Google’s laptop, the Chromebook, has been living in the shadows. In recent years though, a surge of people have been buying one of their own (and with good reason!).
Chromebooks are great for using apps on the Google Play Store, running Linux-based programs, and can even play an important role in home theatres. If you have this type of laptop, you might want to set up Kodi on Chromebook.
Kodi has many purposes, but for the most part, users install Kodi add-ons for streaming. Currently, Kodi is available for Windows and Mac computers, iOS and Android devices, and even Raspberry Pi devices.
However, there is no official version for Chromebooks. So, if you’re a Chromebook owner who wants to use Kodi on your laptop, we’ll show you the different installation methods.
The Importance of Using a VPN with Kodi
Before using Kodi, you should strongly consider installing a VPN, especially if you plan on streaming.
The reason for this is that Kodi addons which stream copyright content are illegal, regardless of which country you live in. Some other reasons to use a VPN with Kodi on Chromebook are:
Access Geo-Restricted Content.
It’s no secret that Netflix and other streaming services have location filters. This means that only users in certain countries can watch some movies and TV shows they have to offer.
You can unlock more content if you use a VPN that masks your IP address and makes it look like you’re from a different country. Similarly, some Kodi add-ons (e.g., BBC iPlayer and Hulu) have the same restrictions that a VPN can bypass.
Legal Protection.
Streaming copyright content is incredibly illegal, and if the police catch you, they will charge you. This can result in either a hefty fine or, in some cases, prison time.
However, if you use a VPN whenever you stream on Kodi on Chromebook, the chances you’ll get caught are virtually gone.
This also applies to other Kodi add-ons that you might decide to use. Add-ons that allow you to watch live television, movies and TV shows, or live events that you’d usually need to pay to watch are illegal and could get you in trouble.
Extra Cyber Security.
Most importantly, a VPN is a great way of adding an extra layer of security to your computer. It makes it harder for hackers to intercept your connection, preventing credit card details and other personal information from being stolen.
We simply can’t emphasize enough how important it is for you to use a VPN. Even if you aren’t streaming with Kodi, it’s a good idea to enable a VPN.
Also, you might be interested in LibreELEC vs. OpenELEC – these two operating systems used with Kodi.
Methods for Kodi on Chromebook
After deciding whether you want to use a VPN (which we highly recommend you do), it’s time to set up Kodi on your Chromebook. There are three different methods you can use.
They are easy to follow, and we’ve explained them below to help you along the way.
Method #1 – Downloading Kodi from the Play Store
For this first method, we will be using the Google Play Store. Not all Chromebooks have access to the app store, but if you do, this is the easiest method to use.
#1 – Turn on your Chromebook and launch the Google Play Store after it loads.
#2 – In the store’s search bar, type in “Kodi” and click the enter key.
#3 – Find the search result with the Kodi icon and click on the app.
Note: to double-check that you have the correct application, ensure the app’s developer is XBMC Foundation and free to use.
#4 – Next, click the “Install” button and wait for Kodi to download onto your Chromebook.
#5 – After the installation, you can access your Chromebook’s applications to access it.
If you have the Google Play Store available on your laptop, it’ll be easy to set up Kodi on your Chromebook. However, if not, you will have to try another method.
Method #2 – Using the Arc Welder Extension
Alternatively, you can set up Kodi on your Chromebook using a special extension. Arc Welder is the name of this extension. We can install APK files like Kodi or any other third-party apps with it.
The steps below will show you what to do.
#1 – Start downloading the Arc Welder Chrome extension on your computer. Once the download finishes, you can go ahead and install it.
#2 – Head to the Kodi website and scroll down to the download options.
#3 – Click on the Android option to download the Kodi APK file, and select either 32bit or 64bit.
Note: unsure about which version you need. In the Google Chrome address bar, type “chrome://help,” and the program’s version info will appear.
#4 – Once the APK finishes downloading, open Arc Welder and wait while it loads for the first time.
