Kodi, a popular open-source media player, has become a favorite tool for users seeking to create a personalized media library and streaming experience. By combining Kodi with services like Netflix, you can enjoy a seamless interface that brings all your favorite shows and movies together in one place.
If you're wondering how to watch Netflix on Kodi, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process. Whether you plan to use a third-party addon for online streaming or explore offline viewing option, we've got you covered.
Part 1. Can You Watch Netflix with Kodi
Yes, you can watch Netflix on Kodi, but not directly. Kodi doesn't officially support Netflix due to DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions.
However, with the help of third-party addons, you can integrate Kodi with Netflix and access your Netflix library within the Kodi interface. This method offers convenience and a customizable streaming experience. That said, this approach can be complex and often prone to bugs, as reported by users.
For a smoother experience, we highly recommend downloading Netflix videos to your computer and playing them through Kodi from local storage.
Part 2. How to Install Netflix on Kodi via Third Party Addon
To watch Netflix on Kodi directly, follow these simple steps to install and configure the required addons.
Step 1. Install the Latest Kodi on Your Devices
Kodi is an open-source media player compatible with various operating systems, including Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and more. It works on smartphones, computers, smart TVs, and streaming sticks.
To get start, follow the operation below:
◼ Visit the Kodi official website and download the appropriate version for your device.
◼ For compatibility with the Netflix addon, it’s recommended to install Kodi versions 19, 20, or 21.
◼ After installation, navigate to Settings > System and enable Unknown Sources to allow third-party addons.
Step 2. Install Trusted Thrid-Party Repository File on Kodi
Next, you'll need to install a trusted repository file to access the Netflix addon for Kodi. Since this method uses a third-party add-on, there are inherent risks involved, including potential exposure to malware or unstable streams. Therefore, this article will use CastagnaIT Netflix plugin as an example.
◼ Open the Kodi app and go to Settings > File Manager.
◼ Double-click Add source.
◼ Double-click the <None> and paste the URL "https://castagnait.github.io/repository.castagnait/" in the text box. You can assign a name to the repository for easy identification.
◼ Click OK to save and apply the settings. The Kodi app may get stuck for seconds, just wait for loading.
Once a new folder appears in File Manager, it means you've successfully added the repository source on Kodi. Then, follow the steps below to install the repository file on Kodi.
◼ Click the File manager text at the top left corner and back to the System interface.
◼ Select Add-ons > Install from zip file > repsitary.castagnait (or other name you input previously)
◼ Hit the repsitary.castagnait-2.0.1.zip file and wait for proceeding.
Step 3. Install the Netflix Addon for Kodi
Now that the repository is in place, follow these steps to install Netflix addon on Kodi:
◼ Click Install from repository > CastagnaIT Repository > Video add-ons > Netflix.
◼ Click Install at the buttom right and hit OK to install the InputStream Helper addon.
Note: If you encounter the Could not Connect to Repository error on Kodi when installing, you'd better try to install Netflix on Kodi Android phone, Android TV Box, or Firestick. This is because the CastagnaIT Netflix plugin stops updates due to website changes. In this case, you can try the second way to watch Netflix on Kodi at Part 3.
Step 4. Sign Into Your Netflix Account With Subscription
If all goes well, the final step is to log into your Netflix account.
◼ Return to Kodi's home screen and go to Add-ons > Netflix.
◼ If it pops up a window and ask you to install the InputStream Adaptive, click yes to proceed.
◼ Then, you need to log into your Netflix account via email/password or authentication key.
◼ After successful login, you can browse and watch Netflix on Kodi with selected Netflix profile directly.
Part 3. How to Watch Netflix on Kodi from Local Storage Successfully
As Netflix continues to enhance its DRM protection, streaming directly on Kodi can become increasingly difficult or unstable. Instead, a more reliable option is to use AudFree Netflix Downloader. This way, you can access Netflix with Kodi from local storage.
How it works? This powerful tool allows you to remove DRM protection from Netflix videos, enabling you to download Netflix videos in MP4 or MKV, which are universally compatible formats. Depending on your Netflix subscription and settings, it supports video quality up to 1080p HD, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience. Additionally, it preserves important features such as subtitles, audio tracks, and metadata, giving you a complete and versatile offline streaming solution.
AudFree Netflix Video Downloader
- Convert Netflix videos to MKV and MP4 formats compatible with Kodi
- Download Netflix videos to your computer at 5X speed without ads
- Download subtitles and audios in multiple languages
- Save 1080p HD-quality videos with 5.1 surround audio and AD audio
- Preserves subtitles, audio tracks, and metadata
Download Netflix Videos via AudFree Netflix Downloader
Follow the steps below to prepare your own Netflix Kodi library with AudFree Netflix Downloader:
Step 1. Sign in to Your Netflix Account
Launch AudFree Netflix Downloader on your Mac or Win computer after installation. Then, click the Sign in button located at the top right corner. Enter your Netflix credentials to access your account directly within the program.
Step 2. Set Up Your Download Preferences
Go to Menu > Preferences > Download to customize your settings. Choose your preferred video format, such as MP4 or MKV, for device compatibility. Besides, you can adjust additional settings like subtitles, audio language, or sound options.
Tip: If you prefer watch on bigger screen, or your space is large enough, the 1080p video quality is your best choice.
Step 3. Select and Download Netflix Videos
Browse the Netflix content within the downloader. Click on the desired titles, then press the Download Arrow at the bottom right corner. AudFree will analyze the selected video. Once the analysis is complete, click the Download button to begin saving it. After downloading, you can locate the videos in the History tab.
Tip: For a better and more convenient management of your Netflix downloads, you can download all Netflix videos in one local folder.
Add and Watch Netflix on Kodi Offline
Once your Netflix videos are downloaded, follow these steps to watch them on Kodi:
Step 1. Open Kodi and navigate to Videos > Files.
Step 2. Click Add Videos, then Browse to locate your downloaded Netflix files.
Step 3. Select the folder containing your videos and confirm.
Step 4. Your Netflix videos are now available in Kodi for offline playback. If you store the Netflix downloads at NAS, you can watch Netflix on Kodi at all of your devices.
Tip: Use Kodi's smart playlist feature to organize and manage your Netflix content for an even better viewing experience.
Part 4. FAQs on Kodi with Netflix
Q1: Can You Get Netflix Free on Kodi?
A1: No, Netflix requires a valid subscription to access its content. Kodi simply acts as a media player for streaming or playing downloaded videos. Avoid unauthorized methods to ensure a safe and legal viewing experience.
Q2: How to Fix Kodi Netflix Addon Not Working?
A2: Ensure you're using the latest version of Kodi and the Netflix addon. However, since the Netflix addon has stopped receiving updates, downloading videos with AudFree Netflix Downloader is a more reliable option.
Q3: Are There Any Risks in Watching Netflix on Kodi?
A3: Using Kodi with Netflix is safe when done legally. However, downloading third-party addons from unreliable sources may expose you to security risks, especially those so-called "free Netflix content on Kodi". Always use trusted repositories and maintain updated software.
Part 5. Conclusion
Now you know how to watch Netflix on Kodi! Whether you choose to stream directly using a third-party addon or enjoy offline content via AudFree Netflix Downloader, combining Kodi with Netflix unlocks a world of entertainment possibilities.
As Netflix's DRM protections continue to evolve, streaming through Kodi may become less feasible. But with AudFree Netflix Downloader, you can download and store your favorite Netflix content for offline playback on Kodi anytime! Take advantage of the free trial and enhance your Netflix experience today!
Adam Eldon
Staff Editor