This handy guide will walk you through resolving the Failed to Install a Dependency error in Kodi. If you’ve been a Kodi user for a while, chances are you’ve bumped into this frustrating issue.
You might see this dependency error pop up when trying to install a Kodi add-on or build. Essentially, it means the add-on or build needs certain supporting files to function correctly. It’s letting you know these files are missing.
Typically, when you install stuff in Kodi, the app automatically grabs and installs those dependent files in the background.
But, if it doesn’t, there’s probably a glitch in your Kodi installation. Don’t worry though.
We’ve compiled several troubleshooting steps below. These might just help you banish this annoying error for good.
Want to bypass the hassle and get things working quickly? Method #4 is probably your best bet.
How To Fix Failed to Install a Dependency In Kodi
Method #1 – Clear Kodi Cache
Believe it or not, clearing Kodi’s cache can often resolve many dependency errors. Thankfully, this is a breeze on most streaming devices. Here’s how:
Amazon Fire TV/Fire TV Stick
Head to Fire TV Settings, then Applications. Go to Manage Installed Applications, select Kodi, and finally click Clear Cache.
Android Box
Navigate to your Android Box Settings, then Apps. Find Kodi in the list and click Clear Cache.
NVidia Shield
In your NVidia Shield Settings, go to Apps, select Kodi, and hit Clear Cache.
Windows/Mac/Linux
If you’re using Kodi on your computer, TROYPOINT recommends installing a Kodi Wizard to simplify clearing the cache. Most Wizards offer a maintenance section that makes deleting Kodi’s cache easy. Check out the link below for a popular Kodi Wizard with excellent maintenance tools.
How To Install Fire TV Guru Wizard
Once you’ve cleared the Kodi cache, give it another shot and try reinstalling the add-on or build that was throwing the dependency error.
Method #2 – Install TVAddons Repository
The TVAddons Repository might just have the missing dependent files your Kodi setup needs. Try these instructions to install the repo, then see if the troublesome add-on or build installs successfully this time.
- Launch Kodi
- Click the settings icon
- Click System
- Hover over the Add-ons menu item. If it’s not already on, turn on Unknown sources.
- Click Yes
- Click back on your remote to return to the System page
- Select File Manager
- To begin, click on the “Add source” button.
- Next, proceed by clicking on the “<None>” option.
- Carefully type in the following URL: http://fusion.tvaddons.co . Ensure it’s entered exactly as shown, then click “OK.”
- Highlight the box located below the source you just entered. Enter a name for this media source—for instance, you could use “fusion” or any other name that helps you easily identify it. Once you’ve entered a name, click “OK” again.
- Now, use the back button on your remote or keyboard to navigate back to the System Page.
- From the System Page, locate and click on the “Add-ons” menu item.
- On the Add-ons page, look for a small “open box” icon. It’s situated at the top left, just beneath the “Add-ons heading”. Go ahead and select that icon.
- From the options that appear, click on “Install from zip file.”
- Now, select either “fusion” or the name you chose. This should match the name you assigned to the media source in the earlier steps.
- Start by selecting kodi-repos.
- From the list, proceed by clicking on English.
- Locate and click on repository.xbmchub.zip.
- Patiently wait for the “TVADDONS.CO Add-on Repo installed” message to pop up. This confirms the successful installation.
Method #3 – Restore Addons27.db File
Sometimes, a Kodi dependency error can occur if your Addons27.db file gets corrupted. To fix this, you can simply restore the file.
It’s important to remember that after restoring the file, you’ll need to re-enable any previously installed add-ons. You can do this by navigating to Add-ons, then My add-ons.
- Begin by clicking the settings icon in Kodi
- From there, click on File manager.
- Next, click on Profile directory.
- Then click on Database.
- Find the Addons27.db file. Highlight it and delete it. If you’re using a remote, you can access options by long-pressing the OK button while the file is highlighted. Alternatively, you can use the options button if your remote has one.
- Return to the Kodi home screen. Then exit the Kodi application completely.
- Finally, relaunch Kodi and try installing the add-on or build that was causing the dependency error again.
Method #4 – Clear Kodi Data or Uninstall/Reinstall Application
For a lot of folks, this method is the fastest and simplest way to resolve the error. In fact, a fresh installation often solves the majority of Kodi problems. It can also save you considerable time and frustration in the process.
It’s worth noting that after performing this action, you’ll have to reinstall your preferred add-ons and settings. But don’t worry, we can guide you through this process quickly using the TROYPOINT Kodi Supercharge Guide mentioned later.
Clearing Kodi’s data or uninstalling and reinstalling the application is generally straightforward on most devices. We’ve included a few helpful tips below specifically for some of the best Kodi boxes.
Amazon Fire TV/Fire TV Stick
To clear Kodi data on your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick, navigate to Fire TV Settings. Then go to Applications and choose Manage Installed Applications. Select Kodi and click Clear Data. It might take a moment, but you’ll see the application size decrease significantly, indicating that the data has been cleared.
Android Box
On your Android Box, go to Settings, then Apps, and select Kodi. Click on Clear Data and allow some time for everything to be deleted before you attempt to launch the application again.
NVidia Shield
For NVidia Shield users, head to Settings, then Apps, and choose Kodi. Click Clear Data and be sure to give the system adequate time to delete the data before relaunching the application.
Windows/Mac/Linux
These operating systems all come with a user-friendly tool for uninstalling programs. You can usually find it in the utility section of your OS. Or, a quick search for “uninstalling applications” should lead you to the right place.