If Kodi reports “failed to install a dependency,” identify the specific component that failed before retrying. The message alone does not establish whether the cause is version compatibility, an unavailable download or a problem with the package.
This guide does not endorse an unknown repository or provide substitute ZIP downloads. Use add-ons from sources you can identify and media services you are authorised to access.
Record the installation context
Note the Kodi version, operating system, add-on name and version, and the repository or source used. Capture the exact message. An add-on name without a version is often insufficient to compare your setup with the maintainer’s release information.
If you changed Kodi or the add-on recently, note the previous working combination. Do not infer compatibility simply because a package has a familiar filename.
Work through a focused checklist
- Check the source. Confirm you selected the intended repository rather than a mirror linked by an unrelated tutorial.
- Check documented compatibility. Compare the release requirements with your installed Kodi version and platform.
- Check general connectivity. Determine whether the device can reach other normal services. A working home Wi-Fi connection does not guarantee that a particular download host is reachable.
- Review the dependency information. Where Kodi displays it, note the component names associated with the add-on. Do not manually replace them with packages from random websites.
- Capture one failed attempt. Use a focused debug log to locate the failure sequence and the affected component.
The official add-on manager documentation covers repository installation, dependencies and update controls. It also warns that enabling unknown sources gives third-party add-ons access to personal data on the device.
Do not confuse a workaround with a repair
Repeatedly enabling new repositories can make the diagnosis less clear. A package that installs from a second source might be a different release, and a successful installation still does not prove that the add-on behaves safely or works correctly.
If the maintainer cannot supply a compatible release, choose a documented alternative rather than forcing an incompatible package. Our add-on selection guide offers a starting point for official repository options.
Validate and report the outcome
After a supported correction, confirm the add-on opens and performs the task you need. Record the installed version and the change that resolved the issue. Test a normal restart as well; a one-time successful notification is not the whole outcome.
If the error persists, send the maintainer the versions, exact message and a reviewed log. Remove passwords, account tokens and private media URLs before sharing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I clear everything or reset Kodi?
Not as a first step. Preserve a recoverable backup and identify the failing component before considering disruptive changes.
Does a VPN fix dependency errors?
A VPN is not a general compatibility fix. Diagnose the actual failed request or version requirement first.