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Stremio Setup Guide - Complete Tutorial & Documentation

Install & Remove Add-ons Safely

Installing and managing add-ons safely is crucial for a good Stremio experience. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for safe add-on management.

Understanding Add-on Installation

What Add-ons Do

Add-ons extend Stremio’s functionality by providing:

  • Catalogs: Content sources and libraries
  • Metadata: Posters, descriptions, ratings
  • Streaming: Direct playback sources
  • Subtitles: Caption and subtitle sources
  • Tools: Additional features and utilities

Add-ons are installed per account and sync across all your devices. Changes on one device appear on all devices.

Safety First

Before installing any add-on:

✅ Check:

  • Developer reputation
  • User reviews and ratings
  • Recent updates
  • Community discussions
  • Required permissions

❌ Avoid:

  • Add-ons with no reviews
  • Unknown developers
  • Add-ons requesting excessive permissions
  • Outdated add-ons (no recent updates)

Installing Add-ons from Official Catalog

Method 1: From Stremio Interface

Steps

  1. Open Add-ons Page

    • Click the puzzle piece icon in the top navigation
    • Or go to Settings → Add-ons

  2. Browse Available Add-ons

    • Scroll through the catalog
    • Use search to find specific add-ons
    • Check ratings and user counts

  3. Select Add-on

    • Click on the add-on you want to install
    • Review the description and features
    • Check the developer’s information

  4. Install

    • Click the “Install” button
    • Add-on will be added to your account
    • May require restart for full activation

  5. Verify Installation

    • Check “My Add-ons” section
    • Test the add-on with sample content
    • Ensure it works as expected

Method 2: Using Add-on URL

Steps

  1. Get Add-on URL

    • Find the add-on’s manifest URL
    • Usually ends with /manifest.json
    • From developer documentation or community

  2. Install via URL

    • In Stremio, go to Add-ons page
    • Click “Install Add-on” or “Add from URL”
    • Paste the manifest URL
    • Click Install

  3. Configure if Needed

    • Some add-ons require API keys
    • Follow setup instructions
    • Test functionality

Installing Community Add-ons

Finding Community Add-ons

Trusted Sources:

Installing from Community Sources

Steps

  1. Verify Source

    • Check if the source is reputable
    • Look for community verification
    • Read reviews and warnings

  2. Get Installation URL

    • Copy the manifest URL from the source
    • Ensure URL is HTTPS (secure)
    • Verify the domain is legitimate

  3. Install in Stremio

    • Go to Add-ons → Install Add-on
    • Paste the URL
    • Install and test

  4. Monitor Behavior

    • Watch for unusual activity
    • Check for ads or redirects
    • Report issues to community
Warning

Community add-ons carry more risk than official ones. Always verify the source and read community feedback before installing.

Configuring Add-ons After Installation

Basic Configuration

Steps

  1. Access Add-on Settings

    • Go to Settings → Add-ons
    • Find your installed add-on
    • Click “Configure” or “Settings”

  2. Set Preferences

    • Language preferences
    • Quality settings
    • Region settings
    • API keys (if required)

  3. Test Configuration

    • Search for content
    • Verify settings work
    • Adjust as needed

Advanced Configuration

Some add-ons require additional setup:

API Keys:

Server Setup:

  • Jackett: Requires local server
  • Prowlarr: Similar to Jackett
  • Custom add-ons: May need hosting

Safely Removing Add-ons

Standard Removal

Steps

  1. Open Add-ons Page

    • Go to Settings → Add-ons
    • Find “My Add-ons” section

  2. Select Add-on to Remove

    • Click on the add-on
    • Look for remove/uninstall option

  3. Confirm Removal

    • Click “Uninstall” or “Remove”
    • Confirm the action
    • Add-on will be removed from your account

  4. Clear Cache (Optional)

    • Settings → Advanced → Clear Cache
    • Helps remove any residual data

Bulk Removal

Steps

  1. Review All Add-ons

    • Go to Settings → Add-ons → My Add-ons
    • Check which ones you use

  2. Remove Unused Add-ons

    • Select each unused add-on
    • Click Remove
    • Confirm removal

  3. Organize Remaining

    • Keep only essential add-ons
    • Prioritize by usage frequency

Troubleshooting Installation Issues

Add-on Won’t Install

Solutions:

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify the URL is correct
  • Try restarting Stremio
  • Check if add-on is compatible with your platform
  • Contact developer for support

Add-on Not Working After Install

Solutions:

  • Restart Stremio completely
  • Check add-on configuration
  • Verify API keys are correct
  • Clear cache and try again
  • Check community forums for known issues

Add-on Shows Error

Solutions:

  • Check error message details
  • Verify add-on is still maintained
  • Try alternative add-ons
  • Report issue to developer
  • Check community support

Managing Add-on Permissions

Understanding Permissions

Add-ons may request access to:

  • Content Search: Find movies/TV shows
  • Metadata Access: Get posters and descriptions
  • Streaming Links: Provide playback sources
  • User Data: Account information (rare)

Safe Permission Practices

Steps

  1. Review Permissions

    • Read what access the add-on requests
    • Question why each permission is needed

  2. Grant Only Necessary

    • Only install if permissions make sense
    • Avoid add-ons requesting excessive access

  3. Monitor Usage

    • Watch for unexpected behavior
    • Check what data is accessed

  4. Revoke if Suspicious

    • Uninstall immediately if concerned
    • Report to community

Best Practices for Add-on Management

Regular Maintenance

Steps

  1. Weekly Review

    • Check for add-on updates
    • Remove unused add-ons
    • Verify all add-ons still work

  2. Monthly Cleanup

    • Uninstall add-ons you don’t use
    • Update all remaining add-ons
    • Clear cache if needed

  3. Security Check

    • Review permissions of all add-ons
    • Check for security warnings
    • Verify developer status

Performance Optimization

Steps

  1. Limit Add-on Count

    • Keep to 5-10 essential add-ons
    • Too many can slow down Stremio

  2. Prioritize Quality

    • Choose well-maintained add-ons
    • Prefer official or community-verified

  3. Regular Updates

    • Keep add-ons updated
    • Updates often include bug fixes and security improvements

Security Considerations

Safe Installation Checklist

Before installing any add-on:

☑️ Developer Check:

  • Is the developer known in the community?
  • Do they have active GitHub presence?
  • Are they responsive to issues?

☑️ Community Feedback:

  • What do users say on Reddit?
  • Any security warnings?
  • Recent reviews positive?

☑️ Technical Review:

  • Is the manifest URL HTTPS?
  • Does it request reasonable permissions?
  • Is it actively maintained?

☑️ Legal Check:

  • Does it comply with local laws?
  • Is the content source legitimate?

Red Flags to Avoid

🚩 Danger Signs:

  • Add-on promises “free premium content”
  • Requires payment or subscription
  • Asks for personal information
  • No source code or documentation
  • Developer has bad reputation
  • Excessive ads or pop-ups

Backup and Recovery

Backing Up Add-on List

Steps

  1. Document Your Setup

    • List all installed add-ons
    • Note configuration settings
    • Save API keys securely

  2. Export Settings

    • Some add-ons allow configuration export
    • Save important preferences

  3. Regular Backups

    • Keep your add-on list updated
    • Note working combinations

Restoring After Issues

Steps

  1. Start Fresh

    • Uninstall problematic add-ons
    • Clear cache completely

  2. Reinstall Selectively

    • Install add-ons one at a time
    • Test each before adding more

  3. Restore Configuration

    • Re-enter API keys
    • Restore saved settings

Sources: