Before changing Kodi, make a backup you can actually restore. A useful backup includes your configuration and library data—not just the application installer. Keep a dated copy outside the device you are about to modify, and verify it before relying on it.
This guide is for an existing home-media setup. It is based on documentation, not a device-specific restore test. Platform restrictions and menu labels can differ.
Choose what you need to preserve
A full configuration backup and a library export solve different problems. Kodi’s data folder contains the changes made after installation, including add-ons, settings and databases. A library export focuses on library information. Neither should be assumed to include your separately stored movie files.
The official Kodi backup guide explains this distinction and warns against transferring a full data-folder backup between operating systems or major Kodi versions. Check those limits before planning a migration.
A practical backup checklist
- Record the environment. Write down the device, operating system and exact Kodi version. Note any storage shares and add-ons needed for your setup.
- Locate the right data. Follow the official platform-specific data-folder instructions. Do not confuse the installer directory with the folder containing your personal setup.
- Close Kodi normally. Complete pending changes and exit before copying live configuration files. Avoid pulling the power while the application is working.
- Create a dated copy. Use a separate drive or storage location you control. Keep the previous known-good backup until the new one has been checked.
- Inspect the result. Confirm the destination is not empty, the expected folders are present and you can access it from another device if necessary.
Plan the restore before you need it
Write a short restore note beside the backup: source version, destination folder and any account or storage connections that require attention. Do not store passwords in a public note or shared screenshot.
If you have a spare, compatible setup, test a restore there first. Confirm that Kodi opens, a familiar library item appears and your own media plays. A successful file copy alone does not demonstrate a working restore.
On the original device, preserve the current configuration before replacing anything. If a restore produces new problems, stop and return to the saved starting point rather than repeatedly copying different versions over each other.
When a backup is not the right fix
One add-on error does not automatically justify replacing the whole setup. Start with our documented add-on selection guide. Readers considering a build should also review the source and compatibility precautions.
Frequently asked questions
Does backing up Kodi save my videos?
Not necessarily. Inventory your media storage separately. A configuration backup and a copy of your media collection are different things.
How often should I back up?
Use changes as the trigger: before a significant update or configuration change, and after confirming a stable setup. Choose a schedule you can maintain and verify.
Next step: record your current version and create one dated, checked backup before making further changes.