Never Lose Your Kodi Setup Again: The Ultimate 2026 Backup Guide

Last updated on February 7, 2026

Picture this: you’ve spent hours, maybe even days, perfecting your Kodi setup. You’ve hand-picked the best addons, customized the skin, and meticulously organized your media library. Then, disaster strikes. A failed update, a system crash, or a corrupted file wipes it all away. As a Media Systems Engineer, I’ve seen this nightmare scenario play out far too many times. That’s why creating a Kodi backup isn’t just a recommendation—it’s an absolute necessity. This is your definitive 2026 guide to bulletproofing your media center, whether you use the rock-solid Kodi Backup addon, manual methods for total control, or advanced cloud alternatives.

I’ll walk you through not only installing and configuring the addon but also automating the process, troubleshooting common errors, and understanding which method is the perfect fit for your needs—whether you’re running Kodi on a PC, an Android TV Box like a Fire TV Stick, or a Raspberry Pi.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not develop, distribute, or endorse any of the add-ons, software, or services mentioned, nor are we affiliated with their creators. We are firmly against piracy and the use of illegal content. The user is solely responsible for how they use the information provided herein.

Why a Rock-Solid Kodi Backup is Non-Negotiable in 2026

Years ago, a Kodi installation was simple. Today, in the era of Kodi 21 Omega and the emerging Kodi 22 Piers, our setups are complex, personalized ecosystems. We’re talking about skins with custom widgets, shared databases, advanced configurations for powerful addons, and hundreds of tiny tweaks that define our user experience. Losing all that means throwing hours—or even days—of meticulous work down the drain.

A good backup allows you to:

• Restore your entire Kodi configuration in minutes after a critical failure or system crash.
• Clone your Kodi setup from one device to another (e.g., migrating from an old TV box to a new Nvidia Shield Pro).
• Experiment with new beta releases or risky addons without fear of corrupting your primary installation.
• Save Kodi addons and all their associated data, including watch history, favorites, and personalized settings.

Personally, I’ve migrated my main Kodi build across three different devices in the last year alone, all thanks to a robust backup. It is, without a doubt, the most critical maintenance tool for any serious Kodi user.

Backup Methods: At-a-Glance Comparison

Before we dive into the weeds, here’s a quick comparison table to help you pick the method that’s right for you.

Method 1: The “Backup” Addon (The Easy & Recommended Route)

For 99% of users, the “Backup” addon from the official Kodi repository is the perfect solution. It’s reliable, easy to configure, and most importantly, it lets you automate the entire process so you can set it and forget it.

Compatibility: Does it Work with Kodi 21 Omega & 22 Piers?

Yes, as of today, the “Backup” addon maintains excellent compatibility. However, as an engineer, I have to warn you: restoring a backup from a newer version of Kodi to an older one (e.g., from Piers to Omega) is a recipe for disaster. It can cause instability due to changes in databases or Python dependencies. My pro tip: always restore backups onto the same major version of Kodi they were created on.

Step-by-Step: Installing the “Backup” Addon

The addon lives in the official Kodi repository, so installing it is 100% safe and straightforward:

1. From the Kodi home screen, navigate to Add-ons.
2. Click the open box icon (Add-on browser) in the top-left corner.
3. Select Install from repository.
4. Choose the Kodi Add-on repository.
5. Go to the Program add-ons section.
6. Find “Backup” in the list, select it, and hit Install.
7. Wait for the notification in the top-right corner confirming the installation is complete.

You do not need to enable “Unknown Sources” for this process, as you are installing directly from Kodi’s official source.

Initial Setup: Your First Kodi Backup

Once installed, proper configuration is key. Navigate to Add-ons > Program add-ons > Backup and open its Settings (long-press or right-click on the addon).

The “General” Tab: Where to Save Your Backups

This is your most important decision. You have several excellent options:

• Local Directory: Perfect for quick backups on the same device. Use “Browse Path” to select a folder on your internal hard drive or a connected USB drive.
• Network Path (SMB): The best choice if you have a NAS (like a Synology or a powerful TerraMaster unit) or a private cloud. This lets you centralize backups from all your Kodi devices. You’ll need the server’s IP address, the shared folder name, username, and password.
• Cloud (Recommended): For maximum security and accessibility, a cloud service is unbeatable. The addon supports both Dropbox and Google Drive.
  • To set up Google Drive/Dropbox: Select the service under “Remote Path Type.” Click “Authorize” and follow the on-screen instructions. Typically, it will show you a code or a link to open in a web browser, where you’ll sign in to your account and grant access to the addon.

The “File Selection” Tab: What Exactly to Save

Here you decide which elements to include in your Kodi backup. To completely clone Kodi, I recommend checking everything. However, if you want leaner, faster backups:

• Thumbnails: These take up a massive amount of space (often several gigabytes) and can be regenerated automatically by Kodi. Unchecking this option will dramatically speed up the backup process.
• Profiles: If you don’t use user profiles in Kodi, you can safely uncheck this.
• Addon Data: This is the most important item! Make sure this is checked to save the configuration and data for all your addons.

