Kodi + Real-Debrid with Seren
Set up the classic open-source media center with Debrid streaming. Perfect for those who want full control and customization.
What is Kodi?
Kodi is a free, open-source media center that's been around since 2002 (originally as Xbox Media Center). It's highly customizable with skins, addons, and works on almost any platform.
Why choose Kodi?
- • Completely open-source and free
- • Highly customizable interface
- • Works on nearly any device
- • Large addon ecosystem
- • Manage local and streaming content
What you can do
- • Stream via Debrid services
- • Play local media files
- • Customize with skins/themes
- • Build the perfect interface
- • Install various addons
What you'll need
- ✓ Real-Debrid account — €3-16 depending on plan length
- ✓ Kodi 20.x or 21.x — Free, works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Fire TV
- ✓ 30-45 minutes — More involved than Stremio, but worth it for customization
- ✓ Basic tech skills — You'll be installing repositories and configuring settings
Step 1: Get Real-Debrid
1.1 Create an account
- 1. Go to real-debrid.com
- 2. Click "Sign Up" and create an account with your email
- 3. Verify your email address
1.2 Choose a plan
| Plan | Price | Per Month |
|---|---|---|
| 15 days | €3 | €6/mo |
| 30 days | €4 | €4/mo |
| 90 days | €9 | €3/mo |
| 180 days | €16 | €2.67/mo ✓ Best value |
Tip: Start with 30 days (€4) to test, then upgrade to 180 days for best value.
Step 2: Install Kodi
2.1 Download Kodi
Go to kodi.tv/download and choose your platform:
Version matters: This guide is for Kodi 20.x (Nexus) or 21.x (Omega). Check your version after installation in Settings → System Info.
2.2 Install and set up Kodi
- 1. Run the installer for your platform
- 2. Launch Kodi after installation
- 3. Complete the initial setup wizard (language, timezone, etc.)
2.3 Enable unknown sources
You need to allow Kodi to install third-party addons (like Seren):
- 1. Click the Settings icon (gear icon) at the top
- 2. Go to System → Add-ons
- 3. Toggle "Unknown sources" to ON
- 4. Click Yes on the warning
This is safe: You need this to install reputable addons like Seren. Just don't install random addons from untrusted sources.
Step 3: Add Seren repository
3.1 Add the repository source
- 1. From the Kodi home screen, click the Settings icon (gear)
- 2. Go to File Manager
- 3. Click Add source
- 4. Click <None>
- 5.
Type exactly:
https://nixgates.github.io/packages/ - 6. Click OK
- 7. In the "Enter a name" field, type: Seren Repo
- 8. Click OK
3.2 Install the repository
- 1. Return to the Kodi home screen
- 2. Go to Add-ons (on the left menu)
- 3. Click the open box icon at the top left
- 4. Select Install from zip file
- 5. Click Seren Repo
- 6. Select repository.nixgates-x.x.x.zip (latest version)
- 7. Wait for the "Add-on installed" notification (top right)
Step 4: Install Seren addon
4.1 Install Seren
- 1. Still in the Add-ons menu, click the open box icon again
- 2. Select Install from repository
- 3. Click Nixgates Repo
- 4. Go to Video add-ons
- 5. Select Seren
- 6. Click Install
- 7. Kodi will install Seren and all dependencies (this may take 1-2 minutes)
- 8. Wait for the "Seren installed" notification
4.2 First launch
- 1. Go back to the Kodi home screen
- 2. Navigate to Add-ons → Video add-ons
- 3. Click Seren
- 4. The first time you launch, Seren will initialize and show you the main menu
Step 5: Configure Real-Debrid
5.1 Access Seren settings
- 1. In Seren, navigate to the Tools menu (use the left sidebar)
- 2. Select Settings
- 3. Go to the Accounts tab
5.2 Authorize Real-Debrid
- 1. Under "Debrid Providers", click Real-Debrid
- 2. Select Authorize Real-Debrid
- 3. A code will appear on screen (e.g., ABC123)
- 4. On your phone or computer, go to real-debrid.com/device
- 5. Log in to your Real-Debrid account
- 6. Enter the code from Kodi and click Authorize
- 7. Return to Kodi — it should now show "Real-Debrid: Authorized"
Success! Seren can now access Real-Debrid cached torrents for instant streaming.
