We’re going to start off by saying: don’t shoot the messenger! The last thing we ever wanted to do is tell our users that they’ll have to upgrade twice in one week. This information is coming straight from the official Kodi developers, they’re highly recommending that everyone upgrade to the latest version. This update corrects major security flaws, and includes essential components were accidentally left out of the 17.2 release, which is why you’ll have to upgrade again even if you just upgraded to 17.2 this week. It also supports the newer type of HTTPS streams that don’t work in older versions of Kodi. Upgrading to the new Kodi 18.2 Leia release should be fairly straightforward though, and won’t take longer than ten minutes if you follow these instructions carefully. Please note that this update is really not optional, it’s essential for reasons that we’ll explain in the next paragraph. Please don’t dismiss the need to upgrade, it’s for your own benefit, and free anyway!
Earlier this week, security researchers discovered a critical security flaw within Kodi and other popular media players that could allow an attacker to gain full access to your system. And as we explained before, even if you don’t care about someone hacking your $35 Android box, you should realize that that box is actually a mini computer, and the things that a hacker could make it do could be very damaging and illegal. Furthermore, previous versions of Kodi (prior to Krypton) do not support the newer type of HTTPS streams that are now used by the majority of sites. This means that if you don’t upgrade, you’re going to slowly lose HD sources until the day comes when nothing works at all, not to mention the risk that you’ll be hacked, now that a huge security flaw in the older versions of Kodi has been publicized by mainstream media. We’ll now walk you through every step of the Kodi 18.2 Leia upgrade.
If you follow the instructions below carefully, upgrading should be super easy. Please note that these instructions describe the unofficial use of the Kodi media center.
Before Proceeding
Android Users: Those of you who are running older devices or cheap Android boxes might run into some trouble. Kodi 18.2 Leia requires Android 5.0 or higher to run. If your device doesn’t support Android 5.0, you’ll need to buy a new Android TV box in order to continue to enjoy Kodi. Alternatively, you could try FTMC.
Apple TV 2 Users: Even though the last two versions of Kodi didn’t support the Apple TV 2, the device still seemed to work alright. This will no longer be the case moving forward, without HTTPS or HD support it’ll be next to useless, it’s time to purchase a new Android TV box.
United Kingdom Users: It will be necessary to disable certain router security settings before continuing, we’d also highly recommend using a VPN Provider to circumvent site blocking.
Help Us Keep the Lights On
Part 1 Download Kodi 18.2 Leia
All you have to do in this step is download the Kodi installer below and then install the same way you would any other app.
Kodi 18.2 Leia for Android (Google Play)
Kodi 18.2 Leia for Android (Sideload)
Kodi 18.2 Leia for Amazon Fire TV
Kodi 18.2 Leia for NVIDIA Shield TV
Kodi 18.2 Leia for Xiaomi Mi Box
Kodi 18.2 for iPad or iPhone (Jailbroken)
Kodi 18.2 Alpha for Xbox One (Unstable)
Mac Users: If you get an unknown developer error when trying to launch Kodi for the first time, simply navigate to your computer’s System Preferences, followed by the Security & Privacy tab and press the Open Anyway button.
United Kingdom Users: It will be necessary to disable certain router security settings before continuing, we’d also highly recommend using a VPN Provider to circumvent site blocking.
Part 2 Add the Fusion Installer Source
The Fusion Installer is the bridge between Kodi and the world of unofficial Kodi addons, it’s the first thing every Kodi addon user needs.
Step 1: Navigate to the little settings cogwheel at the top left of the Kodi interface.
Step 2: Click on the File manager icon.
Step 3: Click on the Add source function.
Step 4: Click on the top input field that displays <None> under the Enter the paths or beowse for the media locations heading.
Step 5: Input the following using the on-screen keyboard and then press the OK button:
http://fusion.tvaddons.co
Step 6: Click on the bottom input box under the Enter a name for this media source heading.
Step 7: Input fusionco (or fusion) using the on-screen keyboard and then press the OK button again.
Step 8: Click on the OK button at the bottom of the window, then Return to the Kodi home screen.
Part 3 Install the Indigo Tool
The Indigo tool is the key to jumpstart your Kodi addon experience. It allows you to install any Kodi addon you’d like, automatically configure Kodi, or even reset Kodi should you ever wish.
Step 1: Click on the Add-ons tab from the vertical menu bar within Kodi.
Step 2: Click on the little box icon at the top left corner of the Kodi Add-ons interface.
Step 3: Select the Install from zip file function.
Step 4: If you’ve never installed a Kodi addon before, it will prompt you to allow unknown sources. Press the Settings button, otherwise skip to Step 9.
Step 5: Click on the Unknown sources setting.
Step 6: Press the Yes button when prompted to allow unknown sources.
Step 7: Press the Back button to return to the previous menu.
Step 8: Press the Install from zip file function once again.
