This guide relates to Kodi 18.9 and Kodi 17.6. I’ll show you how to check the logfile for both Kodi versions in this guide along with all of the popular Kodi supported devices. You’ll also get step-by-step instructions for installing the necessary Kodi addons.
You might be wondering why I need the Kodi log file. Kodi is a fantastic media player that is used by millions of people all over the world. However, it is not without flaws. You may occasionally run into errors that refuse to go away. You can then seek assistance from the official Kodi forums or a Kodi expert you know. The person who is troubleshooting your problem is likely to request the Kodi log file. On Kodi, you may have noticed the message “Check the log for more information” as well as errors. Because the log file contains information specific to the error, we can find more relevant and precise solutions.
You’ll learn how to check the log on Kodi in this guide. First, we’ll look at how to manually locate the Kodi log file in the device’s storage. Later on, I’ll show you two Kodi addons that allow you to access the Kodi log location directly from the Kodi app. Continue reading!
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How to Check Kodi Log Manually
You could also manually examine the Kodi log file. A simple text file serves as the log file. As a result, you can use any basic text editor/viewer, such as Notepad on Windows, to open it.
You’ll have to manually navigate to the log file’s location on the device’s storage. The path to the folder differs depending on the device.
The following is a list of Kodi log locations organized by device. If you can’t find the file, you can use the Kodi Logfile Uploader add-on to upload it.
On Windows, Check Kodi Log File
The steps below are for Windows users.
Users > username > AppData > Packages > XBMCFoundation.Kodi 4n2hpmxwrvr6p > LocalCache > Roaming > Kodi > Kodi.log > Windows Drive (usually C:) > Users > username > AppData > Packages > XBMCFoundation.Kodi 4n2hpmxwrvr6p > LocalCache > Roaming > Kodi > Kodi.log
On a Mac, Locate Kodi Log
If you’re using a MacBook, look for the Kodi log file in the following directory.
Library > Application Support > Kodi > Kodi.log Users > username > Library > Application Support > Kodi > Kodi.log
On Android, Find Kodi Log location
.org.xbmc.kodi > files >.kodi > temp > kodi.log Device Storage > Android > Data > org.xbmc.kodi > files >.kodi > temp > kodi.log
The “.kodi” folder is hidden on Android devices. To access the log file, you must first unhide it. Unhiding hidden folders and files is an option in all file manager apps’ settings. If you use ES File Explorer, for example, you can make hidden folders and files visible by selecting ‘Show hidden files’ from the Settings > Display Settings menu.
More information can be found in the log. Error in Kodi
On iOS, Check Kodi Log
private> var > mobile > Library > Kodi > Preferences > kodi.log
On Linux Kodi Log File
Linux users can check the log by going to the following URL:
.kodi > kodi.log > root folder
On a FireStick, how do you check the Kodi log
The Kodi log file is saved on the FireStick storage device, can be viewed with any file manager. To explore FireStick storage, I prefer ES File Explorer, which is one of the best FireStick apps.
ES File Explorer is a free program that allows you to browse your files. Select the search icon on the top right of the FireStick homes screen and type in ‘ES File Explorer’ (without the quotes). Select ES File Explorer from the search results and press the select button on your remote to launch it. To install this app, follow the on-screen instructions.
Once the app is installed, launch it from the ‘Your Apps & Games’ section. Go to the left-hand menu and select Settings.
Select ‘Display Settings’ from the drop-down menu.
Scroll down to ‘Show hidden files’ and check the box next to it to enable it.
Return to the home screen of ES File Explorer. On the left column, select the ‘Local’ option, expand it, and select the second ‘Home’ option (the one without the home icon next to it)
Open the Android folder now.
Go to data > org.xbmc.kodi > files > temp in Kodi. Here you will find the ‘kodi.log’ file.
So that’s how you can check the Kodi log on your FireStick or Fire TV. If you have a new Fire TV Stick and don’t have Kodi installed, use the resources link below.
View Kodi Log with The ‘Log Viewer For Kodi’ Addon
If you are unable to locate the log file on your device’s storage, you can always use the Kodi add-on ‘Log Viewer for Kodi.’ This add-on will allow you to view the logs directly from Kodi, eliminating the need to search for the folder.
