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Learning how to remove add ons can improve streaming performance, free storage, and eliminate unwanted menus or notifications. In Kodi, an add-on may be a video service, music tool, subtitle provider, program utility, or repository. The removal process is usually simple, but the correct method depends on whether you want to uninstall one add-on, remove its repository, or completely reset the app.
This guide explains how to remove Kodi add-ons safely, clear leftover data, and avoid common problems on devices such as Fire TV, Android TV, Google TV, Windows, and other streaming platforms.
Why Remove Unused Kodi Add-Ons?
Unused add-ons can create several problems over time. They may take up storage, slow down Kodi’s menus, generate failed-update messages, or contribute to crashes. Some add-ons also depend on repositories that are no longer maintained, which can result in broken links or security concerns.
Removing an add-on is useful when:
- You no longer use the service or feature.
- The add-on repeatedly crashes or displays errors.
- Kodi is running slowly.
- You want to simplify the home screen.
- A repository has been abandoned.
- You are troubleshooting playback or login problems.
Before removing anything, identify the add-on you want to delete. Kodi separates add-ons into categories, including video add-ons, music add-ons, program add-ons, subtitle tools, and services. Removing the wrong component can affect another add-on that depends on it.
How to Remove Add Ons From Kodi
The standard Kodi uninstall process is similar on most platforms, including Fire TV, Android TV, Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Open Kodi.
- Select Add-ons from the main menu.
- Choose My add-ons.
- Select the relevant category, such as Video add-ons or Program add-ons.
- Highlight the add-on you want to remove.
- Press the menu button on your remote, or right-click using a mouse.
- Choose Information.
- Select Uninstall.
- Confirm the removal when Kodi asks.
On some Kodi versions, you can open the add-on’s information screen by selecting it once and then choosing Uninstall from the available options.
If the Uninstall button is unavailable, the item may be a built-in Kodi component or a dependency required by another add-on. Do not delete system components unless you understand what they do. Instead, check whether another installed add-on relies on it.
After uninstalling, restart Kodi. This refreshes the interface and helps remove the add-on from menus, recently used lists, and background services.
How to Remove Add Ons and Repositories
A Kodi repository is a source that provides add-ons and updates. Removing an add-on does not automatically remove the repository that supplied it. If you no longer need that source, you can uninstall it separately.
To remove a repository:
- Open Kodi and go to Add-ons.
- Select My add-ons.
- Choose Add-on repository.
- Highlight the repository you want to remove.
- Open its Information page.
- Select Uninstall, then confirm.
You can also remove a repository from Settings > File manager if you previously added its source address. Highlight the relevant source, open the context menu, and choose Remove source.
Removing a repository does not remove every add-on installed from it. Uninstall those add-ons individually first. Also, avoid repositories connected with pirated streams, suspicious downloads, or aggressive advertising. Kodi itself is legal, but the safety and legality of third-party content sources can vary.
How to Remove Add-On Data and Leftover Files
Uninstalling an add-on usually removes its main files, but settings, cache folders, log entries, and downloaded artwork may remain. Kodi does not provide a universal “remove all data” button for every add-on, so cleanup depends on the device and add-on.
Start by checking the add-on’s own settings. Look for options such as Clear cache, Clear data, Reset settings, or Delete downloads. Use these before uninstalling if the add-on is still accessible.
On Android TV, Google TV, and Fire TV, you can clear Kodi’s entire app data through the device settings:
- Open Settings.
- Select Applications or Apps.
- Choose Manage installed applications.
- Select Kodi.
- Choose Clear cache or Clear data.
Clearing the cache is relatively low risk and may remove temporary files. Clearing app data is much more extensive: it removes Kodi’s settings, installed add-ons, sources, profiles, and library configuration. Back up Kodi first if you want to preserve your setup.
On Windows, advanced users can inspect Kodi’s userdata folder, but manually deleting files can damage the installation. If you are unsure, use Kodi’s normal uninstall tools or reinstall Kodi rather than deleting random folders.
Troubleshooting Problems After Uninstalling
If an add-on still appears after removal, restart Kodi and check My add-ons again. The item may be a shortcut, favorite, widget, or home-screen entry rather than the original add-on.
For persistent errors, try these steps:
- Restart Kodi and the streaming device.
- Clear Kodi’s cache.
- Remove the related repository.
- Check for disabled dependencies.
- Update Kodi from its official source.
- Reinstall only the add-ons you actually use.
- Reset Kodi data as a last resort.
If Kodi crashes immediately after startup, clearing the app cache may help. If that fails, back up your library if possible and clear Kodi’s app data. On a computer, reinstalling Kodi can also fix damaged files, but this may remove your current configuration.
Avoid “maintenance” tools that promise to remove every junk file automatically. Some are outdated, overly aggressive, or distributed through untrusted sources. Manual removal and official device settings are generally safer.
FAQ: Removing Kodi Add-Ons
Can I remove a Kodi add-on without removing Kodi?
Yes. Kodi lets you uninstall individual add-ons through Add-ons > My add-ons. This preserves your Kodi installation, library, profiles, and other add-ons.
Does removing a repository remove its add-ons?
No. A repository is only a source for installing and updating add-ons. You must uninstall the add-ons separately, then remove the repository if you no longer want it.
What should I do if an add-on will not uninstall?
Restart Kodi and try again from the add-on’s Information page. If it is a required dependency, another add-on may need it. You can also remove the parent add-on first or clear Kodi data as a final troubleshooting step. Back up important settings before clearing data.
Removing unused software keeps Kodi easier to manage and may improve reliability. Once you know how to remove add ons, uninstall them individually, remove obsolete repositories, and clear leftover data carefully. Always back up your setup before using a full reset, and install add-ons only from sources you trust.