#5 – Click on the plus icon. Using the window that appears, locate and select the Kodi APK file you have just downloaded.
#6 – After locating the file, click “Open” and wait a few minutes while Arc Welder loads the APK file.
Note: depending on how fast your Chromebook is, Arc Welder may take a few minutes to load the Kodi APK. However, if it takes several minutes, it shouldn’t take as long the next time you use Kodi on Chromebook.
#7 – Arc Welder will, after a few minutes, show you that the APK file is ready for you to open. When it is ready, click on the “Test” button.
#8 – Kodi will now launch for the first time, and you’ll be able to customize it and add the add-ons you want!
Since Chromebooks can already support APK files, it doesn’t matter much if you don’t have the Google Play Store program.
With Arc Welder, you can load any APK files regardless of whether the app is on the Play Store. Thus, it is a good tool if you frequently use third-party APKs.
Method #3 – Installing Kodi as a Chromebook Extension
In this final method, we’ll follow the previous section. One complaint you might have when using Method 2 is that you need to open Arc Welder to use Kodi on Chromebook. It’s understandable, and we have a way to get around this.
#1 – Start by following the steps in the previous method (Method #2).
#2 – After you complete that solution, open Google Chrome and click on the three dots icon at the top-right of the program.
#3 – From the drop-down menu that appears, hover over “More Tools” and click the “Extensions” option.
#4 – All of the extensions you have active in Google Chrome will now be shown. Enable the “Developer Mode” setting, which can be found at the top right if it isn’t already on.
#5 – Click “Load unpacked extensions” at the window’s top-left.
#6 – For this final step, locate the APK file made by Arc Welder when installing the original APK.
Note: When searching for this APK made by Arc Welder, look for a file name that includes “apk_export.”
#7 – After finding the correct APK file, Google Chrome will identify Kodi as a Chrome extension. You can easily use it without loading Arc Welder from now on!
There might be some extra steps to take, but if it frustrates you having to load Kodi on Chromebook through Arc Welder every time you want to stream, this will remove Arc Welder from the process.
Things to Remember When Using Kodi on Chromebook
Whatever method you decide to use to enjoy Kodi on your Chromebook, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Illegally streaming content can get you into trouble with your internet provider or the police
- Using a VPN is crucial if you don’t want to get caught, but it can also give you access to more movies
- Kodi is not illegal to use, but some of the add-ons that you can install maybe
- To use Kodi to watch movies and TV shows, you will need certain add-ons (such as Exodus)
- Some add-ons that allow you to watch movies and TV shows are completely legal, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix (only if you have a subscription)
Regardless of the solution you use when setting up Kodi on a Chromebook laptop, remember these things, and you’ll avoid any legal problems.
FAQs
- Can I install Kodi on any Chromebook? While most modern Chromebooks support Linux applications, some older models may not have this capability. Ensure your Chromebook has Linux support before attempting to install Kodi.
- Is Kodi legal to use? Yes, Kodi itself is legal to use. However, it’s essential to ensure that the content you access through Kodi complies with copyright laws in your region.
- Can I use Kodi to stream content from popular streaming services? Kodi supports various add-ons that allow you to access streaming services. However, it’s crucial to use these add-ons responsibly and ensure they comply with the terms of service of the streaming platforms.
- Can I use a Chromebook as a media center with Kodi? While Chromebooks may not have the same processing power as dedicated media center devices, they can serve as a capable media center for casual use. Consider the hardware limitations of your specific Chromebook model.
- Can I uninstall Kodi from my Chromebook? If you decide to remove Kodi from your Chromebook, you can do so by uninstalling the Kodi application through the Linux terminal using the appropriate package manager command.
To Conclude
There you have it! Even though there isn’t an official Chromebook version of Kodi on their website, the above are three great solutions.
Kodi on Chromebook allows you to enjoy the different features of this open-source program.
Whether you’re catching up with your favorite TV shows on BBC iPlayer or trying to watch the latest blockbusters, you can start with Kodi and add a few extensions with ease to fulfill your desires.
