Kodi YouTube Addon Not Working? Here’s the 10-Minute API Key Fix for 2026

Last updated on February 8, 2026

In this definitive guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to set up a YouTube API Key in Kodi for 2026—the essential solution to that infuriating “Quota Exceeded” error. The YouTube addon for Kodi is still the best way to watch videos directly in your media center, but its shared public key runs out of juice fast, bringing your streaming to a halt.

The problem is that the addon uses a single, public YouTube API key that has a daily request limit shared among thousands of users. Once that limit is hit, the error pops up. The permanent solution is to generate your own personal and free API Key in the Google Cloud Console for your exclusive use. This method works perfectly with the latest versions, including Kodi 21 Omega and Kodi 22 Piers!

Why You Need a Personal YouTube API Key for Kodi in 2026

The YouTube addon communicates with the platform using the YouTube Data API v3, an interface that Google regulates with strict usage quotas. Using your own key solves several critical problems:

• It Fixes the “Quota Exceeded” Error for Good: With your own daily quota, it’s practically impossible to run out with normal use. Say goodbye to the “Daily Limit Exceeded” message forever.
• It Enables Secure Authentication: To access your subscriptions, watch history, playlists, and recommended videos, you need to sign in to your Google account. This is only possible with your own API credentials.
• It Improves Stability and Performance: By not relying on an overloaded public key, you reduce the risk of the Kodi YouTube addon not working and ensure a faster, more stable connection.

In short, generating your own API key is a process that, while it takes a few minutes, completely transforms your YouTube experience on Kodi.

How to Create a Kodi YouTube API Key (Updated 2026 Guide)

💡 Quick Note: You’ll need a Google account to follow this tutorial. The entire process takes place in the Google Cloud Console, Google’s platform for developers.

Step 1: Access Google Cloud Console and Create a Project

1. Go to the official site: Google Cloud Console and sign in with your Google account.
2. In the top bar, next to the Google Cloud logo, click the project selector (it might say “My First Project” or something similar).
3. In the window that pops up, click New Project.
4. Give your project a descriptive name, for example: Kodi YouTube 2026.
5. Click Create and wait a few seconds for the platform to set it up. Make sure your new project is selected at the top.

📌 Heads-up: Google Cloud might suggest adding a payment method or starting a free trial. This is not necessary for this process, and you will not be charged. You can safely ignore these prompts.

Step 2: Enable the YouTube Data API v3

1. From the left-hand navigation menu (the “hamburger” icon), go to APIs & Services > Library.
2. In the search field, type YouTube Data API v3 and select it from the results.
3. Click the Enable button.

With this step, your Google Cloud project is now authorized to interact with YouTube’s data.

Step 3: Create Your API Key

1. In the same side menu, navigate to APIs & Services > Credentials.
2. Click the + Create credentials button at the top and choose API key.
3. A key will be generated automatically. Copy this key and paste it somewhere safe, like a text file or notepad. We’ll need it in a moment.
4. For security, it’s highly recommended to restrict the key. Click the Edit API key button (or the three dots next to the key, then “Edit”).
   • Under “API restrictions,” select Restrict key.
   • In the dropdown menu, check the box for YouTube Data API v3 only.
   • Click Save.

📌 Security Tip: If you don’t restrict the key, anyone who gets it could theoretically use it and consume your quota. The risk is low, but it’s a best practice.

Step 4: Create the OAuth Client ID

This step is crucial for signing into your YouTube account in Kodi. You need an OAuth Client ID.

1. Go back to the APIs & Services > Credentials section.
2. Click + Create credentials again, but this time select OAuth client ID.
3. If this is your first time, it will ask you to configure a “consent screen.”
   • Select External and click Create.
   • Fill in only the required fields: App name (e.g., “Kodi YouTube Access”) and your User support email.
   • Scroll to the bottom and under “Developer contact information,” enter your email again. Click Save and Continue through all the steps until you’re back at the credential creation screen.
4. Now, under Application type, select TVs and Limited Input devices.
5. Give it a name, like Kodi OAuth TV, and click Create.
6. Two critical pieces of information will appear:
   • Client ID
   • Client secret
7. Copy both of these values and save them with your API Key. You now have everything you need.

How to Add the API Key to the YouTube Addon in Kodi

With your three credentials saved (API Key, Client ID, and Client Secret), the final step is to enter them into the addon’s settings.

1. Open Kodi on your device.
2. Navigate to Add-ons and go to the Video add-ons section.
3. Find the YouTube addon, long-press it (or use the ‘C’ key or menu button), and select Settings.
4. Go to the API tab in the left-hand menu.
5. Enter the credentials you just generated:
   • API Key → Paste the first key you copied.
   • API Id (Client ID) → Paste the OAuth Client ID.
   • API Secret (Client Secret) → Paste the OAuth Client Secret.
6. Click OK to save the changes, and then restart Kodi to ensure they apply correctly.

That’s it! Your YouTube addon now runs on its own dedicated quota, eliminating the Kodi quota exceeded error for good and allowing you to sign in securely.

Boost your privacy and bypass geo-blocking in Kodi and any other streaming app. I highly recommend checking out this guide on how to use a VPN to get around content blocks and secure your connection.

Troubleshooting Common Errors in 2026

1. You Still See a “Daily Limit Exceeded” or “Quota Exceeded” Error

✅ Solution:

• Double-check that you copied and pasted the API Key without any extra spaces at the beginning or end.
• Verify that you restarted Kodi after saving the settings.
• As a last resort, go back to the Google Cloud Console, create a second API key from scratch, and replace the old one in the addon settings.

2. The Kodi YouTube Addon Won’t Work or Gives an Authentication Error

✅ Solution:

• This error is almost always caused by an incorrect OAuth Client ID or Client Secret. Verify them carefully.
• Try signing out of the addon (from its settings) and then signing back in. You will be prompted to go to youtube.com/activate to enter a code.
• If some videos won’t play due to your location, a VPN is the most effective way to bypass regional blocks.

Bonus Tips to Optimize the Addon

• Use One API Key Per Household: If you have multiple devices running Kodi, you can use the same API Key on all of them. The quota is more than generous enough for typical home use.
• Enable MPEG-DASH: In the addon settings, under the “MPEG-DASH” tab, make sure it’s enabled and configure it to use higher video and audio bitrates for a better viewing experience.
• Reduce Unnecessary Requests: If you don’t use recommendations or suggested searches, you can disable them in the settings to further minimize calls to the API.

Conclusion: Is This Still Worth Doing in 2026?

Absolutely. In 2026, setting up a personal Kodi YouTube API Key is more necessary than ever. It’s the only guaranteed way to avoid the frustrating “Quota Exceeded” error and fully integrate your Google account for a seamless, personalized experience.

While the process might seem technical at first, following this step-by-step guide will take you less than 10 minutes. In return, you get a stable, fast, and fully functional YouTube addon with access to your subscriptions, playlists, and history—just as it should be. If you find your Kodi YouTube addon not working, creating your own API key is almost always the definitive fix.

If you found this tutorial helpful, share it with other Kodi users. You’ll be helping the community enjoy a much better streaming experience. 🚀