Getting Ready: What You’ll Need
To successfully install Area 51 on Kodi Jarvis, you’ll need a few things. Firstly, ensure that you have Kodi Jarvis (version 16.1) installed on your preferred device. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, a macOS computer, an Android device, or another platform, the installation process is generally consistent. If you do not have Kodi 16.1 Jarvis installed, search online to download it. This is an older version, but the information below will still be applicable if you have a recent version.
Next, a stable internet connection is crucial. Without a working internet connection, Kodi and its add-ons will be useless.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a VPN is essential for a safe and enjoyable streaming experience. Consider a VPN provider such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark. Choosing a reputable VPN is an investment in your online privacy and security.
The Role of a VPN: Your Shield in the Digital World
We’ve already touched upon the significance of using a VPN, but let’s delve deeper into its benefits. Firstly, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it virtually impossible for anyone to intercept your data. This protects your personal information, including your browsing history, passwords, and other sensitive data, from hackers, surveillance, and other potential threats.
Secondly, a VPN masks your real IP address, which is the unique identifier assigned to your device when you connect to the internet. By hiding your IP address, a VPN makes it much harder for anyone to track your online activities or identify your location.
Thirdly, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions. Many streaming services and add-ons restrict content based on your location. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in a different country, effectively tricking the service into thinking you’re located elsewhere and allowing you to access the content you want.
Finally, some ISPs may throttle your internet speed, especially when they detect heavy streaming activity. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for your ISP to monitor your activity and potentially prevent throttling, thus ensuring smoother streaming.
Let’s begin the process of installing Area 51 on your Kodi Jarvis setup.
Making Kodi Ready: Enabling Unknown Sources
Before we can install add-ons from external sources, we need to adjust a Kodi setting. This setting, known as “Unknown sources”, allows Kodi to accept add-ons that are not from the official Kodi repository.
To enable this setting, begin by opening Kodi on your device. From the main menu, locate and select the “Settings” option, usually represented by a gear icon. This will open the settings menu. Inside the settings menu, you will find options like “System settings” or “System”. The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your Kodi skin. Select the option, and a new menu will appear.
Within the system settings menu, you should see an option that relates to add-ons. Select the “Add-ons” section.
Here, you should find a toggle or switch labeled “Unknown sources.” If the toggle is off, click or select it to turn it on. Kodi will then display a warning message. Read this warning carefully. It’s a reminder that installing add-ons from unknown sources can pose risks if the sources are malicious. Only proceed if you trust the sources you plan to use. After acknowledging the warning, your Kodi is now ready to accept add-ons from external sources.
Setting the Stage: Adding the Source
Now, let’s add the source where the Area 51 add-on will be found. You need to add a file source, which is essentially a link to a location where Kodi can find the repository.
Go back to the Kodi settings menu, as before. From the settings menu, find and select “File Manager.” The File Manager is the tool you’ll use to add new sources.
Inside File Manager, you should see a list of existing sources. You’ll need to add a new source. Select “Add source.” This will bring up a dialog box where you can enter the details of the new source.
Within the add source dialog box, you’ll see a field labeled “<None>.” Select this field. A keyboard will appear, and you’ll be prompted to enter the source URL.
Here’s where you’ll need to carefully enter the URL. A URL example is http://fusion.tvaddons.co. Be very careful when typing in the URL. A single typo can prevent the installation process. You can find an up-to-date and working URL by doing a quick search on Kodi forums or dedicated Kodi add-on websites. Please ensure the URL is safe and comes from a trusted source.
After entering the URL, select “OK.” Next, you’ll be prompted to name the source. This is just a name you’ll use to identify the source within Kodi. It doesn’t have any functional significance. Type in a name that you will remember, such as “Fusion”, and select “OK.”
That completes the process of adding the source.
Building the Foundation: Installing the Repository
The source is now set, but we still need to install the repository from that source.
