How to install Kodi on Samsung Smart TV
Gone are the days of traditional televisions that could only receive a few channels. Now, more and more households are turning to smart TVs. These internet-enabled televisions are designed to work as all-in-one entertainment hubs. Most of them have official apps for all the popular streaming sites, including YouTube, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
While the selection of entertainment apps on Samsung Smart TVs is great, it does leave a lot to be desired. Those who love binge-watching or are selective about the movies and TV shows they choose will quickly find themselves running out of content when restricted to the official Samsung apps.
That’s where Kodi comes in. Kodi is undoubtedly one of the best and most popular media player apps on the market. This free, open-source software gives you the ability to stream video files (as well as music and image files) from any source. You can use it to watch content on the web, or you can use it to stream your home video collection to your TV.
Kodi also has numerous add-ons – far more than the Samsung Smart TV official app collection. There are Kodi apps that will let you access free films and TV show episodes, stream live channels like ESPN, and completely customize the software to your liking.
If Kodi sounds like a must-have for you and your family, but you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve put together a handy guide on how to install Kodi on Samsung Smart TV below.
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Before you start – get a VPN for Kodi
Before we dive into the guide, there’s an important issue we need to address – ensuring your Kodi experience on your smart TV is smooth and legally compliant. Kodi itself is a free and legal media player available worldwide. However, there are potential challenges you might encounter when it comes to using Kodi with various builds and addons.
If you use Kodi in its base form, you might face issues like bandwidth throttling, which could lead to a frustrating streaming experience. On the other hand, some third-party builds and addons can provide access to vast libraries of content, including movies, TV shows, music videos, and more. However, there’s no way to guarantee that all the content available through these builds and addons is obtained legally and doesn’t contain copyrighted materials.
Unauthorized access to copyrighted content through unofficial Kodi builds & addons can lead to potential copyright infringement issues, and you might get into trouble with the authorities. Geo-blocking is another obstacle you might encounter when trying to access certain foreign TV channels or content not available in your country.
The solution to these challenges lies in using a reliable Kodi VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN is an essential tool that helps protect your privacy and security while using Kodi on your smart TV. By routing all your internet traffic through a remote server and encrypting it, a VPN ensures that your ISP and any other prying eyes cannot monitor your Kodi activities.
After extensively testing multiple VPNs for Kodi, we can confidently recommend NordVPN as our top pick. NordVPN offers an impressive network of high-speed servers located across the globe. Forget about geo-blocks ever standing in your way and get ready for seamless HD and 4K streaming without buffering. Moreover, their privacy and security features are top-notch and leak-proof, giving you peace of mind while enjoying your Kodi entertainment.
On the flip side, you can pick from several providers that work best with Kodi. Though our best pick is NordVPN, Surfshark and IPVanish are also eligible picks should they suit your needs better.
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Ultimate Kodi VPN for streaming on Samsung TV
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Well-rounded VPN for Kodi with colossal global coverage
Can you install Kodi directly on your TV?
Many of today’s Smart TVs are powered by Android operating systems. Since Android is one of the platforms Kodi has an app for, it’s easy to install the software straight to an Android smart TV. However, Samsung is one of the more unusual companies that runs on a less popular system (Tizen OS), which Kodi isn’t compatible with.
As a result, it’s impossible to install Kodi directly onto your Samsung Smart TV like you would with an official Samsung app. Thankfully, however, there are many other ways to use Kodi on Samsung Smart TV. The 3 most popular methods are:
If these 3 methods already sound like more hassle and confusion than they’re worth, fear not. This guide will explain how to follow each method with ease.
How to install Kodi on Samsung Smart TV
Method 1: Chromecast
The first method requires a Google Chromecast – a small, round-shaped device, which plugs straight into your Samsung Smart TV HDMI port. Once you’ve set your Chromecast up, you can stream Kodi to it via your phone or computer. We recommend protecting your Kodi experience with NordVPN, now 72% off.
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Add Chromecast to your device. The first step to streaming Kodi to your TV via Chromecast is adding the Chromecast functionality to your device. If you’re using a phone or tablet, you can do this by downloading and installing the Google Home app. If you’re a computer user, you can enable casting by opening Google Chrome and selecting Cast… from the settings menu. If you want the Cast button to stay in your toolbar permanently for easier use, just right-click it and select the Always show icon.
- Install Kodi on your device. Next, you need to install Kodi on your device. Phone and tablet users can find the Kodi app in the Google Play Store. Computer users can download the app from the Kodi website. Once the app has finished downloading and installing, open it and complete the setup process.
- Cast your screen. Once Kodi is installed, it’s time to cast your screen to your Chromecast device. Make sure your TV is turned on, and your Chromecast should turn on with it. Once it’s on, select Cast screen from your Google Home app, or click the Cast… button on Chrome and select Cast desktop from the drop-down. If all goes well, you should see your phone or computer screen mirrored on your Samsung Smart TV.
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Launch a reliable Kodi VPN to protect your streaming.
- Open Kodi and play your media. Now all that’s left to do is find and play your video or media file of choice. Just open the Kodi app on your device, navigate to what you want to watch via your media library or add-ons, then click play. Your media will then begin streaming right to your TV.
Note: Chromecast mirrors your device’s screen, meaning you won’t be able to use it for other tasks while casting.
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Method 2: Roku
Roku devices have become very popular over the last few years, and many people with Samsung Smart TVs own one. Whether you have the Streaming Stick, Express, Ultra, or Premiere, if you’re a Roku 2, 3, or 4 user, this next method is for you.
