Where are Kodi Files Stored in 2025? A Comprehensive Guide
- Published on:
- Reading Time: 3 minutes
- Written by: Chiranjeev Jaiswal
- Reviewed by: Jordan Smith
Kodi, an-ever adapting open-source media center, has transformed by leaps and bounds by the year 2025, but its fundamental purpose still lies in managing and streaming media. Knowing where Kodi keeps its files is vital for file storage, customization, and troubleshooting. This guide goes into detail on where files within Kodi are located for all major platforms in 2025
Why File Locations Matter?
Kodi’s files consist of:
- User Data: Profiles, add-ons, and settings.
- Media Libraries: Databases reserved for movies, TV Shows, and music.
- Thumbnails and Artwork: Cached images to increase browsing speed.
- Logs: Files that aid in troubleshooting processes.
Deletion of these files can lead to a reset in a user’s set up or disrupt the functionality of an account. Their locations will now be discussed.
Kodi File Storage by Platform in 2025
File Storage Paths in Kodi 2025 by Platform
- Windows
- Path Preservation Despite OS Change
- In spite of the heightened security protocols for Windows 12, Kodi continues to store its files in their customary location:
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- C:\Users[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Kodi\
Important Subdirectories:
- addons/: All added extensions.
- userdata/: Configuration settings, sources.xml, advancedsettings.xml.
- media/: Custom media files if added manually.
Helpful Hints:
- Unhide AppData using “Hidden Items” feature on File Explorer.
- Enter %APPDATA%\Kodi in Search Box to be taken straight there.
- macOS
- Adjustments to macOS 15’s Privacy Features
- Kodi files for version 15 are found in:
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- /Users/[YourUsername]/Library/Application Support/Kodi/
- Terminal Shortcut:
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- open ~/Library/Application\ Support/Kodi/
- Security Remarks: macOS 15 might need permission to access Library/. Change this setting using System Settings > Privacy > Files & Folders.
- Linux
- Considerations Around Flatpak and Snap
- For Abobo Native Installations:
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~/.kodi/
- For Flatpak and Snap Installs:
- Flatpak: ~/.var/app/tv.kodi.Kodi/data/kodi/
- Snap: ~/snap/kodi/current/.kodi/
Pro Tip: To see the hidden .kodi folders, use ls -a in terminal.
- Android
- Implementation of Scoped Storage in Android 15 Compliance
- In response to stricter measures, Kodi shifted its file storage to:
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- Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi/
- Access: Use file managers like Solid Explorer or turn on “Show Hidden Files.”
- Backup: Remember to back this up prior to OS upgrades.
- iOS/tvOS
- Sandboxing and Restrictions
- On Apple TV and iPhones, Kodi files can only be accessed in its sandboxed directory. Transfers can be done via third-party programs such as iMazing, or with the use of Kodi’s integrated backup add-ons.
Preparing for the Future: Developments in 2025
• Cloud Integration: Default optional cloud user data (AWS S3 or Google Drive) is expected to sync automatically in Kodi 21 (2025) while the local paths are untouched.
• Security Changes: MacOS 15 and Windows 12 may enforce restrictions whereby an admin password is needed to access certain system files. Always launch Kodi under the standard user account unless modifying advanced options.
Critical Files Defined
- userdata/:
- guisettings.xml: Defined parameters for UI features.
- sources.xml: Defined addresses of the media sources.
- passwords.xml: Credentials for the add-ons (encoded).
addons/: Any plugins not provided by the system base are added manually.
Thumbnails/: Cached artwork (saved to minimize the overhead of re-scraping).
Backup Procedures
Manual Backup: Transfer the Kodi or .kodi folder to an external device.
Add-ons: Perform Backup in the Addon Manager of Kodi.
Automated: Set up scripts to run on a regular timetable (for example: cron jobs) to archive user data to a secure location every night.
Unsolved Troubleshooting
• Missing Folders? Either a complete reinstall of Kodi or reset option in Settings > System > Clean Library will rectify the problem.
• Permission Errors: Change full control access from the OS (right-click folder > Properties).
• Database Error: Take the MyVideos119.db from userdata/Databases/ and replace it with a backup.
Questions and Answers
Q: Am I able to relocate Kodi’s installation folder?
A: Absolutely, but it is advised to utilize symbolic links (such as mklink /J on Windows) for the folder redirection instead to not overwrite the add-ons.
Q: Is it possible to use the same Kodi files on different devices?
A: Userdata can shift between systems, but you will need to change OS-based directories in sources.xml.
Q: What is the procedure to reinstall Kodi?
A: Remove the userdata/ and addons/ directories from the folders, then restart the application.
Conclusion:
Dealing with Kodi’s file paths in 2025 requires considering new OS system restrictions and applying old media management basics. Master these guidelines and you will not only ensure flawless performance, but also prepare your unit for future modifications. Never miss the latest updates on changes at Kodi’s forum (forum.kodi.tv) and their GitHub account.
About the Author: Having spent ten years optimizing various solutions for multimedia centers and worked on several open-source initiatives, the author applies his technical skills to educate users.
