How to Install the Kodi YouTube Addon in 2026 (And Permanently Fix the API Error)

Last updated on February 8, 2026

In 2026, the YouTube addon for Kodi remains one of the single best ways to experience the video platform without the clutter and limitations of the official interface. If you’re looking for a definitive guide on how to install the Kodi YouTube addon in 2026, you’ve come to the right place. This powerhouse addon lets you access all your YouTube content—from subscriptions to playlists—directly within the media center you already love, delivering a cleaner, more customizable, and ad-free experience.

Over the years, using YouTube on Kodi has become about much more than just skipping ads. It’s about leveraging Kodi’s powerful video engine for superior playback, integrating videos with your other media libraries, and maintaining tighter control over your privacy. However, one hurdle remains: the initial setup, specifically dealing with Google’s API keys, can still be a challenge for newcomers.

In this ultimate guide, I’ll walk you through every step: installing the addon, configuring it, fixing the most common errors, and sharing some pro tips to get the most out of it. The addon is fully compatible with the latest stable releases, including the robust Kodi 22 ‘Piers’ and the brand-new Kodi 23 ‘Phoenix’.

The Best Streaming Devices for Kodi in 2026

To get a buttery-smooth experience with the YouTube addon and Kodi in general—especially with 4K and 8K content using modern codecs like AV1—you need capable hardware. Here are my top picks for the most powerful streaming devices on the market in 2026.

How to Install the YouTube Addon on Kodi (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)

The installation process is straightforward because the addon is located in Kodi’s official repository. This ensures it’s safe, secure, and regularly updated.

1. Open Kodi on your device and navigate to the Add-ons section from the main menu.
2. Select the package installer icon (it looks like an open box) in the top-left corner.
3. Choose the Install from repository option.
4. Select the Kodi Add-on repository. If you don’t see this, you might need to install it first, but it’s included by default in all modern Kodi versions.
5. Browse to the Video add-ons category and scroll down until you find YouTube.
6. Click Install. Kodi will automatically download and install the addon along with any required dependencies. Wait for the “Add-on installed” notification to pop up.
7. That’s it! You can now find the addon in your Video add-ons section, ready for configuration.

Configuration and First Steps: Avoiding Common Errors

Once installed, the addon will prompt you to sign in to access your subscriptions and playlists. The process is secure and uses Google’s standard authentication system.

1. Open the YouTube addon from your video add-ons library.
2. The addon will display a message asking you to sign in. When you agree, it will show two activation codes on your screen.
3. From a web browser on your phone or computer, go to youtube.com/activate.
4. Enter the first code and click “Next.”
5. Sign in with the Google account you use for YouTube and grant the necessary permissions.
6. Repeat the process with the second code provided by the addon.

After this, you will almost certainly hit the most common roadblock: the “API quota exceeded” error. Don’t panic. This is completely normal and there’s a permanent fix, which I’ll explain next.

The Permanent Fix for the Kodi YouTube Addon Error: Create Your Own API Key

The YouTube addon relies on Google’s official API to fetch videos and data. By default, every user shares a generic, built-in developer key that runs out of its daily allowance (quota) very quickly. The ultimate solution to the Kodi YouTube addon error is to create your own personal—and free—API keys.

This process sounds technical, but if you follow these steps carefully, you’ll be done in about 10 minutes.

1. Go to the Google Cloud Console and create a new project (you can name it something like “Kodi YouTube”).
2. Enable the “YouTube Data API v3” for your new project.
3. Navigate to the “Credentials” section and create three keys: one API Key, and two OAuth 2.0 Client IDs (one of type “TVs and Limited Input devices” and another of type “Desktop application”).
4. Open Kodi, go to the YouTube addon’s settings, and in the “API” tab, enter the three keys you just generated (API Key, Client ID, and Client Secret).

For a bulletproof setup, just follow those steps precisely. It’s the only way to make the quota error disappear for good. Once you’ve entered your personal keys, you will have your own private pipeline to YouTube, and the error will be gone forever.

Why Use YouTube on Kodi vs. Other Apps?

In my experience, that small bit of initial setup is well worth the long-term benefits:

• An Ad-Free Paradise: By using its own player, the Kodi addon strips out almost all pre-roll and mid-roll ads from YouTube videos.
• Total Playback Control: Leverage Kodi’s advanced video engine to force playback in specific codecs like AV1, fine-tune the video buffer, or adjust audio sync on the fly.
• Seamless Integration: You can add YouTube videos to your main Kodi playlists, mixing them with content from other popular addons like Elementum or The Crew.
• Enhanced Privacy: You avoid much of the tracking built into Google’s official app. For an extra layer of security, I always recommend using a VPN.

Security & Privacy: Why You Need a VPN for Kodi

Beyond just YouTube, using a VPN with Kodi is practically non-negotiable in 2026. Not only does it allow you to bypass geo-restrictions on YouTube and other platforms, but it also shields your streaming activity from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts all your traffic, ensuring your online activity remains anonymous.

Bypass geo-blocks and secure your connection. In my 2026 guide to the best VPNs for Kodi, I break down the top options for safe and unrestricted streaming.

Alternatives to the Kodi YouTube Addon in 2026

While the official addon is the most feature-rich option, a few alternatives to the Kodi YouTube addon have emerged for users who prioritize simplicity and don’t need to log in:

• Invidious-Based Addons: These plugins use APIs from Invidious (a privacy-focused alternative front-end for YouTube) to serve videos without requiring a Google API key. They often have fewer features but are a fantastic choice for quick, login-free viewing.
• SmartTubeNext (for Android TV): If you’re running Kodi on an Android TV device like an NVIDIA Shield or Fire TV, an excellent *external* alternative is the SmartTubeNext app. It offers an incredible ad-free experience with advanced features like SponsorBlock baked right in. It’s not a Kodi addon, but it’s the gold standard in the ecosystem.

The Verdict: Is YouTube on Kodi Worth It in 2026?

Absolutely, yes. The Kodi YouTube addon completely transforms how you watch content from the platform. While setting up your own YouTube API key for Kodi requires a small, one-time effort, the payoff is a superior user experience, free from ad interruptions and seamlessly integrated into your media hub.

For anyone who already uses Kodi as their primary entertainment system, integrating YouTube is a logical and highly recommended next step. With the right configuration, it becomes the definitive way to enjoy the world’s largest video platform—free from the distractions and constraints of the official app.

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