Scheduling Automatic Backups

True peace of mind comes from automation. In the Scheduling tab, you can set backups to run on their own.

1. Enable the “Enable Scheduler” toggle.
2. Set the frequency. My personal recommendation is a weekly backup (“Weekly”).
3. Set a time with low activity, like 4:00 AM, so it doesn’t interfere with your streaming.
4. You can limit the number of backups to keep (under “How many backups to keep”). Three or four copies is usually more than enough to avoid filling up your storage.

How to Restore Kodi from a Backup

If disaster day ever arrives, the process to restore Kodi is incredibly simple:

1. On a fresh Kodi installation (or the one you want to overwrite), install the “Backup” addon using the steps above.
2. Open the addon’s settings and configure the exact same remote location where you saved your backups.
3. Exit the settings and, from the addon’s main menu, select the Restore option.
4. Choose the backup file you want to restore from the list that appears.
5. Kodi will ask for confirmation. Accept, and wait for the process to finish. It will prompt you to restart to apply all the changes. You’re back in business!

Method 2: Manually Clone Kodi (Total Control for Power Users)

If you prefer absolute control and don’t want to rely on addons, you can manually back up Kodi’s data folders. This is where absolutely everything is stored: addons, settings, databases, and skins. This technique is the purest way to export your Kodi configuration.

First, make sure Kodi is completely closed. Then, locate the data folder, which varies by operating system:

%APPDATA%\Kodi

Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi

~/.kodi

/storage/.kodi

/Users/<your_username>/Library/Application Support/Kodi

Simply compress and copy the entire .kodi folder (or `Kodi` on Windows) to a safe location. To restore, delete the existing folder on the new device (with Kodi closed) and paste your backup.

• Pros: It’s a perfect 1:1 clone. It requires no addons and is blazing fast.
• Cons: Can create massive files (tens of gigabytes if you include thumbnails). On Android, and especially on locked-down devices like the Fire TV Stick, accessing this data folder can require special permissions or an advanced file manager, making the process tricky for novices.

FAQ: Common Kodi Backup Errors & Fixes

Even the best tools can hit a snag. Here are solutions to the most common failures I’ve encountered in my tech support days.

Why is the Backup addon failing to write to my path?

This is almost always a permissions issue. On Android TV or Fire TV, the OS can block apps from writing to USB drives or network folders. The most reliable fix is to choose an internal device folder you know is writable or to double-check the permissions on your SMB/NFS share on your NAS to ensure the user has write access.

I’m getting a Google Drive / Dropbox authentication error. What’s the fix?

If the addon can’t connect to your cloud account, try these steps in order:

1. Go into the addon settings and select “Re-authorize” to generate a new access token.
2. Ensure the date and time on your Kodi device are correct. A time skew can invalidate authentication certificates.
3. If you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled on your account, make sure you’re completing the process correctly in the browser when prompted.

My restore failed or made Kodi unstable. What gives?

The most common culprit is trying to restore a Kodi setup from an incompatible version. For instance, restoring a backup from Kodi 22 Piers onto a clean installation of Kodi 21 Omega is asking for trouble. This can cause addon issues and database corruption. To avoid this, always restore onto a clean installation of the exact same version of Kodi you used to create the backup. For more details, see our Kodi 22 vs 21 upgrade guide.

My backup file is huge! How can I shrink it?

As mentioned earlier, the thumbnails folder is the main offender. Go back to the Kodi Backup addon’s settings, navigate to the “File Selection” tab, and uncheck “Thumbnails.” This will drastically reduce the backup size without losing any essential settings.

Pro Tips for a Bulletproof Backup Strategy

• The 3-2-1 Rule: This is a professional cybersecurity principle. Keep at least 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of media (e.g., your NAS and the cloud), with at least 1 copy stored off-site (the cloud handles this perfectly).
• Encrypt Your Backups: If you use a cloud service and your setup contains sensitive information, consider using an external tool to encrypt the ZIP file generated by the addon before uploading it.
• Use a VPN: When transferring data to the cloud or even across your local network, a reliable VPN adds a critical layer of security and privacy to the connection. Using a fast VPN that doesn’t slow down your upload speeds is highly recommended.
• Name Your Backups: When making a manual backup before a big change, give it a descriptive name like `kodi_backup_before_piers_upgrade.zip`. It will save you from confusion down the road.
• Perform Regular Maintenance: In addition to backups, it’s a good practice to occasionally clear Kodi’s cache to keep the system running smoothly and prevent bloat.

Conclusion: Your Kodi, Your Build, Always Safe

Customizing Kodi is a rewarding journey, and protecting that investment of time is non-negotiable. Whether you choose the simplicity of the Kodi Backup addon or the total control of the manual method, there’s no excuse for not having a backup strategy in 2026. The automation offered by the addon is, in my expert opinion, the ultimate “set it and forget it” solution, ensuring you always have an escape hatch for any unforeseen problem.

Don’t wait for a disaster. Take 10 minutes today to set up your Kodi backup and enjoy your media center with the complete peace of mind that your perfect build is protected and ready to be restored anytime, anywhere.