How to Install Kodi 18 on Nvidia Shield TV

Kodi updates are amazing if you know how to use them. In this guide, we will explain how to install Kodi 12 on Nvidia Shield TV using sideloading and Google Play Store. Plus, you can use PureVPN to boost privacy on Kodi and enjoy buffer-free streaming.

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Nvidia Shield Android Box is an entertainment powerhouse itself but it gets a lot more fun if you use it with Kodi. Kodi enhances the streaming experience on your Nvidia Shield TV by enabling easy access to a plethora of content. Nvidia Shield comes with a solid hardware, capable of playing HD or even 4K content without any hiccups. Ever since Kodi has been made officially available in the Google Play Store as an Android TV app, installing it on your Nvidia Shield Android box is a piece of cake.

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How to Install Kodi 18 on Nvidia Shield TV

As mentioned above, we have outlined two different ways to install Kodi on Nvidia Shield TV. One for direct download from the Google Play Store, and the other one via sideloading using ES File Explorer. Majority of users prefer to get Kodi directly from Google play, but some users also look for an alternative method due to being blockeds with Google Play Store, to use an older Kodi version or a specific third-party build.

Method 1: Via Google Play Store

  • Turn your Nvidia Shield TV ON and you’ll be welcomed by the Home Screen. Find the ‘Google Play Store’ from the display rows of apps and icons
  • Use the search bar on Google Play and type in ‘Kodi’. You can also use the device’s voice search feature to do so. The first result that shows the developers’s name as ‘XMBC Foundation’ is the one you need to open
  • On the app page, click ‘Install’ and wait for Kodi to be downloaded and installed on your Nvidia Shield device. Make sure to accept all permissions that prompt during the process
  • Once the installation finishes, launch the by clicking ‘open’ or go back to your device’s home screen to open Kodi
  • Finish the preliminary setup and start using Kodi

Method 2: Via Sideloading

Google Play Store always has the latest Kodi version available which as of now is Kodi 18.3 Leia. For those who prefer to use an older Kodi version like Krypton or want to install a specific build that may no longer be working with Kodi Leia, can sideload the app. It’s no rocket science and only involves a few extra steps.

Please bear in mind that sideloaded apps do not update automatically from the Play Store so you’d be required to do so manually. If you’re already using Kodi but want to install a third-party build, make sure to uninstall all Kodi apps before you begin with the installation process. Once done, follow the steps below.

  • The first step would be to download the APK file for the Kodi version you want to install. The safest and recommended source to download it is Kodi’s official website but if you wish to install older versions or some third-party builds, you’d have to look elsewhere.
    Note: Even though both Kodi and ES File Explorer can be found on third-party app stores, it is recommended to use the official Kodi’s website for security purposes.
  • Once the APK file has finished downloading, store it into a portable USB drive. APK files are generally lighter in size so even a small storage USB would do. Safely unplug the USB once done.
  • Power your Nvidia Shield device on and go to ‘Settings’ by clicking on the icon that looks like a gear. Once in, go to ‘Security and Restrictions’
  • Allow ‘Unknown Resources’ to enable apps outside of Play Store to be installed. Choose ‘Ok’ at the warning to continue
  • Go to the home screen and open ‘Google Play Store’
  • Type in ‘ES File Explorer File Manager’ in the search bar and open it
  • Click ‘Install’ for the app to be downloaded and installed
  • Once the installation finishes, plug in the USB drive containing the APK file in to your Nvidia Shield device. Click ‘Ok’ at the message that appears to open the ES File Explorer
  • ES File Explorer app will be launched on your device. Click ‘Local’ in the left sidebar and navigate down to your USB drive from the list below
  • Scroll up to where you store the APK file and select it. Choose ‘Install’ and then another time to accept the permissions
  • Once the installation has completed, click ‘Open’ to launch Kodi. You can also access it from the home page too
  • Finish the preliminary setup and start using Kodi

Feel free to unplug the USB device once Kodi is up and running. In case you don’t have a USB drive to begin with, you can also download the APK file directly onto your device using ES File Explorer’s default web browser.