Return to the main Kodi home screen. On the home screen, from the left-hand menu, select the “Add-ons” option. The add-ons section is where you will manage all your installed add-ons.
In the Add-ons section, you’ll find a package installer icon, which looks like an open box or a box. Select the package installer icon.
Here, you’ll see a list of options, including “Install from zip file.” Select this option.
You will be presented with a list of the sources that you added in the file manager. Select the source that you added in the previous step (e.g., “Fusion”).
Browse the contents of the source. This usually includes directories that contain various add-on components. You’ll need to locate the repository zip file. The exact name of the directory and zip file may vary. It might be labeled something like “kodi-repos” or similar. Inside the directory, you should see a zip file with a name like “repository.xbmc.org.zip.” The repository zip file contains the necessary files for the repository to install. Select the zip file to begin the installation process.
Kodi will then install the repository from the zip file. Keep an eye on the bottom right corner of the screen. You should see a notification that says “Add-on enabled” once the installation has completed successfully. This tells you that the repository is now installed.
Bringing it all Together: Installing Area 51 Add-on
With the repository installed, we can finally install the Area 51 add-on.
Go back to the Add-ons section. Within the Add-ons section, select “Install from repository.”
From the list of available repositories, choose the repository you just installed (e.g., “TVADDONS.co Add-on Repository”).
Navigate through the repository’s content until you find the “Video add-ons” category. Select “Video add-ons.”
You should be able to find Area 51. Select the add-on, and the add-on information screen will appear.
Click the “Install” button. Kodi will then install the Area 51 add-on. The installation process may take a few moments. Please be patient.
Once the installation is complete, you should see an “Add-on enabled” notification in the bottom right corner of the screen. This indicates that the Area 51 add-on has been successfully installed.
Using Your New Add-on: Exploring the Content
With the Area 51 add-on installed, you can now access its content. Go back to the Kodi home screen.
From the main menu, select “Videos.” Then, select “Add-ons.”
You’ll find the Area 51 add-on in the list of video add-ons. Select the add-on.
Now, you can browse the content available within the Area 51 add-on. The content typically includes movies, TV shows, live TV, and more.
Within the add-on, use the on-screen navigation controls to navigate through the various menus and content categories. Find something that piques your interest, select it, and start streaming.
Troubleshooting Common Issues: Fixing Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to address them.
Problems during repository installation can be caused by several things. If the repository won’t install, carefully double-check the URL you entered. A single typo can prevent the installation. Also, ensure you have a stable internet connection. If the URL is correct, and your internet is working, try restarting Kodi. Sometimes a simple restart can resolve installation issues. If the problem persists, you could consider deleting the source and adding it again from scratch.
If the add-on isn’t working correctly, such as content not loading or playing, the problem could be with your VPN. Make sure your VPN is active and connected before attempting to stream content. Also, add-ons receive periodic updates, so consider updating the add-on. You can also try clearing the add-on’s cache or reinstalling the add-on.
Error messages can be frustrating. General advice includes doing an online search using the exact wording of the error message. Kodi forums are a great resource.
Disclaimer and Important Legal Matters
This guide is provided for informational purposes only. The user is solely responsible for the legality of any content they stream through the Area 51 add-on or any other add-on. It is essential to respect copyright laws and only stream content that you are legally authorized to watch. The author of this article is not responsible for any illegal activities undertaken by its readers. The content streamed might contain copyrighted material, so always use a VPN.
Remember that Kodi and its add-ons are tools, and how you use them is your responsibility. Prioritize responsible and legal streaming practices at all times.
Wrapping Up: Enjoying Your Entertainment
You’ve now successfully installed the Area 51 add-on on your Kodi Jarvis setup. You’ve learned the importance of a VPN, enabling unknown sources, adding sources, installing repositories, and, finally, installing the add-on. Now you can explore the vast library of movies, TV shows, and other content offered by the Area 51 add-on.
Remember to respect copyright laws, use a VPN to protect your privacy, and enjoy the entertainment responsibly. Have fun watching!