Kodi is a remarkably versatile open-source media center, beloved by tech enthusiasts for its flexibility and the sheer breadth of customization offered through add-ons. If you’re a Jio subscriber in India, you already have complimentary access to JioTV, a service boasting an extensive library of live television channels.
But what if you want to enjoy these JioTV channels not just on your mobile, but on your larger laptop screen, or even your TV connected to a Kodi-powered media player? The good news is, you can integrate JioTV directly into your Kodi setup. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step, to unlock a seamless live TV experience.
What You’ll Need:
- An Active Jio SIM & Account: You’ll need your Jio mobile number for OTP (One-Time Password) authentication within the add-on.
- Kodi Installed: Ensure Kodi is installed on your device (Windows PC, Mac, Linux, Android TV box, Raspberry Pi, etc.).
- Widevine DRM Support: The device running Kodi must support Widevine DRM, which is crucial for playing protected streaming content. Most modern computers and Android devices have this built-in.
- A Stable Internet Connection.
Installation Guide: JioTV on Kodi
We’ll break this down into two main parts: adding the necessary repository and then installing the JioTV add-on itself.
Part 1: Adding the BotAllen Repository to Kodi
The JioTV add-on for Kodi is typically hosted in the BotAllen repository. Here’s how to add it:
- Launch Kodi: Open the Kodi application on your device.
- Access System Settings: Navigate to the Settings menu (often represented by a gear icon ⚙️ on the main screen).
- Open File Manager: Select File manager from the System menu.
- Add a New Source: Click on Add source. This will open a dialog box.
- Enter Repository Path: Select <None> to bring up the on-screen keyboard. Carefully type the following URL for the source path:
https://kodi.botallen.com
Click OK. - Name the Source: In the box below “Enter a name for this media source,” type a recognizable name, for instance, BotAllen.
Click OK to save the source.
Part 2: Installing the Repository from the ZIP file
Now that Kodi knows where to find the repository, let’s install it:
- Return to Settings: Go back to the Kodi Settings menu (gear icon ⚙️).
- Navigate to Add-ons: Select Add-ons.
- Install from Zip File: Choose Install from zip file.
- Note: If this is your first time installing an add-on from a zip file, Kodi might display a security warning about “Unknown Sources.” You’ll need to enable it. Click Settings on the warning, toggle on Unknown sources, and accept the warning. Then go back and select “Install from zip file” again.
- Select the Source: A dialog will appear listing your added sources. Select the name you gave earlier (e.g., BotAllen).
- Choose the Repository Zip: You should see a file like repository.botallen-x.x.x.zip (the version numbers x.x.x may vary). Select the latest version available.
- Wait for Confirmation: Kodi will install the repository. You’ll see a notification in the top-right corner once “BotAllen Repository Add-on installed” (or similar) appears.
Part 3: Installing the JioTV Add-on
With the repository installed, you can now install the JioTV add-on:
- From the Add-ons Menu: While still in the Add-ons section (Settings > Add-ons), now select Install from repository.
- Select BotAllen Repository: From the list of available repositories, choose BotAllen Repository.
- Choose Video Add-ons: Navigate to Video add-ons.
- Find and Install JioTV: Scroll through the list to find JioTV. Select it, and then click the Install button.
- Confirm Dependencies: Kodi might ask to install additional dependency add-ons required by JioTV. Click OK to proceed.
- Wait for Installation: You’ll see a notification once the “JioTV Add-on installed” successfully.
Part 4: Logging into JioTV
- Access JioTV Add-on: Go back to the Kodi main screen. Navigate to Add-ons and then select JioTV (it should now appear under Video add-ons).
- Login Prompt: The first time you open JioTV, or when you select a channel, it will prompt you to log in.
- Choose Login Method: You’ll typically have options like “OTP Login” or “Password Login.” The OTP method is generally recommended.
- OTP Login: Select this, enter your 10-digit Jio mobile number. You’ll receive an OTP on your Jio mobile. Enter this OTP into Kodi.
- Start Watching: Once successfully logged in, you can browse the extensive list of channels (often categorized by language or genre) and start streaming live TV directly within Kodi.
Why Use JioTV on Kodi?
- Big Screen Experience: Enjoy live TV on your computer monitor or TV screen, rather than just your mobile.
- Unified Media Center: Keep all your entertainment – movies, music, and now live TV – within the Kodi interface.
- Rich Feature Set: The JioTV add-on often brings features like access to over 600+ live channels, support for multiple Indian languages, and even a 7-day catch-up TV service for many channels.
- Cross-Platform: Kodi runs on a wide array of devices, giving you flexibility.
Important Considerations:
- Geo-Restrictions: JioTV content is officially intended for viewing within India. Accessing it from outside India may not work or could violate Jio’s terms of service.
- Add-on Updates: Developers periodically update add-ons for bug fixes, new features, or compatibility. Ensure your Kodi is set to auto-update add-ons, or check manually via the BotAllen repository.
- Legality: Always ensure you are using Kodi add-ons to access content you are legally entitled to view. This guide facilitates access to a service you are already subscribed to (JioTV via your Jio SIM).
By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate JioTV’s vast library of live channels into your Kodi media center, enhancing your home entertainment setup. If you encounter any issues or have tips to share, feel free to drop a comment below. Happy streaming!