5.3 Configure providers (optional)
Seren uses provider packages to find torrent sources. The default package works well, but you can customize:
- 1. In Seren Settings, go to the Providers tab
- 2. The default package is usually fine for most users
- 3. If needed, you can install additional provider packages here
Tip: More providers = more sources, but also longer search times. Start with defaults.
Step 6: Start streaming
6.1 Find content
- 1.
From the Seren main menu, choose:
- • Movies → Browse, search, or trending
- • Shows → Browse, search, or trending
- 2. Use the Search option to find specific titles
- 3. Click on a title to see details
6.2 Play content
- 1. On a movie: Click Play
- 2. On a TV show: Select the episode, then click Play
- 3. Seren will search for sources (this takes 10-30 seconds)
- 4. Sources will be listed, with Real-Debrid cached sources prioritized
- 5. Seren auto-selects the best source and starts playing
You're streaming!
Seren prioritizes Real-Debrid cached sources, so you'll get instant, buffer-free playback. Enjoy the full power of Kodi with Debrid streaming!
Troubleshooting
"No sources found" error
- • Verify Real-Debrid is authorized in Seren settings
- • Check that your Real-Debrid subscription is active
- • Make sure you have provider packages installed (Settings → Providers)
- • Try searching for a popular movie to test
- • Check your internet connection
Seren not appearing in add-ons
- • Make sure "Unknown sources" is enabled in Kodi settings
- • Verify the repository URL was entered correctly
- • Check that the Nixgates repository installed successfully
- • Try restarting Kodi and reinstalling the repository
Buffering or slow playback
- • Seren prioritizes cached sources — they should stream instantly
- • Check your internet speed (4K needs 25+ Mbps)
- • In Seren settings, adjust quality preferences (720p vs 4K)
- • Real-Debrid servers may be under load — try again later
- • Adjust Kodi video cache settings (advanced users)
Real-Debrid authorization failing
- • Make sure you're entering the code at real-debrid.com/device
- • Check that you're logged into the correct Real-Debrid account
- • Try revoking authorization and re-authorizing
- • Codes expire after a few minutes — request a new one if needed
- • Check that your firewall isn't blocking Kodi
Seren searches are very slow
- • Too many provider packages can slow searches down
- • In Settings → Providers, reduce the number of active providers
- • Adjust scraper timeout settings (Settings → Scrapers)
- • Use Trakt lists for faster browsing (see Tips section)
Tips and customization
🎨 Customize the look
Kodi supports custom skins for a completely personalized interface.
Settings → Interface → Skin → Get more... → Try Arctic Zephyr, Aeon Nox, or Amber
📋 Connect Trakt
Track your watch history and sync across devices with Trakt integration.
Seren → Tools → Settings → Accounts → Authorize Trakt
⚡ Faster browsing
Create Trakt lists of your favorite content for instant access without searching.
Seren → My Lists → Trakt Lists (requires Trakt account)
🎯 Quality preferences
Set preferred quality to automatically select the best sources for your setup.
Seren → Tools → Settings → Scraping → Quality filters
📱 Remote control
Control Kodi from your phone with official remote apps.
Download Kore (Android) or Official Kodi Remote (iOS)
🔒 Privacy
Real-Debrid uses HTTPS — no VPN needed. Your ISP only sees encrypted traffic.
Same privacy benefits as any HTTPS website
Other Kodi + Debrid addons
While Seren is the most popular, these addons also work with Real-Debrid:
- • The Crew — All-in-one addon with movies, TV, sports, and more
- • Fen — Similar to Seren, lighter weight, different interface
- • Venom — Another popular alternative with Trakt integration
All require Real-Debrid authorization just like Seren. Setup process is similar.
What's next?
Want an even simpler setup? Try Stremio with Torrentio for streaming in just 15 minutes. Or explore Plex for a more organized library experience.