Kodi Data Relocation for Android 11 & Fire OS 8.1

Problem: Scoped Storage prevents adb / adblink from accessing /sdcard/Android/data/org.xbmc.kodi

Solution: Relocate Kodi's Data Folder

Kodi can be told to use a custom data location by creating a file called xbmc_env.properties on the root of your SD card.

Recommended Path:
/sdcard/kodi_data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi

How to Create the New Data Folder

  1. Connect your device to your computer using adblink.
  2. Use the Kodi Menu Function > Create kodi_data in adblink.
    This will automatically create the folder structure and the xbmc_env.properties file.

Rescuing Your Existing Kodi Data (Copy from Sandbox)

  1. Open Kodi on your device.
  2. Enable viewing of hidden files and folders (required to see the .kodi folder):
    • Go to Settings (gear icon).
    • Select Media.
    • Select General.
    • Enable the option Show hidden files and directories.
  3. Go to Settings (gear icon) > File manager.
  4. On the left or right side, select Add source.
  5. In the path field, click <none> and type exactly:
    special://home
    Give it a name like "kodihome" and click OK.
  6. Browse inside this new source - you will see folders like addons, userdata, etc.
  7. Open a second pane in Kodi's File Manager and navigate to:
    /sdcard/kodi_data/org.xbmc.kodi/files/.kodi
    (You may need to go through /storage/emulated/0/ or /sdcard/. The .kodi folder should now be visible.)
  8. Copy the important folders (especially userdata and addons) from special://home (kodihome source) into the new .kodi folder.
Permissions Note:
The MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission is required so Kodi can read the xbmc_env.properties file.
If Kodi doesn't ask for permission, manually grant it in:
Android Settings > Apps > Kodi > Permissions > All files access

After Copying

  • Restart Kodi.
  • Kodi should now use the new accessible location at /sdcard/kodi_data/.
  • You can now freely backup, restore, edit XML files, or clone your Kodi setup using adblink.
  • Once you're up and running, use Android Settings to delete Kodi's old data. This won't touch /sdcard/kodi_data/

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