How to Upgrade Your Android TV Box to Kodi Krypton

April 22, 2025March 31, 2024 by Sandra

Table of Contents

Introduction

Is your Android TV box feeling sluggish, buffering videos, or just lacking that vibrant new-age feel? Perhaps it’s time to breathe new life into your entertainment hub! The world of media streaming is constantly evolving, and sometimes, the built-in apps or older versions of your favorite software can hold you back. While the latest versions of media players often grab the headlines, sometimes a slightly older, but still powerful and stable version, offers the perfect balance of features and performance.

This guide will walk you through the process of transforming your Android TV Box experience by upgrading to Kodi Krypton. Kodi is more than just a media player; it’s a powerhouse, allowing you to organize and enjoy your movies, TV shows, music, and more from a centralized location. Krypton, although not the newest release, continues to be a fantastic option for many users, especially those seeking a reliable, feature-rich experience without the potential instability that can come with cutting-edge releases.

This article is your comprehensive step-by-step companion, designed to help you upgrade your Android TV box to Kodi Krypton. We will cover everything from the essential preparation steps to the actual installation and customization, ensuring you get the most out of your upgraded system. Before we dive in, remember that any modification to your device carries inherent risks. While we’ll guide you carefully, we strongly advise backing up all your data before starting. Failure to do so could lead to data loss.

Before You Begin: Gathering Your Arsenal

Before embarking on this upgrade journey, it’s essential to gather your necessary tools and prepare your environment for a smooth process. Proper preparation can prevent headaches and ensure a successful outcome.

First and foremost, you’ll need your Android TV Box. This is the central piece of the puzzle, the device you’ll be upgrading. Ensure it’s connected to your television and that you have a way to navigate the interface. A remote control, either the one that came with your box or a universal remote, is typically essential. A wireless mouse and keyboard can also be incredibly helpful for this process, particularly for navigation and entering text.

Next on the list is a computer or laptop. This will be your portal to the internet, where you’ll download the necessary files. Make sure your computer has a stable internet connection.

You will also need a USB Flash Drive. We recommend having a USB flash drive available to transfer files between your computer and Android TV Box. A flash drive with a decent storage capacity of at least a few gigabytes is ideal. This allows you to store not just the Kodi Krypton installer, but also any backup files of your existing Kodi configuration. The size of the USB drive is less critical but a larger drive will be useful if you decide to use it for storing media files later.

Finally, an internet connection is absolutely crucial. You’ll need it to download the Kodi Krypton installation file, as well as to install any add-ons or other resources you might wish to use. Make sure your Android TV Box is connected to the internet, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.

Preserving Your Digital Treasures: Backing Up Your Kodi Data

This is perhaps the most critical step. Losing your custom Kodi setup, including your meticulously curated add-ons, playlists, and configurations, would be a major setback. Thankfully, backing up your data is a straightforward process.

There are a couple of primary ways to achieve this:

Creating a Backup Within Kodi (If Possible)

If your current Kodi installation is functioning relatively well and you can access the interface, this is the simplest method. Within Kodi itself, there’s usually a backup feature built-in. The specific location of the backup option can vary slightly depending on your Kodi version, but the general procedure is usually similar:

Open Kodi on your Android TV Box.
Navigate to the settings menu. This is often represented by a gear icon.
Within the settings, look for a “File manager” or “File” option.
Navigate to a specific file path (this path may vary, for example, “Kodi profile directory”).
Find the “Backup” function.
Select the location of the backup and wait for Kodi to complete the backup process.

This process will create a backup file that contains your Kodi settings, add-ons, and other customizations. This backup file can then be saved on your chosen storage device like a USB drive for safe keeping.

Employing a File Manager (If Kodi is Problematic)

What if your current Kodi is damaged and not functional? No worries, there are other means. If Kodi is not working properly, you can still back up your data using a file manager app installed on your Android TV Box. Most Android TV Boxes come with a pre-installed file manager, but if yours doesn’t, you can easily download one from the Google Play Store. Popular options include ES File Explorer, File Commander, and Solid Explorer. Here’s how to use a file manager:

Open the file manager app on your Android TV Box.
Navigate to the root directory of your device. This is usually represented by the name of your device or “Internal Storage.”
Locate the Kodi data folder. This folder is typically named .kodi or Kodi. You might need to enable the “Show hidden files” option within your file manager settings to see this folder.
Copy the entire .kodi or Kodi folder to a USB flash drive or another storage location that you have access to, such as an external hard drive connected to your computer.
Once the copy is complete, safely eject the USB drive.

This method backs up all your important Kodi settings, add-ons, and configurations. This folder contains everything you’ve added or customized to your Kodi installation, and it will be your salvation if things go wrong.

Grabbing the Needed Software: Downloading the Kodi Krypton Package

Now that you’ve prepped and backed up, it’s time to get the Kodi Krypton installer. You’ll need to download the appropriate APK (Android Package) file.

Open a web browser on your computer.
Navigate to the official Kodi website: [Insert the official Kodi website URL here – e.g., kodi.tv]. This ensures you get the official, safe version of the software.
Find the download section for Kodi.
Locate the Kodi Krypton (version 17) download for Android. Often, you can locate the older version by browsing the download archives or support sections.
Download the APK file. It may take some time.

The reason for choosing Krypton (version 17) is because it offers an excellent balance of features and performance. For many, the most recent versions may introduce instability or compatibility issues with certain add-ons or hardware. Kryton provides a tested and stable experience, with a great set of features.

If your Android TV box lacks a built-in web browser, you can also download the APK file to your computer and transfer it to your Android TV Box using a USB drive.

