Kodi is a free, open-source media player that gives users wide streaming options on Apple devices that don’t carry the app in the App Store.
This guide and tutorial walks Canadian users through a safe, desktop-based path using tools like Sideloadly. You will find clear steps that avoid jailbreaking and focus on official sources where possible.
You’ll learn why Cydia Impactor needs a paid developer account and why Sideloadly is the more reliable choice today. The page also explains how to convert an iOS DEB into an IPA if an IPA is not available, plus the first-run steps on your device.
Security matters: we cover trusting your Apple ID in Settings, toggling Developer Mode, and the benefits of using a VPN for privacy and geo-unlocking. Practical maintenance tips on resigning and alternative methods are included.
For a related walkthrough of setup on Android, see this handy step-by-step page.
Key Takeaways
- Open-source media player requires sideloading on Apple devices.
- Sideloadly on a desktop is the safest, most reliable method for most users.
- Free Apple IDs may need re-sidelining roughly every seven days.
- Trust your Apple ID in Settings and enable Developer Mode for first launch.
- Use a VPN to protect privacy and help access geo-restricted streaming.
- Be cautious with third-party add-ons; prefer official repositories.
What you need to know before you start
Start by understanding key legal and security points that affect sideloading on Apple hardware. This short guide highlights why the app is absent from the apple app store and what precautions Canadian users should follow.
Why it isn’t in the app store
Apple enforces a strict ecosystem and reviews apps for compliance. The platform’s openness to third‑party extensions is limited, and that is the main reason this app is not distributed through the app store.
Security and privacy considerations for an ios device
Sideloading requires extra permissions and a trusted developer certificate. You must decide where you obtain files and accept responsibility for installed apps. Only use official sources and keep everything updated.
Using a VPN with the media system
A VPN encrypts traffic, helps avoid ISP throttling, and can assist with geo‑locked content. Use a reputable provider, and remember some third‑party kodi add-ons may surface unlicensed content. Follow Canadian law and review your risk tolerance before proceeding.
- Keep Apple ID credentials secure and use trusted tools with current signing support.
- Stick to official repositories for add-ons and seek vendor support when needed.
How to install Kodi on ios/iPhone/ iPad
Most Canadians will find a desktop sideloading tool the fastest and safest route for getting the media player onto their device.
Recommended path for most users: Sideloadly
Sideloadly runs on Windows and macOS. It needs the non‑Microsoft Store versions of iTunes and iCloud on your computer. Connect your iphone ipad via USB, load the IPA file into Sideloadly, sign with your Apple ID, and let the tool handle signing and transfer.
Alternative for paid Apple developers: Cydia Impactor
Cydia Impactor may still work for those with a paid developer account. Support has been mixed since 2019, so expect less predictability with free Apple IDs.
“Use Sideloadly if you want a more consistent experience; Impactor is an option only for paid accounts.”
- Prepare the computer: non‑Store iTunes and iCloud installed.
- Point Sideloadly at the IPA, authenticate with your Apple ID, and follow the on‑screen steps.
- Paid developers can try Cydia Impactor, but support is inconsistent.
- After installation, trust your Apple ID in Settings and enable Developer Mode if asked.
For a deeper sideload walkthrough and troubleshooting tips, see this sideloading guide.
Prerequisites and files you’ll need on your computer
Before you begin, gather the desktop tools and the app package so the process stays fast and predictable.
Install iTunes and iCloud (non‑Microsoft Store builds)
Install the non‑Microsoft Store versions of iTunes and iCloud on your computer. These versions detect a connected device reliably and are required for Sideloadly to work.
Download Sideloadly for Windows or macOS
Visit Sideloadly’s official page and download the build that matches your operating system. Keep the installer and the signed package files in one easy folder.
Get the IPA or convert a DEB
Decide whether you will use a ready IPA or grab the iOS DEB from the official Kodi download page and convert it yourself. If converting, have an archiving utility ready and confirm the app version matches your device software.
- Keep all files in a single folder for quick access.
- Confirm the device connects over USB and is seen by iTunes.
- Disable any software that may block USB or signing tools temporarily.
- Have your Apple ID credentials ready for signing.
| Item | Why it matters | Action |
|---|---|---|
| iTunes / iCloud (non‑Store) | Device detection | Install correct versions |
| Sideloadly | Signing and sideloading | Download latest build |
| IPA or DEB file | App package for sideloading | Download or convert from page |
Method A: Install Kodi with Sideloadly on your iOS device
Use a computer and Sideloadly for a reliable, signed app transfer that avoids risky system changes. This process keeps your device safe and uses official signing with your Apple ID.
Connect and confirm device detection
Step 1: Plug the device into the computer with a USB cable. Open Sideloadly and confirm your device appears in the app list before proceeding.
Load the IPA, sign with your Apple ID, and start
Step 2: Choose the kodi ipa file in Sideloadly, enter your Apple ID credentials, and begin signing.
Step 3: Wait for the installation to finish. Do not disconnect the cable or lock the screen during this step.
First launch: handle trust prompts
Step 4: On the device open Settings > General > Device Management, tap your Apple ID, and press Trust.
Step 5: If prompted, enable Developer Mode under Settings > Privacy & Security. The app icon will appear on the Home Screen; find kodi and open it to confirm the installation.
