How to install Kodi on iPhone and iPad (2023)

If someone tells you that Kodi doesn't work on iOS, don't believe them. I'll let you know about an easy and effective way to install Kodi on an iPhone or iPad, which is valid for iOS 12.2 and any later version, and which I've tested on several iPhones. You will only need the device itself and a Windows or Mac computer.

Kodi is a free digital media player that allows users to watch videos, listen to music, and even access various streaming platforms from one convenient place. Just download the add-ons you want and almost all entertainment doors are open for you to explore and enjoy.

The problem with it is that, in the case of iPhone and iPad devices, you can't find the Kodi app on the App Store. Apple is very strict about what applications can run on their products, and doesn't allow ones that run their own code.

There is a solution to this little conundrum, though, and I'll describe how you can install Kodi on iOS without having to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad. Then you'll be able to view your favorite shows and movies at home and on the go.

Shortlist of best Kodi VPNs

1. NordVPN: the best VPN for Kodi. It includes an extensive server list, tools for easy geo-block circumvention, and NordLynx-powered speeds for smooth streaming.
2. Surfshark VPN: an excellent Kodi VPN with no device limit, Software Defined Networking for great connectivity, and NoBorders mode for bypassing internet censorship.
3. Atlas VPN: a VPN for Kodi with a free version, unlimited simultaneous connections, and user-friendly mobile apps.
4. IPVanish: a Kodi VPN with antivirus software, an independently-audited no-logs policy, and no limit on devices used per account.
5. PureVPN: a great VPN for Kodi with one of the largest server networks, Wi-Fi security, and broad device compatibility.

Installing Kodi on iPhone

This method requires you to download a third-party app called TweakBox, and you can do so through its official website. This software lets users install applications on iOS that aren't found or even allowed on the Apple App Store.

1. Install the TweakBox application on your phone
2. Open the application and go to Apps > Categories
3. Search for the Kodi app, press on the .ipa file, and download it
4. You won't be able to run Kodi right away – go to your phone's Settings > General > Profiles and Devices > Management
5. Find Enterprise App and press Trust
6. Now you can finally watch anything you want via Kodi on iPhone

Installing Kodi on iPad

You'll have to download a third-party app called Cydia Impactor and have a computer at the ready for this method. Any PC operating system works – Windows, Mac, Linux – as long as you can connect your iPad to the machine via USB.

1. Boot up your computer and download Cydia Impactor from the official website
2. Go to the iOS Ninja website and get the latest version of Kodi from it
3. Install Cydia Impactor on your PC and then drop the Kodi .ipa file you just got into it
4. Close all apps currently running on the iPad and only then connect the device to your computer via USB
5. A drop-down menu should appear in the Impactor app – find your iPad on it and click Start
6. Sign in using your Apple ID and the system will automatically sideload the Kodi file into the device
7. Pick up your iPad and go to Settings > General > Profiles and Devices > Management
8. Once again enter your Apple ID and download Kodi through there
9. A dialogue box will appear asking to make Kodi a trusted file – confirm it
10. That's it, you can now use Kodi on your iPad

How to get Kodi add-ons

Straight out of the box, Kodi comes completely bare-bones, leaving customization up to its users. You have to manually add channels and streaming platforms in the form of add-ons. It's fairly easy, though, and here's how you can do it:

1. Boot up Kodi and find the Add-ons tab in the main menu
2. Press on the Box icon and this will open a new window called the Addon Browser that lets you search for various add-ons
3. Select Video Add-ons since we're looking for video content
4. A list of all official Kodi add-ons will appear in alphabetical order – pick as many as you want to
5. Then press Install and the add-ons will be automatically added to your channel list
6. Return to the main screen and pick whichever channel
7. Click Open and start streaming

The thing with these add-ons is that users in one region will have a different selection compared to those who live on the other side of the globe. Yes, Kodi has geo-blocked certain channels and content, restricting what you can view. But, thankfully, it's something you can quickly bypass by utilizing VPNs for Kodi.

Kodi protection – don't forget a VPN

So, you are the lucky owner of Kodi on a device that at first glance couldn't offer you that. And you probably even have some video add-ons already installed. But don't rush to watch free video content without protection. Sadly, Kodi comes with its own set of issues regarding security and privacy, especially if you decide to dive into unofficial add-ons.