The official Kodi Add-on repository contains Log Viewer for Kodi. I’ll demonstrate how to set up this add-on. The steps are as follows.
The first step is to go to the left sidebar and select the ‘Add-ons’ option. It can be found on the Kodi home screen.
#2. Now, on the top left, click the open box icon, which is also known as Package Installer.
#3. Select the ‘Install from repository’ option.
#4. Next, select Kodi Add-on Repository from the drop-down menu.
#5. Select ‘Program add-ons’ after scrolling down a little.
#6. Next, go all the way down to the ‘L’ section. There will be some scrolling involved. Add-on ‘Log Viewer for Kodi’ should be selected.
#7. To install Kodi Log Viewer, simply click the ‘Install’ button on the bottom left of the next screen.
#8. Wait for the add-on to complete its installation. It should take no more than 30 to 60 seconds to complete. A notification will appear once the installation is completed in the top right corner that says “Add-on installed.”
#9 Return to the Kodi home screen and select Add-ons > Program Add-ons. Among other program add-ons, you should now see the ‘Log Viewer for Kodi’ add-on. To use the add-on, simply click it.
#10. The Show Log, Show Old Log, and Settings options will now appear. In the ‘Show Log’ section, you can see the most recent logs. This is the section to open if you’ve encountered a Kodi error and want to get the most recent Kodi logs.
The older logs can be found in the ‘Show old Log’ section if you want to see them.
You can change some settings and customize the log display in the ‘Settings’ section. Setting will be discussed later. To begin, open ‘Show Log.’
#11. Here’s how your Kodi log will appear. I’m not sure why, but the logs are sorted by the date they were created. You’ll have to scroll all the way down to the bottom to find the most recent logs. However, you can change the order of the logs so that the most recent ones appear first.
#12. Relaunch Log Viewer for Kodi and select ‘Settings’ this time.
#13. This is what the Settings section looks like. To sort the logs from newer to older, enable the ‘Invert Log (most recent first)’ option. When this option is enabled, the ‘Number of lines to show’ option is also enabled. You can choose to see all of the lines or just the ones you want (20, 50 and 100 are the other options)
Enable ‘Show log when an error occurs’ if you want the Kodi log to appear automatically when an error occurs.
When you select ‘Use custom text box,’ the logs will be displayed in full-screen mode.
Enable Debug Logging To Get More Information on Error
If Kodi or an add-on is acting strangely and you need assistance, make sure you provide as much information as possible about the problem. This helps the Kodi Support Forum’s troubleshooters better understand the issue and provide more relevant solutions.
When debug logging is enabled, it adds more information to the Kodi logs about the error. This additional data could be crucial in resolving the problem. So, before you use the ‘Log Viewer for Kodi’ or any other add-on to generate the log file, make sure you enable debug logging.
Here’s how to go about it:
#1. Click the cog icon in the top left corner of the Kodi home screen to open the Settings menu.
#2. Select ‘System settings’ from the drop-down menu on Kodi 17.6 or simply ‘System’ on Kodi 18.
#3. On the left sidebar, select ‘Logging,’ and the related options will appear on the right. By moving the toggle to the right, you can enable debug logging, as shown in the image below. Additional log information will begin to appear on the top left of the Kodi window as soon as you do so.
You don’t need to be concerned about this information. However, it will add some extremely useful information to the Kodi log, which developers and experts at the Kodi Support Forum can use to resolve the issue. After enabling this option, all you have to do now is restart Kodi and try to reproduce the error. The log file will be updated with numerous new details.
I understand that having an additional overlay on top of every Kodi screen can be a pain. While watching a movie or other content, it may draw your attention away from the content. However, you do not have to leave the ‘Enable debug logging’ option on all of the time. You can turn it off again once you’ve regenerated the error and added more details to the log.
How to Upload The Kodi Error Log Directly to the Server with the Kodi LogFile Uploader
Log Viewer for Kodi is a plugin that allows you to view logs. That’s fantastic! What if you needed to send the logs to a support forum or an expert? Of course, one option is to find the log file on the device and upload it to the Kodi support forum. This appears to be a lengthy procedure, and many users are unable to locate the log folder. There is, thankfully, an easier way.