“If Sideloadly reports an error, check the file path, cable, Apple ID entry, and that iTunes detects the device.”
| Action | Why it matters | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| Device not visible | Sideloadly cannot target the device | Restart iTunes and reconnect USB |
| Signing error | Apple ID or file issue | Re-enter credentials; verify kodi ipa file |
| App won’t open | Certificate not trusted | Revisit Device Management and tap Trust |
Method B: Install Kodi with Cydia Impactor (paid developer account)
For users with a paid developer account, Impactor provides a familiar drag-and-drop signing workflow that can deploy the media player to your device.
When this path applies and its limits
Cydia Impactor can sideload apps to both jailbroken and non‑jailbroken devices, but it generally requires a paid Apple developer account. Since November 2019, free accounts have seen unreliable results and partial failures.
Quick steps for the Impactor workflow
- Launch Impactor and confirm your device appears in the top bar.
- Drag the IPA file into the main window and follow the signing prompts.
- Enter your Apple ID credentials when requested; the tool will sign and deploy the app to your iphone.
Post-install requirements: After a successful transfer you must still trust the certificate in Settings and may need to enable Developer Mode before the app will run.
“If Impactor fails, switch to Sideloadly for broader support on modern releases.”
Practical notes on account and management
Keep backups of your IPA and any project files. Resigning timelines still apply, so track when the app needs renewal.
For ongoing support, check official documentation and community reports. If management tasks become cumbersome, consider changing your signing tool or account type.
Converting the Kodi DEB file to an IPA file
If you only have a DEB package, you can convert it into a sideload-ready IPA with a few simple archive steps.
Start on the official download page and grab the iOS DEB so you use a trusted source.
Unpack and locate the app bundle
Open the DEB with an archive tool (7‑Zip on Windows or The Unarchiver on macOS). Extract the DEB, then open the inner data archive.
Inside you will find the Kodi.app folder. This folder contains the app bundle required for sideloading.
Build the Payload and create the IPA
Create a new folder named Payload (capital P exactly). Move the Kodi.app folder into Payload.
Compress Payload as a ZIP, then rename the archive to Kodi.ipa. Confirm the root structure is Payload/Kodi.app so Sideloadly and other tools accept the package.
| Stage | Key action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Download | Get DEB from official page | Ensures file integrity |
| Extract | Use archive tool; find Kodi.app | Reveals the app bundle |
| Package | Create Payload, zip, rename .ipa | Makes a valid kodi ipa file |
- Keep simple file names and avoid special characters.
- Save the original DEB and the created IPA for reuse.
- If the installation process fails, recheck the Payload/Kodi.app structure and repeat the step.
Post-install steps on iPhone and iPad
With the package on your device, the final steps are small approvals inside Settings and a brief first run. Follow these actions to let the app launch and avoid common permission blocks.
Trust your Apple ID in Settings > General > Device Management
Open Settings > General > Device Management. Tap your Apple ID and choose Trust. This approves the developer certificate and lets the app run on your device.
Enable Developer Mode in Privacy & Security
If a prompt appears, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and enable Developer Mode. Expect a brief restart when toggling this option; that restart is normal and completes the approval flow.
Where to find the app on your Home Screen and first-run tips
The app icon should appear on the Home Screen. If you cannot find kodi, confirm the sideloading tool finished successfully and that the install path was correct.
- Keep the device unlocked and connected during first launch in case additional prompts appear.
- If the app won’t open, revisit Device Management and confirm your Apple ID shows as trusted.
- Avoid network changes until the app shows its home interface for a smoother first run.
- Refer back to this guide when you need to repeat approvals after resigning or reinstalling.
Troubleshooting, resigning, and ongoing maintenance
Troubleshooting and routine maintenance keep a sideloaded media player stable over time. Small checks after each installation step prevent most failures on an ios device.
Fixing failed installs and crashes: first confirm you used non‑Microsoft Store builds of iTunes and iCloud and that your device is detected. Rebuild the IPA if you converted a DEB — an incorrect Payload folder often causes crashes.
Delete partial installs, reboot the device, and run a fresh signing session. If the app still crashes, capture the error and search official support channels for the software version you used.
Re‑sideloading and AltStore notes
With a free Apple ID, expect to re‑sideload roughly every seven days; track expiry dates so the app does not stop unexpectedly.
AltStore can automate resigning for many apps, but compatibility varies and kodi iphone ipad results are mixed historically. Avoid legacy installers like TweakBox; they no longer work reliably.
Safety and add‑on management
Stick to official repositories for add-ons and keep both the app and add‑ons updated. Some third‑party content has been hijacked in the past, so prefer vetted sources.
- Use a reputable VPN with a clear, vpn risk free trial to test performance.
- On Android, the software is available in Google Play store; remember iOS remains sideload‑only.
- Keep simple system notes so future reinstalls are faster and more reliable.
“Expect periodic resigning with free accounts and keep backups of your IPA and signing notes.”
Conclusion
A quick recap helps ensure your files, account and device settings are ready for a successful sideload session.
Key points: the media player is not in the apple app store or the broader app store, so iphone ipad users must sideload. The most dependable path is Sideloadly using non‑Microsoft Store iTunes and iCloud, a valid kodi ipa file or a DEB converted into an IPA, and trusting your Apple ID certificate in Settings plus enabling Developer Mode.
Paid developers may use Cydia Impactor, but results vary. Expect periodic resigning with free accounts. Use official kodi add-ons, keep software and files current, and consider a vpn risk free trial for streaming privacy. For an Android walkthrough, see this Android setup.
