Kodi 20.5 Release Date & What’s New

Kodi 20.5 is the fifth point release in the Nexus (version 20) series, and it was released on March 8, 2024. This update focuses on bug fixes, security patches, and stability improvements rather than introducing new features. If you are already running Kodi 20.x, you should update to 20.5 to get the latest fixes; if you are on an older version, this is a solid, mature release to upgrade to.

Background: The Nexus Series

Kodi 20, codenamed “Nexus,” was released in January 2023. It was a major version that introduced several significant changes, including:

Upgraded to Python 3.11 for add-ons (previously Python 3.8 in version 19).
Added support for AV1 hardware decoding on compatible devices.
Improved music library handling, including better tag parsing.
Introduced a new default skin (Estuary) refresh and various UI tweaks.
Enhanced game controller support and retroplayer improvements.

Point releases like 20.5 are part of the standard maintenance cycle. The Kodi team typically releases several point updates after a major version to address bugs discovered after the initial release.

What’s New in Kodi 20.5

Kodi 20.5 is primarily a bugfix release. The official changelog lists fixes across many areas, including:

Fixed a crash that could occur when playing certain MP4 files with embedded subtitles.
Resolved an issue where the music visualisation would sometimes fail to start.
Improved handling of HDR metadata on some Android devices.
Fixed a memory leak in the PVR (live TV) client.
Updated several add-on libraries that are bundled with the core.
Security fixes for various components, including the image decoder.

No new features were added in 20.5. The focus was entirely on stability and security. This is typical for point releases after a major version has matured.

How to Update to Kodi 20.5

Updating is straightforward, but the method depends on your device:

Windows/macOS: Download the installer from the official Kodi website (kodi.tv) and run it. It will overwrite your existing installation, keeping your settings and library.
Android: Update through the Google Play Store or Amazon App Store. If you sideloaded the APK, download the new APK from the official site and install it over the old one.
Linux: Use your package manager (e.g., sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade kodi on Debian/Ubuntu).
iOS/tvOS: Update through the App Store if you have the official version, or reinstall via a sideloading method if you use a third-party build.
LibreELEC/OSMC: These are Linux-based operating systems that run Kodi. They will receive the update through their own update mechanism (usually a prompt in the system settings).

Before updating, it’s always a good idea to back up your Kodi data (userdata folder). While updates rarely break anything, a backup gives you peace of mind. On Windows, the userdata folder is typically C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Roaming\Kodi. On Android, it’s Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi.

Common Problems and Fixes

Users upgrading to 20.5 have reported a few minor issues. Here are some common ones and how to resolve them:

Add-ons not working after update: Some third-party add-ons may not be compatible with Python 3.11 if they haven’t been updated. Check for add-on updates in the Kodi repository first. If an add-on is from a third-party repository, you may need to wait for that repo to update.
Subtitles not showing: If you had custom subtitle settings, they might be reset. Go to Settings > Player > Language and re-check your subtitle preferences.
Audio passthrough issues: On some devices, audio passthrough (e.g., DTS, Dolby Digital) may need to be re-enabled after the update. Check Settings > System > Audio > Audio passthrough.
Slow startup: If Kodi seems slower to start, it may be rebuilding its library or updating add-on databases. Give it a few minutes. If it persists, try clearing the cache in Settings > System > Storage.

If you encounter a bug that isn’t covered, the best place to report it is the official Kodi forum or GitHub issue tracker. Include your debug log (Settings > System > Logging > Enable debug logging) to help developers diagnose the problem.

Is Kodi 20.5 Safe and Legal?

Kodi itself is completely legal and safe. It is an open-source media player that is widely used. However, the legality of certain add-ons that stream copyrighted content without permission is questionable, and using them may violate copyright laws in your jurisdiction. Additionally, some third-party repositories may contain malicious code. To stay safe:

Only install add-ons from the official Kodi repository or well-known, trusted sources.
Be cautious about enabling “unknown sources” in Kodi settings. Only do it if you fully trust the source.
Keep your Kodi installation updated to receive security patches.

Kodi 20.5 includes security fixes, so updating is a good practice for your device’s safety.

Kodi 21 “Omega” and the Future

Kodi 21, codenamed “Omega,” was released in early 2024 (around April). It is the next major version and includes new features such as:

FFmpeg 6.0 upgrade, bringing better codec support.
Improved HDR10+ and Dolby Vision support.
New default skin (Estuary) refinements.
Better handling of 4K and HDR content.

While Kodi 21 is out, the 20.x series is still supported for a while. The Kodi team typically maintains the previous major version for several months after a new one is released. If you are comfortable with the stability of 20.5, you can stay on it. If you want the latest features, you can upgrade to 21. However, some add-ons may not yet be compatible with 21, so check compatibility before upgrading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kodi 20.5 the latest version?

No, Kodi 21 “Omega” is the latest major version as of mid-2024. Kodi 20.5 is the final point release of the Nexus series. If you want the newest features, you should upgrade to 21.

Will my add-ons work on Kodi 20.5?

Most add-ons that are compatible with Kodi 20 will work on 20.5. Since 20.5 is just a maintenance release, it doesn’t break add-on compatibility. However, add-ons that haven’t been updated for Python 3.11 may have issues.

How do I check which version of Kodi I have?

Go to Settings > System > System info. The version number is displayed under “Kodi Version.” It will say something like “20.5 Nexus.”

Can I downgrade from Kodi 21 to 20.5?

Yes, you can downgrade, but it’s not recommended. Your library database and settings may be upgraded by Kodi 21, and downgrading could cause issues. If you must downgrade, back up your userdata folder first, and be prepared to reset your settings.

Does Kodi 20.5 support 4K and HDR?

Yes, Kodi 20.5 supports 4K playback and HDR (HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision) on compatible hardware. The Nexus series improved HDR handling, and 20.5 includes additional fixes for HDR metadata issues on some devices.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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