How to Enable Unknown Sources on Kodi 22 ‘Piers’ (2026 Guide)

Last updated on February 8, 2026

If you’ve just installed the latest version of the media center, you’re probably wondering how to enable unknown sources on Kodi 22 Piers, the stable release for 2026 (the process is identical for Kodi 21 Omega). When you try to install popular add-ons like Alfa or The Crew from an external source, you’re likely to hit a wall. By default, Kodi blocks any installation that doesn’t come from its official repository—a well-intentioned security measure that severely limits its potential.

This security barrier is crucial for protecting users, but to get the most out of your media center, you need to know how to disable it. In this definitive guide, we’ll walk you through how to enable “Unknown Sources” and what to do if the option is missing, a common issue that requires activating Kodi’s expert mode.

⚠️ Critical Distinction: “Unknown Sources” in Android vs. Kodi

Before we dive into the settings, it’s vital not to confuse two settings that sound the same but serve entirely different functions, especially if you’re using a device like an Android TV Box, Chromecast with Google TV, or a Fire TV Stick:

1. Unknown Sources in ANDROID / FIRE OS: This lets you install applications (.APK files) that aren’t on the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. For example, you need to enable this in your device’s operating system to install Kodi from its official website instead of the app store.
2. Unknown Sources in KODI: This lets you install Add-ons (video plugins, programs, skins, etc.) and third-party repositories INSIDE the Kodi application.

This tutorial focuses exclusively on option #2: configuring Kodi internally to allow you to install the add-ons you want.

How to Enable Unknown Sources on Kodi 22 Piers & 21 Omega (Step-by-Step)

The process is virtually identical in the latest versions of the software. If you want to know the key differences between them, I recommend reading our deep dive on Kodi 22 ‘Piers’ vs. Kodi 21 ‘Omega’. For the default skin (Estuary), follow these exact steps:

1. Open Kodi and make sure you’re on the home screen.
2. Click the gear icon ⚙️ (Settings) located at the top of the left-hand menu.
3. Navigate to the System section.
4. In the vertical menu on the left, scroll down and select Add-ons.
5. On your right, you’ll see the Unknown sources option. Click the toggle switch to enable it.
6. A warning pop-up will appear, explaining the security risks. To proceed, click Yes.

Visual Confirmation: Once enabled, the toggle will light up (usually white or blue, depending on your skin), indicating that the setting has been saved correctly.

🛑 Option Missing? The “Hidden Menu” Fix (Expert Mode)

This is the most common roadblock, and one that most older tutorials ignore. If you followed the steps above and you don’t see the “Unknown sources” line item, don’t worry—your Kodi isn’t broken. It’s simply set to a basic settings level to avoid overwhelming new users. To fix this and activate Kodi’s expert mode:

1. Stay on the System > Add-ons screen.
2. Look at the bottom-left corner. You’ll see text next to a gear icon that says “Basic” or “Standard”.
3. Click on that text repeatedly. You’ll see it cycle through “Advanced” and finally to “Expert”.
4. That’s it! ✨ As soon as you switch to Advanced or Expert mode, new options will appear on the right, including Unknown sources.

Why a VPN is Non-Negotiable for Third-Party Add-ons

Enabling unknown sources is step one, but before you start installing third-party add-ons, as a tech professional, I have to make a key recommendation for 2026: use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This isn’t just an upsell; it’s a fundamental tool for your security and privacy.

Why Use a VPN with Kodi?

• Privacy from Your ISP: A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic. This means your Internet Service Provider (like Comcast, AT&T, or Verizon) can’t see which add-ons you’re using or what servers you’re connecting to. It prevents them from monitoring—or throttling—your activity.
• Bypass Geo-Blocking: Many add-ons access content that might be blocked in your country. A VPN lets you connect to a server in another location, making it appear as if you’re browsing from there and bypassing these restrictions.
• Security on Public Wi-Fi: If you ever use Kodi on a laptop connected to a public Wi-Fi network (at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop), a VPN is essential to shield your data from potential attackers on the same network.

Is It Safe to Enable This Setting? Risks & Best Practices

The short answer is: enabling the setting is safe, but installing add-ons from untrusted sources is not. Think of it like unlocking your front door. The act itself isn’t dangerous; the danger lies in who you let inside. The Kodi security warning you clicked through isn’t just for show.

The lifespan of unofficial add-ons is volatile; ones that worked great in 2023 may be abandoned or defunct by 2026. That’s why using reliable sources is critical.

• ✅ Recommended Use: Installing add-ons from a third-party Kodi repository with a solid, active reputation in the community, like the ones we review in our guide to the best Kodi add-ons for 2026.
• ❌ Dangerous Use: Downloading and installing an add-on from a random zip file found on a shady website or unverified Telegram link. These files can contain malicious scripts, cryptocurrency miners, or, in the best-case scenario, trigger the dreaded dependency error because they’re outdated.

My professional recommendation is to keep the option enabled but be extremely selective about the sources you add.

Next Step: Installing Your First Add-ons

Now that you’ve unlocked Kodi’s true potential, you have a green light to install the best add-ons for movies, TV shows, documentaries, and sports. But don’t install blindly; quality and security vary dramatically.

To get started on the right foot, check out our curated and updated list for this year:

👉 The Ultimate Guide! Discover the Best Add-ons for Kodi 22 Piers & 21 Omega (2026 Edition)