I strongly suggest using a VPN in conjunction with Kodi as it will help you to:

1. Maintain anonymity. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and any third party with the right set of tools can see what you're doing online. And in the case of the former, they may choose to restrict your bandwidth if your data-intensive activities are causing congestion on the whole network. Some ISPs also don't take kindly to people who infringe on copyrights, even if it's done by accident.
2. Avoid potential legal trouble. Continuing from the previous point, Kodi also has a ton of unofficial add-ons that stream copyrighted material illegally. You might get hit with a copyright infringement notice or a fine if you're caught watching such content. It's unlikely to happen if you have a VPN though, as this technology hides your IP address and online activities from everyone.
3. Prevent cyber attacks. This threat comes from third-party Kodi add-ons and public Wi-Fi networks. Malicious entities can easily exploit both venues and gain access to your device information and much more. They can't target what they can't see, though.

Besides these, there's also the fact I've mentioned before – some Kodi content is geo-restricted. A VPN can bypass even that, all you have to do is connect to a server in another country. Safely explore the capabilities of Kodi and its add-ons with the appropriate VPN apps for iOS.

The best VPNs for Kodi: overview

Not every VPN is cut out for the job. If you want the best Kodi experience, the provider you subscribe to must also include:

• The essential VPN toolkit – a kill switch, high-grade encryption, and IP & DNS leak protection
• A wide-ranging server network with suitable connection locations on all continents
• The latest tunneling protocols to ensure streams don't buffer or stutter

The services I've listed in this article fulfill these criteria and even offer neat extras. Plus, all of them fully support iOS and Mac operating systems and have great dedicated applications for them.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best Kodi VPN, hands down. The service keeps everything you do online hidden from prying eyes and doesn't participate in user surveillance itself. Plus, its setup process on Kodi is especially easy with the appropriate add-on you can find on the Addon Browser.

Video playback won't be hindered by untimely lag or infinite loading screens if you pick the in-house NordLynx tunneling protocol. Accessing geo-locked content can be done in just a few clicks, too – pick any country you want from the expansive server fleet.

Those who prioritize security will find NordVPN's Threat Protection feature handy. It takes care of various online risks like malware, user trackers, dangerous websites, etc. I'd also like to point out obfuscated servers as connecting to them hides the fact you're using a VPN in the first place. If you live in a region where such technology isn't allowed, definitely take advantage of them.

Now, subscribers get 5400 simultaneous connections to boost Kodi on other platforms as well, not just iOS. Your device doesn't natively support VPNs? SmartPlay has you covered – it was specifically created to allow circumventing geographical restrictions on such devices.

Read our full NordVPN review here

Take advantage of the discount and get NordVPN cheaper

2. Surfshark

If you're looking for a VPN for Kodi with a robust toolset, don't pass up on Surfshark VPN. Thanks to the zero-logs policy and RAM-only servers, utmost anonymity is guaranteed with this provider. And unlimited simultaneous connections allow you to achieve it on every device in the household.

You won't be left wanting performance-wise either since the next-gen WireGuard tunneling protocol is available. Surfshark also has the largest country coverage in the VPN market, meaning you can access a truly enormous amount of channels on Kodi.

Regarding features, there's much you can do:

• CleanWeb – secures your browsing by blocking malware, intrusive advertisements, and user trackers
• Camouflage and NoBorders modes – masks VPN traffic and bypasses internet censorship respectively
• MultiHop – connects you to two servers in different countries for double the encryption
• Smart DNS – allows to circumvent geo-restriction on devices that don't support VPN technology natively

Surfshark VPN boasts great device compatibility, too, so you can use it on other platforms that support Kodi. I'm talking about Windows, Linux, Android, and even Amazon Fire TV.Read our full Surfshark VPN review here

Sign up for Surfshark cheaper today

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN proves that excellent performance doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Often titled as one of the cheapest Kodi VPNs, it delivers everything you'd expect from this technology and then some. The fact there's no device limit is just the cherry on top.

The country list is sizable, so your need for diverse Kodi content will definitely be taken care of. And with the WireGuard protocol powering connections, the buffering wheel won't be there to ruin your streaming experience.

Phishing, online tracking, and malicious software will be a thing of the past with Atlas VPN's Threat Blocker feature. You can also cover your virtual VPN tracks by utilizing the SafeSwap servers, which allow you to have multiple different IP addresses that rotate regularly.

Now, for the free Atlas VPN version. You don't have to create an account to use it, but its server options are quite limited (just the US and the Netherlands). There's also the 10 GB/month data cap which might not be enough if you're planning on doing more than just streaming.

Read our full Atlas VPN review here

Get the best Atlas VPN deal

4. IPVanish

Another VPN for Kodi you should consider is IPVanish. The provider abides by a strict and independently-audited no-logs policy and gives you the right tools to evade third-party monitoring to boot. And just like with Surfshark and Atlas VPN, there's no device limit to restrict what you want to secure with a VPN.

