The following step-by-step tutorial will show you How to Install LibreELEC on a Raspberry Pi.
In other words, this guide will show you how to install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi.
LibreELEC is a lightweight Linux distribution of Kodi which works great on mini-computers.
Their tagline is “Just enough OS for Kodi.”
This project is geared toward those who want a device that only runs Kodi.
Android applications or APKs will not work on this system.
If you prefer to stream content with an APK we suggest purchasing a streaming device such as the Amazon Firestick or Fire TV.
However, if you are looking for a simple way to access Kodi you can’t go wrong with a Raspberry Pi.
Hide Your Digital Fingerprint
This procedure will work on all models of the Raspberry Pi.
Kodi is one of the most popular streaming options available today with tons of addons and builds available to provide you with your favorite content such as Movies, TV Shows, and more.
Table of Contents
LibreELEC Supports these Raspberry Pi Models
- Raspberry Pi 0
- Raspberry Pi 1
- Raspberry Pi 2
- Raspberry Pi 3
- Raspberry Pi 3+
- Raspbery Pi 4
What You Will Need
I purchased the following Raspberry Pi 4 combo package from Amazon because it was easier than choosing each component separately.
The package didn’t include a remote control so I used the MX3 Pro Mini Keyboard Backlight Air Remote with Mouse.
This is an inexpensive remote and it works very well.
It includes a keyboard, volume buttons, and an air mouse.
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If you don’t want to purchase the combo package, here are the individual components that you will need for LibreELEC on Raspberry Pi project.
In this guide, we are using the Raspberry Pi 4.
I chose the 8GB Raspberry Pi model but 4GB is plenty of RAM memory to run Kodi on this device.
- Raspberry Pi 4
- Heatsink
- Raspberry Pi 4 Case
- Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable
- Micro SD Card
- Micro SD Card USB Adapter
- Power Adapter
- CPU Fan
- Wireless Remote Control
Below, you will find both a video tutorial and a screenshot guide on how to install Kodi on Raspberry Pi.
We suggest watching the video because it provides important details that are not found in the screenshot guide.
How to Install LibreELEC (Kodi) on Raspberry Pi
Video Tutorial
Links Mentioned in Video
How to Install IPVanish VPN on LibreELEC
Get Best IPVanish VPN Discount (Stream & Download Anonymously)
LibreELEC Addons compatible with 19 Matrix
Screenshot Guide
1. First, Insert micro-sd card into USB adapter.
2. Insert USB adapter into computer. In this example, I’m using a Windows 10 PC.
3. Open a browser and go to LibreELEC Website – https://libreelec.tv
4. Click Downloads tab at top and then download and install the LibreELEC USB-SD Creator.
5. Launch the app.
6. Choose the Raspberry Pi model that you are using in this project.
7. Click the Download button.
8. Save it somewhere on your computer. I’m saving it to my Downloads folder.
9. Wait for Download to complete. Then you will see a blue bar go across the screen.
10. Select your USB drive or Micro SD Card. Mine was already populated as it’s the only external storage attached to my computer.
11. Next, click the Write button. Your data will be wiped off this device! Click the Yes button on the confirmation window.
12. Wait for writing to finish.
13. Remove USB adapter from computer.
14. Remove Micro SD card from USB adapter.
15. Insert Micro SD card into Raspberry Pi.
16. Connect Raspberry Pi to television by way of HDMI cable and power it on.
17. Proceed through the wizard that appears on the screen upon first booting.
Congratulations! LibreELEC on Raspberry Pi is now running.
The video above will provide additional tips such as, how to update to the most recent release of LibreELEC.
What Next?
If you’re going to use the free 3rd party Kodi Addons or Builds with LibreELEC, then we suggest that you first configure IPVanish VPN to protect yourself.
IPVanish will provide you with an anonymous connection to the Internet so your streaming activity can’t be logged by your ISP, hackers, addon developers, and various watchdog groups.
How to Install VPN on LibreELEC
For more streaming options check out our popular resource guides below:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install LibreELEC on Raspberry Pi?
Yes. This guide provides both screenshot instructions and also a video guide that show how to install LibreELEC on a Raspberry Pi.
Can I Install Kodi on Raspberry Pi?
Yes. Installing LibreELEC will allow you to access Kodi on your Raspberry Pi device.
What is the Best Kodi Addon?
There are tons of quality Kodi addons available. We suggest our Kodi Addons guide listed above for the best working choices.
What Raspberry Pi should I install LibreELEC on?
In this guide we are using a Raspberry Pi 4 which is perfect for LibreELEC.
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