Kodi 22 Piers RC1: Install & Safe Rollback Guide

This guide walks you through installing the Kodi 22 “Piers” release candidate (RC1) on a test basis and, more importantly, how to return to your current stable release safely. You’ll learn the exact steps to back up your data, install the RC, and restore your stable setup if you decide the beta isn’t for you. Before you begin, make sure you have a backup of your current Kodi configuration—this is non-negotiable for a safe rollback.

What You’ll Need

A backup of your current Kodi data folder (see Step 1).
Access to the official Kodi download page or your platform’s package repository.
For Windows/macOS: a separate installation method (e.g., portable mode or a second user account) to avoid overwriting your stable version.
For Linux: a way to install the RC (e.g., a PPA or flatpak) that doesn’t conflict with your stable package.
For Android: the APK file for the RC and the APK for your stable version (or a way to reinstall from the Play Store).

Step-by-Step

Back up your Kodi data. The data folder contains your library, settings, add-ons, and watch history. On Windows, it’s %APPDATA%\Kodi; on macOS, ~/Library/Application Support/Kodi; on Linux, ~/.kodi. Copy this folder to a safe location (external drive or cloud). For Android, use a file manager to copy Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi (or use the built-in backup add-on).
Install the RC without overwriting your stable install (if possible). On Windows, download the RC installer and choose a custom installation path (e.g., C:\Kodi-RC) to run it in portable mode. On macOS, you can copy the app to a separate folder and use the --portable flag when launching. On Linux, if you use Flatpak, you can install the RC from the beta branch without touching your stable flatpak. On Android, you can install the RC APK alongside the stable version if you use a different package name (but official RC APKs usually overwrite the stable app; you’ll need to back up and reinstall later).
Install the RC. Download the RC1 build from the official Kodi website (or your platform’s beta channel). Run the installer and follow the prompts. If you’re not using portable mode, it will replace your stable version—this is why the backup is crucial.
Test the RC. Launch Kodi RC1. You’ll notice it may use your existing data folder (if not portable). This is fine for testing, but be aware that any changes you make (like adding a new add-on or altering settings) will affect your stable setup if you later revert. To keep things clean, consider using a separate data folder for the RC (e.g., by renaming your current folder and letting the RC create a fresh one).
Evaluate the RC. Check the features you care about: video playback, add-on compatibility, PVR, etc. Note any issues you encounter.
When you’re ready to roll back: Close Kodi completely. If you used a portable setup, simply delete the RC installation folder and any RC-specific data folder. If you installed over your stable version, you’ll need to reinstall your stable release from the official source (e.g., the stable installer from kodi.tv or your distro’s repository).
Restore your backup. After reinstalling the stable version, launch it once to create the default data folder, then close it. Replace the newly created data folder with your backup (copy the backup contents over). This restores your library, settings, and add-ons.
Verify. Start Kodi stable and confirm your library, add-ons, and settings are intact. If something is missing, double-check that you copied the backup correctly.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the backup. The most common error. Without a backup, rolling back means losing your library and settings.
Overwriting your stable install without a portable setup. If you install the RC over your stable version, you can’t just “uninstall” to get back; you must reinstall the stable version.
Forgetting to close Kodi before restoring. If Kodi is running, it may overwrite your restored data on exit.
Using the same data folder for both versions. This can cause database version conflicts. Always use separate data folders for testing.
Not checking add-on compatibility. Some add-ons may not work with RC1; if you rely on them, the RC might not be worth testing.

Tips

Use portable mode whenever possible. It’s the cleanest way to test without risking your stable setup.
Keep your backup until you’re 100% sure you’re staying on the RC. Don’t delete it immediately.
Test the RC on a spare device if you have one. That way, your main device is never at risk.
Write down your current Kodi version number. You’ll need it to download the correct stable installer later.
If you use a MySQL library, back up the database separately. The data folder backup may not include database server data.

Troubleshooting

Kodi RC won’t start. Check that you have the latest graphics drivers. If it crashes on launch, try deleting the guisettings.xml file from the data folder (this resets GUI settings but may fix startup issues).

Add-ons are missing after rollback. You likely restored the backup incorrectly. Ensure you copied the entire .kodi folder, not just subfolders. Also, some add-ons may have been updated during RC testing; your backup should contain the versions you had before.

Library is empty after restore. The library database is inside the data folder. If you restored correctly, it should be there. If not, you may have backed up before the library was fully populated. Restore from an earlier backup if you have one.

Can’t find the stable installer. Visit the official Kodi downloads page and select your platform. For older versions, check the “Archive” section.

RC1 overwrote my stable install and I didn’t back up. Unfortunately, you can’t recover your previous settings. You’ll need to reinstall stable and reconfigure from scratch. This is why backup is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I run Kodi 22 RC1 and the stable version side by side?
A: Yes, on Windows and macOS using portable mode. On Linux, you can use a separate flatpak or AppImage. On Android, you’d need a modified APK with a different package name, which isn’t officially provided.

Q: Will my add-ons work with RC1?
A: Most add-ons should work, but some may not be compatible with the new version’s API changes. Check the add-on’s forum or repository for updates.

Q: How do I know if RC1 is stable enough for daily use?
A: RC (release candidate) means the developers believe it’s feature-complete and stable, but there may still be bugs. Test it thoroughly before relying on it.

Q: What if I want to go back to a previous RC or beta?
A: The same rollback process applies: back up, install the desired version, restore your backup. Just ensure the data folder is compatible (older versions may not read newer database formats).

Q: Do I need to uninstall the RC before installing stable?
A: It’s recommended to uninstall the RC to avoid file conflicts, but if you used portable mode, you can simply delete the RC folder.

Q: Can I keep my Kodi 21 stable and just try RC1 without any risk?
A: Yes, if you use portable mode or a separate device. If you install over your stable version, you risk losing your setup if you don’t back up.

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