In addition, if you don’t have a File Manager installed on your device you can find it in the Google Play Store, which can simplify the installation process.

Taking the Plunge: Installing Kodi Krypton

Now comes the moment of truth: the actual installation of Kodi Krypton. Follow these steps carefully.

Granting Access: Enabling Installation from Unknown Sources

Before installing the APK, you need to allow your Android TV Box to install apps from sources other than the Google Play Store. This is a security setting that you must adjust.

Go to your Android TV Box’s settings menu. The gear icon usually represents it.
Look for a “Security” or “Privacy” option.
Within the security settings, find an option labeled “Unknown Sources” (or similar). This option allows you to install apps from APK files you download.
Enable the “Unknown Sources” setting by toggling the switch. You may see a warning message; accept it.

Wiping the Slate: Uninstalling the Existing Kodi (If Desired)

If you already have a version of Kodi installed, it’s generally recommended to uninstall it before installing Krypton. This will prevent conflicts and ensure a clean installation. This is the right thing to do.

In your Android TV Box settings, navigate to the “Apps” or “Application Manager” section.
Locate the existing Kodi app in the list of installed applications.
Select the Kodi app and choose the “Uninstall” option.
Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.

Getting it on the Box: Installing Via USB

This is the most common and easiest method for the installation.

Copy the Kodi Krypton APK file you downloaded to your USB flash drive.
Insert the USB flash drive into your Android TV Box.
Open a file manager app on your Android TV Box (as described above). If you don’t have one, you can download one from the Google Play Store.
Navigate to the USB drive within the file manager.
Locate the Kodi Krypton APK file (it will have a name like “kodi-17.6-Krypton-armeabi-v7a.apk,” but the version and architecture might vary).
Select the APK file to start the installation.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Kodi Krypton. You may be asked to grant permissions; allow them.
Once the installation is complete, you can launch Kodi Krypton from your app menu.

Putting it Directly on: Installing Through Direct Download

This is useful if your Android TV Box has a browser already.

Open a web browser on your Android TV Box (if it has one).
Go to the official Kodi website.
Locate the download section and Krypton APK download link for Android.
Download the APK file directly to your Android TV Box.
Launch a File Manager on the device and locate the downloaded APK in the downloads folder.
Select the APK file to install it.

Putting Your Data Back: Restoring Your Information

If you backed up your Kodi data earlier, now’s the time to restore it. This step is essential for getting your add-ons and configurations back.

Utilizing the Kodi Backup Function (If Available)

If you used the built-in Kodi backup feature, this is usually the easiest way to restore your settings:

Launch Kodi Krypton.
Navigate to the settings menu.
Find the “Backup” option (where you backed up your data earlier).
Select the backup file that you created, for example, from your USB drive.
Kodi will then automatically restore your settings, add-ons, and configurations.

Manual Restoration: Bringing Your Files Home

If your backup process works differently, or you manually backed up your data folder, the following method is required:

Using a file manager, navigate to the .kodi or Kodi folder on your USB flash drive or the storage location where you saved your backup.
Copy the .kodi or Kodi folder.
Navigate to the root directory of your Android TV Box’s storage (Internal Storage).
Locate the existing .kodi or Kodi folder (if it exists) in this root directory.
Important: Paste the copied folder into this root directory, replacing the existing folder. Ensure that you’re overwriting the existing folder, or your previous settings will be lost. If there’s no existing folder, simply paste it in that directory.
Restart your Kodi Krypton application. Your add-ons and configurations should now be restored.

Exploring Further: Optional Troubleshooting and Customization

Once you have Kodi Krypton installed and your data restored, you can delve into customization and potential troubleshooting.

Setting up the basics:

Language and Timezone:
- Go to the settings menu in Kodi.
- Select “Interface settings.”
- Choose your preferred language.
- Adjust your time zone under the “Regional” settings.

Enhancing Functionality: Add-ons (Optional)

Add-ons extend Kodi’s functionality significantly. They allow you to stream content from various sources, access live TV, and much more.

To install add-ons:

Go to the “Add-ons” section within the Kodi interface.
Select “Install from repository.”
Choose a repository (a source of add-ons). Kodi comes with a default repository that offers a selection of add-ons. You may need to add third-party repositories to access more content.
Browse the add-ons, select the ones you want to install, and follow the on-screen prompts.

Fixing Issues: Tackling Common Problems

Crashes and Freezing: Kodi can sometimes crash or freeze. Try clearing the cache of the Kodi app from your Android TV Box settings. Ensure you have enough storage space on your device.
Buffering: Buffering issues usually arise from an unstable internet connection. Check your Wi-Fi signal strength or try connecting via Ethernet.
Sound or Video Issues: Ensure your audio and video settings in Kodi are configured correctly for your TV.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Enhanced Experience

Congratulations! You’ve successfully upgraded your Android TV Box to Kodi Krypton. You should now have a more stable, feature-rich, and customizable media center at your fingertips. You’ve taken an important step to enhancing your entertainment experience.

Remember that Kodi is a powerful, highly customizable software, but it might take some time to explore all its features and get it set up to your liking. Consider experimenting with skins, add-ons, and other settings to personalize your experience.

Enjoy your upgraded Kodi Krypton setup, and relish the many hours of entertainment that await!

Keep in mind, this guide is a starting point. There’s always more to learn about Kodi.

Disclaimer: This guide provides instructions for upgrading your Android TV Box to Kodi Krypton. Proceed with caution, as any software modification carries some degree of risk. We are not responsible for any damage to your device or data loss. Please back up your data as described. We do not endorse or condone illegal streaming activities. Always respect copyright laws.