- Install Kodi on your device. First things first, it’s time to get Kodi on your device. Again, you can install the Kodi app on your phone, tablet, or computer (or even all three). Just head to https://kodi.tv/download to get the computer version of the software, or find it on the Google Play Store using your handheld device. Then, make sure the Kodi app is set up properly before continuing.
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Activate screen mirroring. As with the Chromecast method, you’ll need to mirror your screen to watch Kodi via your Roku. Before you can do that, you’ll need to enable to feature on your Roku device. Thankfully, it’s a simple process. All you need to do is head to the Settings panel, choose the System menu, then head to the Screen Mirroring tab and enable it.
- Install a casting app on your device. You’ll also need to install a casting app on your device to initiate mirroring. There are tons of apps available out there – some are general, others are made for specific phones. You can find them by searching for “cast” or “view” or “mirroring” apps on the Google Play Store. As for computer users, the Chrome cast tab may work for some Roku devices. If not, the same search terms will help you find the right casting software for your computer. Once it’s installed, start casting your screen to your Roku.
- Start a solid VPN for Kodi to avoid legal trouble. We recommend NordVPN, the best VPN for streaming.
- Open Kodi and play your media.
Method 3: Android TV Box
Android TV Box is another popular set-top media device that works well for streaming Kodi on a Samsung Smart TV. It’s also the easiest method on the list by far because (as the name suggests) the Android TV Box is powered by Android OS. This means you can install the Kodi app directly onto it.
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Install Kodi on your Android Box. Getting the Kodi app on your TV Box is simple. Connect and switch on the Box like usual, then open the Play Store. Type Kodi into the search bar, and you’ll quickly find what you’re looking for. Then, just download and install it like you would with any other app.
- Get the best VPN for Kodi to avoid geo-blocking. Our go-to option is NordVPN, available with a 72% discount.
- Open Kodi and play your media.
Why use Kodi on your Samsung TV?
Samsung TV undoubtedly offers an array of impressive features; however, there are certain areas where it may fall short. While the platform provides access to paid streaming apps like Hulu and Netflix, it might not fully satisfy your craving for free content libraries: movies, series, sports events. It also doesn’t allow accessing media stored on your PC. This is where Kodi steps in, offering the best and entirely free option for all these entertainment needs on your Tizen OS.
Kodi opens up a world of possibilities with its multiple builds, catering to diverse preferences and interests. Whether you are a sports enthusiast, a movie buff, a TV show fanatic, or a parent seeking kids’ shows, there’s a Kodi build designed just for you.
By harnessing Kodi’s capabilities on your Samsung TV, you can explore an extensive range of content libraries, providing access to a vast selection of movies, TV shows, live sports, music videos, and more. The beauty of Kodi lies in its versatility, making it a go-to platform for enjoying a wide range of media free of charge.
Moreover, integrating a VPN into your Kodi shenanigans enhances the experience even further. Some Kodi builds might have geo-blocked content, limiting your access to certain streams based on your location. A VPN comes to the rescue by masking your real location and granting you unrestricted access to global content. So, you can easily break down virtual barriers and expand your entertainment horizons.
Additionally, with an ever-changing array of content available through various Kodi builds and addons, it can be challenging to keep track of whether everything is obtained legally. Employing a reliable VPN ensures your online activities remain private and secure, providing an extra layer of protection against any potential legal complications.
To sum up, using Kodi on your Samsung TV gives you access to a world of free and diverse entertainment options. But the benefits don’t end here as Kodi also empowers you to customize your viewing experience with a plethora of builds and addons. Basically, you get to enjoy a seamless streaming experience and explore a vast universe of multimedia content right from the comfort of your living room thanks to Kodi and a VPN. And on a big screen, too!
Conclusion
And there you have it: Kodi on Samsung Smart TV. No matter which installation method you’ve used, as soon as the software is up and running, you’ll be free to use it however you want. Set up a server to stream your home media library, or learn how to install third-party Kodi add-ons if you want to watch free TV and films – the choice is yours.
However, if you’re planning to use unofficial add-ons, we highly recommend using a solid Kodi VPN as well. It will also help you stream geo-blocked content and protect your connection from snoopers by encrypting the traffic and hiding your IP address.
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FAQ
How do I add free movies to Kodi?
You can add free movies to Kodi if you have them downloaded. On the Kodi homepage click 'Files', then click 'Add videos'. Choose the 'Browse' option and select the video you want to watch. Confirm the choice twice, completing the process.
What is the best device to watch Kodi on?
The best streaming device for Kodi depends on your needs and budget. Usually, Amazon Fire TV and Nvidia Shield are the best choices. These Kodi boxes are capable of securing UHD 4K streaming and offer streamlined support for the platform.
Can Kodi be installed on Samsung Smart TV?
You need a Google Chromecast to install Kodi on Samsung TVs. Chromecast plugs straight into your Samsung Smart TV HDMI port. Once you've set your Chromecast up, you can stream Kodi to it via your phone or PC. We recommend protecting your Kodi experience with NordVPN, which works great with Samsung TVs.
How do I watch TV using Kodi?
Watching TV using Kodi is easy. On the Kodi app head to Add-ons > Download > Video Add-ons, select your desired add-on. Then proceed with the installation. Now you can watch TV with Kodi and use the many Kodi add-ons. Note that though some content is free, some require subscriptions.
Is Kodi available on Roku TV?
While Kodi cannot be installed directly on Roku, you can use screen mirroring. That way, you mirror your Kodi app from another device to Roku. Besides, enabling screen mirroring on Roku is easy. Go to Settings > System > Screen mirroring and select Prompt or Always Allow.
