This tutorial will guide you on how to resolve the Kodi Unable to connect Error in less than 1 minute.
If you’re a regular Kodi user, you’ve likely encountered this error message when trying to add a Kodi addon or Build.
This error pops up when trying to add a file source or Repository URL from outside the official Kodi repository, displaying the message:
Couldn’t retrieve directory information. This could be due to the network not being connected. Would you like to add it anyway?
Most Kodi users have faced this error before, and it can be quite frustrating. However, there is usually a simple fix that takes only a minute or less.
In the following guide, we outline 3 methods to fix the Kodi Unable to Connect error on various devices like Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV Boxes, PC, mobile phones/tablets, and more.
For this demonstration, we’re using an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, known for its popular Kodi sideloading capabilities often referred to as “jailbreaking“.
This troubleshooting method applies to any device with Kodi software installed and should be completed in a minute or less.
How to Fix Kodi Unable To Connect Error
1. Check Internet Connection
To begin resolving this issue, start by checking your device’s internet connection. Whether you’re using a Firestick, Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV Box, or PC, a stable internet connection is necessary for running the Kodi software.
As the error message suggests, “This could be due to the network not being connected”. Therefore, ensure that you have a functional internet connection.
Amazon Firestick users can verify their internet connection status in the Network Settings, as shown below.
If you’re confident about your stable connection, proceed to step 2, which is the likely solution for this error.
2. Check Your URL Information
Most of the time, the Kodi Unable to Connect Error occurs due to incorrectly inputting the host repository URL.
When encountering this error after inputting a source name, the following message appears:
This familiar screen can be frustrating, but the issue usually stems from an incorrectly entered URL.
If you encounter this message and click Yes, you can backtrack and correct any punctuation/grammar errors.
For example, let’s say I’m trying to install the popular Crew Kodi addon, but I incorrectly spelled the URL. The steps below will assist in rectifying this problem.
1. If you encountered the Unable to Connect error message and clicked Yes, simply right-click on the source and select Edit source.
2. Click on the incorrectly spelled URL (In this case, crew was mistyped with an extra w).
3. Review for any mistakes made during the entry. This includes spaces before and after the URL, incorrect punctuation, hyphens, backslashes, etc. Correct the URL to the accurate form and click OK.
4. Enter a name for the media source and click OK. The file should now install correctly.
After entering the correct repository URL, you will not see the Kodi unable to connect message. You can continue installing your addon or build as you normally would.
This is the most likely cause for this error message and is usually a simple fix that will only take a couple of seconds.
If you are certain that you input the repository URL properly without any misspellings, there are a couple of other things we can check by following the steps below.
3. Check URL is running properly
If you still receive the Kodi Unable to Connect Error after following the methods above, there is one more alternative.
As most Kodi users know, add-ons and repositories are in a constant state of change. Hence, it is difficult to know if the host URL is currently functioning.
If you know your connection is fine and the URL is typed correctly, it may be that the file you are trying to install is no longer working.
We can easily check to make sure it is available by typing in the exact URL into any browser.
Upon typing the URL into your browser, you will observe one of two messages.
1. If the URL is a working source, you will see an “Index of” message showing the repository zip file for the addon/build you are attempting to install.
2. However, if it is not currently working, you will likely encounter a 404 error or other error messages as displayed below.
When you see “This site can’t be reached” the Add-on or build you are trying to install is not available.
Try installing another add-on of your choice, or use the TROYPOINT Best Kodi Add-Ons Page with all top add-ons regularly updated. For Kodi builds, recommend the TROYPOINT Best Kodi Builds Page.
4. Connect to a Trusted VPN
If the options above don’t work to fix the Kodi Unable to Connect error, and you haven’t already, use a VPN for a reliable connection.
Sometimes, Internet Service Providers block access to Kodi addons/builds, which can be bypassed with a trusted VPN Provider.
Using a VPN has several benefits, such as removing blocks and geo-restrictions, ensuring online data security and anonymity. With our top-ranked Provider, enjoy the built-in CleanWeb feature that eliminates ads/malware for various apps, APKs, and more.
For more Kodi tutorial guides, explore the links below.
- How to Fix Kodi No Stream Available Error
- Update Kodi on Firestick/Android TV
- How to Delete Kodi Addons
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