Kodi is a popular open-source media center application that allows you to stream movies, TV shows, live TV, and more on various devices. However, streaming copyrighted content with Kodi may infringe laws in some countries. Using a VPN with Kodi helps keep your streaming activity private and secure.
A VPN, or virtual private network, routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a remote server operated by the VPN service. This hides your IP address, location, and online activity from your internet service provider (ISP) and others.
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Benefits of Using a VPN With Kodi
There are several key reasons why you should use a VPN with Kodi:
- Privacy – VPNs prevent your ISP and others from logging and selling records of your streaming activity. With a VPN, your identity and usage details are protected.
- Security – Encrypting your connection with a VPN provides an extra layer of security for your devices. This helps block cybercriminals from accessing your network and devices.
- Access – VPNs allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and access more Kodi add-ons and streams that may be blocked in your country.
- Anonymity – By hiding your IP address and location, a VPN allows you to stream anonymously. This makes it more difficult for copyright holders to identify individual users.
How to Set Up a VPN for Kodi
Setting up a VPN for Kodi only takes a few quick steps:
- 1. Choose a VPN provider – Select a premium VPN that offers fast speeds, reliable connections, and servers optimized for streaming. Top options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost.
- 2. Install VPN app – Download and install your chosen VPN provider’s app on the device where Kodi is installed. VPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and more.
- 3. Connect to a server – Open the VPN app and connect to a server located in a country that provides the content you wish to access. For the best speeds, choose the nearest server.
- 4. Launch Kodi – Once connected to the VPN, you can open Kodi and start streaming as usual. The VPN will encrypt and route all of your Kodi traffic through the secure tunnel.
And that’s it! With those four simple steps, your privacy and security are now enhanced while using Kodi.
Using a VPN With Kodi on Popular Devices
The process of setting up a VPN for Kodi may vary slightly across platforms:
Windows and Mac
- Download and install the VPN provider’s desktop app
- Run the VPN app and connect to a server
- Open Kodi and verify the VPN connection status in Settings
Android Mobile and Tablet
- Install the VPN app from the Google Play Store
- Tap to connect to the VPN server
- Launch Kodi and check the VPN status under System settings
iPhone and iPad
- Download the iOS VPN app from the App Store
- Enable the VPN connection under Settings > General > VPN
- Open Kodi to begin streaming while connected via VPN
Firestick and Fire TV
- Search for the VPN app in the Amazon Appstore and download it
- Open the app and connect to the fastest server
- Use the VPN connection to safely stream add-ons in Kodi
Nvidia Shield
- Add the VPN configuration under Settings > VPN > +
- Connect to the VPN server and verify the status
- The VPN will carry all Kodi traffic, keeping streams private
Securing Kodi Further With a VPN
Beyond privacy and anonymity, a VPN provides additional security for Kodi in a few key ways:
- Wi-Fi protection – Encrypting Kodi traffic prevents others on public Wi-Fi from snooping on your streaming activity.
- Ad blocking – Many VPNs come with ad, malware, and tracker blockers that provide protection from invasive ads and threats found on some Kodi add-ons.
- Extra encryption – VPN encryption stacks on top of HTTPS and SSL encryption used by many Kodi web-based sources for heightened security.
- IP address masking – Hiding your IP address provides an added layer of anonymity making it much harder for sites to block users based on location or usage patterns.
So if you use Kodi and value your privacy, security, and ability to safely access restricted content, using a quality VPN is highly recommended.