Using the ‘Kodi Logfile Uploader’ add-on, you can upload your logs directly to the server and share the URL with those who need to know. This add-on can also be found in the Kodi Add-on Repository.
I’ll demonstrate how to set up and use Kodi Logfile Uploader. Debug Logging has been disabled because it obscures the icons at the top and makes the images difficult to read. As a result, make sure Debug Logging is enabled before proceeding with the steps below.
#1. Return to the home screen and click the Open Package icon in the top left corner of Add-ons.
#2. On the next screen, select ‘Install from repository’ again, and then ‘Kodi Add-on Repository.’
#3. Go to Program Add-ons and select it.
#4. Go to the ‘K’ section and select the ‘Kodi Logfile Uploader’ add-on.
#5. On the next screen, click ‘Install’ (the button in the bottom right) and wait for the add-on to install, as usual. You’re ready to go when you see the Add-on installed notification in the top right corner of your screen.
#6. Return to the home screen and go to Add-ons > Program Add-ons, where the add-on icon should appear.
#7. Switch on the add-on. A prompt appears first, asking if you want to view or upload the logfile. To just look at the logfile, click ‘View.’ To upload it, click the ‘Upload’ button.
When you click upload, a new pop-up window with a URL will appear. You can view the logs by going to this URL. On the Kodi Support Forum, post this URL along with a description of the issue.
For the log file, there is a QR code, as you can see. Scanning the code with your phone will provide you with a link to download the file to your device.
A new URL with the updated logfile is generated every time you open this add-on.
#8. Here’s how the Kodi error log details will appear if you go to the URL:
How Check Kodi Error Log for More Information Conclusion
When you run into a Kodi error that you can’t solve, you can turn to the Kodi Support Forum or any other Kodi expert you know for assistance. It’s possible that you’ll be asked for the Kodi log file. This file contains all of the relevant details about the Kodi error and aids in the search for a more precise solution. Using the path I’ve provided, you can get to the kodi.log file. If you find that too time-consuming, you can install the Log Viewer for Kodi and Kodi Logfile Uploader add-ons instead.
Both of these add-ons are available in the Kodi Add-on Repository. The log file isn’t required every day. However, you must know what to do if you receive the error message “Check the log for more information.” That is the topic of this article. I hope you found it informative. If you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: KODI USERS
Everything you watch on Kodi or other streaming apps is visible to your ISP and the government. Streaming copyrighted content may result in legal action.
Kodi users are strongly recommended always to use a VPN when streaming content online, as this is a great way to protect themselves. In addition to providing buffer-free streaming, a good Kodi VPN conceals your identity, avoids government monitoring, unblocks geo-restricted content, and bypasses ISP throttling.
ExpressVPN is the fastest and secure VPN available. It’s simple to connect on any device, including the Amazon FireStick.
You receive three months free and a 49% discount on its annual plans, in addition to a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, you may always request a refund.
FireStickVpnKodi does not condone copyright infringement. Distinguishing between legitimate and illegal sources is not always straightforward; you can unintentionally stream content from an unauthorized source while using Kodi.
Before starting to stream on Kodi, perform the following steps to configure your VPN protection:
Step 1: Click here to subscribe to ExpressVPN.
Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the ExpressVPN app on your smartphone.
Step 3: To create a VPN connection, click the Power icon and click search.
Read: How to install and use a Kodi VPN
These are the steps you need to follow to set up a Kodi VPN on your Fire TV. You should follow Steps 1-3 above if you have other devices that can stream.
Step 1: Click here to subscribe to ExpressVPN.
Step 2: Navigate to the home screen of the Fire TV Stick. Click Find is followed by the option Search.
Enter Expressvpn in the search bar and click on it when it appears.
Click Download
Open the ExpressVPN app and log in with the email ID and password you created during the ExpressVPN subscription purchase process.
Legal Disclaimer: FireStickVPNKodi.com makes no representations or warranties about the legality or protection of any add-ons, software, or services listed on this web. We do not support, host, or connect to streams that are copyright-protected. We strongly oppose piracy and urge our readers to stop it at all costs. Any reference to free streaming on our web is solely for copyright-free material that is publicly accessible.
