Understanding Your Options
Before diving in, it’s critical to understand the main approaches to achieving the Kodi 16 look in Kodi 17. The primary focus is on the “skin,” which is the visual interface that governs the layout, appearance, and navigation of Kodi. This is the component that will receive the most attention.
Essentially, the challenge is about adapting the presentation. The underlying software of Kodi 17 Krypton is considerably different than Kodi 16, incorporating a raft of new features and advancements. Therefore, a complete “downgrade” would be a complicated and potentially less functional approach. So, the goal here is to simulate the look of the older version by leveraging the skinning capabilities within Kodi 17.
You can accomplish this task in a few different ways. One approach is to find a skin that is designed to emulate the classic Kodi 16 interface. These skins are designed to mimic the appearance, layout, and functionality of the Kodi 16 default skin. The other method is to make modifications to the existing Estuary skin or adapt one of its alternatives. This latter method is a bit more advanced and requires a deeper understanding of skin customization.
Finding and Using Skins Designed to Mimic Kodi 16
The simplest and often the most effective way to recapture the familiar Kodi 16 style is to utilize skins designed to replicate it. These skins are available through Kodi’s official repository and sometimes through third-party sources. The official repository offers a vast and frequently updated selection of skins to choose from.
First, you’ll need to find the skin. You can accomplish this directly through the Kodi interface.
Accessing Kodi’s Appearance Settings
Open Kodi: Start Kodi on your device.
Navigate to Settings: From the Kodi home screen, locate the gear icon, often labeled as “Settings.” It is often located at the top left or bottom right of the screen, depending on your skin.
Access the Interface Section: Within Settings, you’ll find several options. Look for “Interface,” “Appearance,” or a similar term that governs visual settings. The label may vary slightly depending on your current skin, but the icon will usually depict the settings menu.
Choose Your Skin: Within the Interface section, you should see an option for “Skin”. Click on this to enter the skin selection menu.
Installing the New Skin
Access “Get More”: Within the skin section, you’ll usually see an option to “Get More,” “Get More Skins,” or a similar phrase. Click on this selection to browse the available skin choices from the Kodi repository.
Browse and Select: You can now browse the list of available skins. The specific layout may vary depending on the skin you are using, but a comprehensive selection should be available to you. Look for skins that mention “Confluence” (the original Kodi 16 default) or that explicitly state they resemble an older Kodi interface. Also search for any skins that specifically mention Kodi 16.
Installation: Once you’ve located your preferred skin, select it. This will open a skin information page. You should now see an option to “Install.” Choose this to begin the installation process. The Kodi interface will start downloading and installing the new skin.
Confirm Installation: Kodi will download and install the new skin. It will sometimes ask if you would like to keep the changes.
Activating the New Skin
Return to Skin Settings: After the installation is complete, Kodi might automatically prompt you to activate the new skin. However, if this doesn’t occur, return to the “Skin” section in your interface settings, described above.
Select the New Skin: In the skin selection menu, you should now see your newly installed skin listed. Select it.
Skin Activation: Kodi will then transition to the new skin. You’ll immediately notice the changes in the layout, colors, and overall look of your Kodi interface. The new skin is now activated.
Customizing the New Skin (Optional)
Once you’ve activated your new skin, you might have the option to customize it to further refine the experience.
Explore Skin Settings: Many skins offer a dedicated “Skin Settings” section, accessible either from the main settings menu or via a button within the skin itself.
Customize to Your Liking: Within the Skin Settings, you’ll usually find various customization options. You can adjust the colors, change the font sizes, and modify the layout. Experiment with different options to achieve the desired look and feel.
Manage Add-ons: Many skins provide access to add-on management, allowing you to install and organize your add-ons.
Troubleshooting
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here’s a look at potential troubleshooting steps if something goes wrong.
If Your New Skin Isn’t Working Correctly
Restart Kodi: The first thing you should try is restarting the Kodi application. This simple step often resolves minor issues.
Check for Skin Updates: Kodi skins are frequently updated. Go to the skin settings and see if there are any updates available. Installing the latest version can resolve compatibility problems or minor bugs.
Reinstall the Skin: If restarting and updating don’t work, try reinstalling the skin. Navigate back to the skin installation process and choose the option to “Install” the skin again. This refreshes the skin files and can often fix errors.
Problems with Add-ons
Compatibility Check: Some skins might not be fully compatible with every Kodi add-on. Check the add-on’s documentation or community forums for compatibility information with the chosen skin.
Alternative Skins: If a specific add-on doesn’t work well with your chosen skin, consider trying an alternative skin that might offer better compatibility.
If Kodi Crashes
Revert to the Default: If the skin change causes Kodi to crash repeatedly, it’s best to revert to the default Estuary skin. You can do this by accessing the “Skin” selection within the interface settings and choosing the default skin. This usually resolves stability issues.
Conclusion
Changing your Kodi skin is a fantastic way to personalize your experience and adapt the software to match your preferences. For those who desire a Kodi 16-like interface within Kodi 17 Krypton, adopting a skin designed to emulate the classic aesthetic is the most straightforward method. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effortlessly transform your Kodi interface and revitalize your viewing experience.
Remember that, while changing skins, there’s also the ability to customize. This is about creating a more comfortable and user-friendly environment that caters to your individual needs. You can truly transform your media center. By returning to a classic look and feel, you can recapture the simplicity and ease of navigation you enjoyed with Kodi 16. Take the time to explore the available options and find the perfect skin to meet your specific requirements.
You now know how to change Kodi 17 Krypton’s Estuary skin to Kodi 16’s interface!