The server fleet is all-physical, so expect low latency and superb speeds. Just make sure your selected tunneling protocol is WireGuard. The other thing you should know about the servers is that everything is owned and operated by IPVanish, ensuring no outsiders can tamper with the hardware.

If you're looking for additional real-time protection, this service offers the complementary VIPRE antivirus at no additional cost. It's great since this software will stop you from downloading dangerous Kodi add-ons. As for other useful tools, those residing in internet restrictive regions will benefit from the OpenVPN Scramble feature.

Want to do more than just stream movies? You're in luck because P2P-file sharing is enabled on the whole network. Plus, IPVanish will aid you in other internet activities, from regular browsing to online video games.

Read our full IPVanish review here

Secure yourself with IPVanish

5. PureVPN

Expand your Kodi capabilities with PureVPN. You get everything you need to remain completely private online – AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, plus IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection. Surveillance-wary folk will also appreciate the fact its no-logs policy was verified by a trusted third party.

The 'ol reliable WireGuard tunneling protocol is here to ensure videos are available in crisp 4K quality. And the massive server list (one of the largest ones in the industry) includes plenty of 10 Gbps and 20 Gbps servers, ready to accommodate 5G networks.

Those who are constantly watching shows while traveling will benefit from enhanced Wi-Fi security. It automatically connects you to the VPN whenever you're utilizing an unsecured public network. There's also the handy PureVPN Kodi-add on you can download straight on the streaming platform itself.

Another neat thing is that PureVPN supports a wide array of devices. Having only 10 simultaneous connections throws a wrench into the whole 'secure-everything-I-own' plan you might be hatching, though. Thankfully, you can still cover everything by installing the VPN manually on your router.

Read our full PureVPN review here

Privacy is a guarantee with PureVPN

Kodi Alternatives for iPhone

Of course, Kodi isn't the only platform you can use to watch TV shows and movies. Here are some of the best Kodi alternatives for your iPhone and iPad.

Plex

Plex and Kodi are engaged in a serious rivalry, and the Plex vs Kodi debate will no doubt continue until the end of time (or until another useful app beats them). In terms of looks and user experience, though, the latter is better than Kodi thanks to its streamlined UI/UX that is sleek and intuitive.

Plex allows users to organize all their videos, music, videos, and podcasts in one place and supports media access across all devices. Like Kodi, it also has a Live TV recording feature.

This platform also offers a personalized video channel to save you time. You can either opt for a free account (Plex Free), which gives you access to a limited amount of free content, or a Plex Pass, which starts at $4.99/month for unlimited premium content.

Infuse 7

Infuse 7 is a fairly new and popular player, its main draw being the simple yet powerful features. It lets you play content wirelessly from a variety of sources, including PCs, FTPs, URLs, and more. If a video doesn't have built-in subtitles, Infuse 7 adds them automatically.

There's also a Trakt Sync feature borrowed from Kodi. This feature allows you to sync your shows across platforms, devices, and apps.

The app also works well with your Plex account, which is a bonus. There's also the option of a professional account that gives you access to 4K video with Dolby TrueHD support, AirPlay, Google Cast, and background playback.

PlayerXtreme Media

PlayerXtreme is a video player that supports various video formats (many more than iTunes can offer). It can play content directly from the internet, PCs, and URLs like Kodi. PlayerXtreme also has multiple video codecs, making it easy to stream large media files.

There's support for live captioning, and you can connect to streaming services in the app as well. Adding to that, you can use a professional version that supports Airplay, Chromecast, and HD audio quality.

It may not have all the features of Kodi, but it still stands up to the heavyweights.

Conclusion

So, the process of installing the latest version of Kodi on devices running iOS is pretty easy if you know what to do. And you don't even have to jailbreak your iPhone or iPad, an action that significantly decreases their safety and increases vulnerability.

Using Kodi as is isn't safe though, and I strongly recommend utilizing a reliable Kodi VPN in conjunction. Providers like NordVPN will keep your online actions anonymous, prevent cyber attacks, and even grant you access to geo-restricted Kodi add-ons.
Maybe you know other ways to install Kodi on iOS devices? If so, share these methods – help out fellow iPhone and iPad owners.

Read also on the Kodi topic:

• How to install Kodi on Fire TV
• Best Kodi add-ons
• Best Kodi builds
• Best Kodi add-ons for NFL
• How to install add-on Exodus on Kodi

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