Archive:Kodi v14 (Helix) FAQ

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Kodi v14 (Helix) FAQ

Because v14 physically moves the location of your settings and add-ons during the upgrade, please backup those files before upgrading (while you are still on v13 or newer). While this isn't required for normal use, you will need the backup file if you ever want to downgrade to v13. Plus, really, it's always a good idea to backup regularly. And call your mother sometime.

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Template:XBMC FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions for upgrading to Kodi v14 (codename Helix) from a previous version. Includes how to enable some of the new features, where some controls got moved to, etc.

General FAQ

See also: All platforms FAQ for an FAQ that applies to all versions of Kodi.

What his Kodi? What is Helix?

Main pages: Kodi name change FAQ and History of XBMC

Kodi is the new name for XBMC media center. "Helix" is the codename for version 14, just as "Gotham" was the codename for XBMC v13. You will often see "v14" and "Helix" used interchangeably in the community. It might be a little confusing with so many new names being used, but this is simply the new version of XBMC. As long as you call it version 14/v14, then everyone will know what you are talking about.

You can download Kodi v14 "Helix" by going to http://kodi.tv/download/

Changelog

See: Kodi v14 (Helix) changelog (and add-on developers should also see Helix API changes)

What are some of the major new features?

See Kodi v14 (Helix) changelog for a condensed list of large and important changes

Examples include:

Upgrading

How do I upgrade to v14?

Note: Always backup your settings before upgrading, just incase!

• In most cases you can just install Kodi v14 over XBMC v13.
• After you install Kodi v14, you can then uninstall your old XBMC v13 install. XBMC v13 must be manually uninstalled in most cases since the upgrade has a new application name, depending on your OS.
• Android: Do not uninstall XBMC v13 before installing Kodi v14. Doing so will erase your settings before the upgrade takes place.

• Apple TV 2 (black)
• HOW-TO:Install Kodi for iOS
• Linux
• XBMCbuntu -> KodiBuntu upgrade
• Mac
• Windows
• OpenELEC and other pre-made Linux distros - Wait for them to push an update for v14

What happens if I don't like Kodi v14, can I just install XBMC v13 again?

Main page: Migration

You must restore a backup of your userdata and add-ons, as the v14 upgrade will physically move the location of those files.

Where did it this or that go?

Play button on remote no longer pauses

• Custom keymaps might need to be adjusted to use the action ID playpause instead of play. "Play" alone has new behavior to only play and not pause. This can be done with a basic text editor and going into your userdata folder and into the keymaps folder.

Troubleshooting

Main page: Troubleshooting

What are some of the known issues in Gotham?

See: Common issues

What might break when upgrading to v13? (add-ons, skins, remotes, etc)

Most things from v13 will work in v14. However:

• A small amount of Add-ons may not work, prompting Kodi to ask you to disable them. You can keep using them if you wish (by choosing not to disable them), but doing so is unsupported. See Category:All add-ons for a list (check the drop-down menus). Where there is a noticeable slowdown in Kodi add-ons are likely cause, backup your userdata and as a last resort delete the userdata Addons folder and the Addons15.db & Addons16.db in the userdata Database folder.
• Skins need to be updated for Helix - check your skin has been upgraded ready for Helix: Category:Skins (check the drop-down menus). If you have problems starting up Kodi after updating, you might need to move/delete your guisettings.xml file (see userdata for location) to reset your skin.
• Should your repo appear empty, or you are missing the new subtitles services, you may need to trigger a Force refresh on the Kodi add-on repository.
• The default username for remote smartphone apps is now kodi and might need to be changed in the settings of those remote apps. You can also change the username back to "xbmc" or use a custom username (and optionally, a password) in Service settings.

Where can I get more help?

The general and platform specific FAQs, the Kodi support forums: http://forum.kodi.tv, and/or the #kodi IRC chat channel on irc.freenode.org.