Step 9: Select the fusionco (or fusion) server folder.
Step 10: Choose the begin-here folder.
Step 11: Click on the plugin.program.indigo-4.0.3.zip file.
Step 12: Return back one level to the Add-ons menu.
Part 4 Git Browser for Kodi Addons
We’re now going to walk you through the new (and improved) method of Kodi addon installation. The Git Browser allows you to install unrestricted Kodi addons directly from their developers.
Step 1: Launch the Indigo tool from the right side of the Add-ons menu interface.
Step 2: Select the Addon Installer menu.
Step 3: Choose the Git Browser feature.
Step 4: Once you’ve read the short instructions, press any button to dismiss and continue.
Step 5: Select the Search by GitHub Username function. This is the best method to use for authentic results guaranteed.
Step 6: Click on the *** New Search **** function.
Step 7: Input the GitHub username of the addon developer you wish to find, then press the OK button.
Step 8: Optionally, it’s a good idea to install the developer’s repository in order to facilitate updates. In this case, the file is called repository.mhancoc7.public-0.1.2.zip however it may look different, choose whichever is most similar to the addon developer’s name. Otherwise, skip to step 27.
We’re already working on a new version that will offer the option to receive automated updates for previously installed addons.
Step 9: Press the Install button to proceed if you’re starting by installing a repository, otherwise skip this step.
Step 10: Press the Continue button if you just installed a repository, otherwise skip this step.
Step 11: Select the video addon you wish to install, in this case we’re going with plugin.video.ustv.catchup-0.2.7.zip as an example.
Step 12: Press the Install button to proceed with the Kodi addon installation.
Step 13: Wait a minute for the Kodi addon and its dependencies to download and install.
Step 14: Press the Restart button if you’re done installing your last Kodi addon for the moment.
Step 15: Relaunch Kodi and click on the Add-ons tab from the vertical menu bar.
Step 16: Launch the Kodi addon you just installed (in this case USTVcatchup) from the right side of the Add-ons interface.
Step 17: All done! Hope you got your popcorn ready.
Optional Part 5 Configuring Debrid Services
Debrid services are basically shared pools of premium cyberlocker accounts for which you signup to one service in order to gain access to dozens of premium host accounts. This will give you access to substantially more reliable HD streaming, more HD sources, and eliminate buffering.
Signup to the paid debrid service of your choice before continuing:
Step 1: Navigate to the settings cogwheel at the top left of the Kodi home screen.
Step 2: Select the System settings menu.
Step 3: Highlight the settings level at the bottom left of the screen that displays Basic by default.
Step 4: Click on the settings level button until Advanced is displayed.
Step 5: Navigate to the Add-ons menu tab.
Step 6: Click on the Manage dependencies function.
Step 7: Select the URLResolver dependency towards the bottom of the listing.
If you see ResolveURL on the list, you’ll want to complete Part 5 of this guide for that dependency as well.
Step 8: Click on the Configure icon at the bottom of the screen.
Step 9: Navigate to the Universal Resolvers tab.
Step 10: Scroll down to the debrid service of your choice (we’re using Real-Debrid for this example), and then click on the Priority field that displays 100 by default.
Step 11: Use the Backspace button to clear the current setting level, and then input 95 and press the Done button.
Step 12: If you’re configuring Real-Debrid, you’ll now want to press the OK button at the top right of the window in order to save the priority level setting before continuing.
Step 13: Click on the Configure button once again.
Step 14: Select the Universal Resolvers tab once again.
Step 15: Once again, scroll down to the debrid service of your choice. If you’re using Real-Debrid, click on the (Re)Authorize My Account button, for Premiumize input your login details and then click on the OK button at the top right of the window.
Step 16: If you’re using Real-Debrid, you should follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account authorization process. You’ll want to visit the link using your computer’s web browser.
Step 17: You’re done! Once completed, you’ll see a quick message display saying Real-Debrid Resolver Authorized at the top right of your screen. Kodi will now automatically use your debrid service when available, giving you access to way more HD sources and less buffering. Return to your Kodi home screen and enjoy!
Part 6 Launching Kodi Add-ons
The most popular Kodi addons right now are probably USTVnow Plus and FilmOn Simple. There are many others installed that you might find interesting as well, so explore away!
Step 1: Click on the Add-ons menu tab on the vertical menu bar.
Step 2: Select the Video add-ons tab on the vertical menu bar.
Step 3: Click on any Kodi addon to launch it.
The good news is that now that you’ve upgraded to Kodi 18.2 Leia, you should be good for a while, so stick some popcorn in the microwave, sit back and enjoy whatever it is you’ll watch tonight, tomorrow, the day after, and the day after that. At this point we’d like to thank the official Kodi developers, without whom we’d have nothing. Please remember that both Kodi and addons are developed by volunteers, none of us get paid by those guys selling preloaded Android boxes, nor do we want anything to do with them.
