraceable for potential hackers. This is also deemed “military grade encryption” and is used by governments to secure classified information.

Additionally, your VPN will need to have a no-log policy audited by a third party, which means that the service will not ever keep any records of your activity. A kill switch, or a switch that will automatically disconnect your device from the internet if the VPN service drops, is also another must-have feature for your VPN.

If you're like most people, you don't want a slow connection while streaming your entertainment. Although you can test your device’s speed while your VPN is engaged through an online site like Speedtest.net, the VPN’s website and online reviews are good resources when it comes to researching the speed capability of your VPN beforehand.

Similar to your VPN speed inquiry, looking at online reviews and contacting customer service are both convenient ways for you to ensure that your potential VPN has the server locations that unblock the streaming libraries you desire. Many services offer their locations directly on their website.

Speaking of connections, it's also wise to make sure your chosen VPN offers apps for the Kodi devices you prefer to stream on. The best example of this is ExpressVPN, which has a Smart DNS feature that allows you to connect your VPN to Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox, PlayStation, and more.

The best VPNs for Kodi

We've done our research regarding the best VPNs for the Kodi entertainment system so that you don’t have to. All of our recommendations have standard secure encryption, verified no-logging policies, a kill switch feature, tested download speeds, and multiple geographic locations at a reasonable cost. Click below to review the website pricing and geographical locations.

Kodi FAQ

Bottom line

According to Nathan Betzen, former Kodi foundation president, Kodi’s goal is: “To help people directly navigate to whatever content you have and to watch as little or as much as you want while not being constrained by whether or not it is on TV right now.” While Kodi’s mission statement translates into making your viewing experience accessible and unique, the open-source software does have the ability to be misused by hackers who may attempt privacy invasions.

The solution to enjoying the Kodi platform and staying safe is the use of a strong VPN with strong encryption and security features. No matter the device, using a secure VPN service ensures that you can watch whatever content you would like safely. If you're still deciding which VPN to use with Kodi, you can read our list of the best VPNs for Kodi.

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Author Details

Robin Moore

About the Author

Robin Moore is a freelance writer and editor specializing in blockchain technology, including wallet security and data privacy. She is the current Managing Editor for Watcher.Guru, a startup blockchain and finance news publication with 1.7 million followers on Twitter. Robin has also been the lead content editor with Genfinity.IO, another startup blockchain research publication. Before entering the Web3 space, she was a business analyst within the oil and gas industry. When she is not offering advice on the best ways to protect data privacy, she is hiking, doing yoga, or networking with her Web3 family on crypto-Twitter.