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Stremio Setup Guide - Complete Tutorial & Documentation

What to Do Next

5 min readPlanning

You’ve Completed the Basics!

Congratulations! If you’ve read the “Start Here” section, you now:

✅ Understand what Stremio is and how it works
✅ Know the legal and safety landscape
✅ Have a working Stremio setup with safe defaults
✅ Can navigate the interface and understand key terms

Now it’s time to decide where to go next.

This page will help you choose your path based on:

  • What you want to accomplish
  • How much time you have
  • Your comfort level with technology

Choose Your Path

Path 1: I Just Want to Watch Something (30 minutes)

For: Impatient users who want results fast.

Follow this sequence:

  1. Install Stremio (if you haven’t already)—5 min
  2. Navigation Basics—10 min
  3. Search & Discover—10 min
  4. Install a safe add-on (YouTube, podcasts, etc.)—5 min
  5. Start watching!

After you’re comfortable, circle back to:

Warning

Don’t skip safety: Even if you’re in a hurry, read Safety & Legality before installing any add-ons. 10 minutes now can save you legal trouble later.

Path 2: I Want to Set Everything Up Properly (2-3 hours)

For: Methodical users who want a solid foundation.

Follow this sequence:

After this, you’ll be a confident Stremio user.

Path 3: I Want to Master Metadata and Organization (1-2 hours)

For: Users who care about aesthetics and want a perfectly organized library.

Follow this sequence:

  1. Complete Path 2 first (or at least the “Using Stremio” section)
  2. Read the entire Metadata Management section:
  3. Customize your library to your preferences
  4. Optionally read: Catalogs & Metadata Add-ons

You’ll end up with a beautifully organized, visually polished library.

Path 4: I’m Having Problems (Start Here)

For: Users who installed Stremio but something isn’t working.

Jump straight to Troubleshooting:

  1. Troubleshooting Overview—Start here to diagnose your issue
  2. Troubleshooting Decision Tree—Follow the guided flow
  3. Pick the specific guide that matches your problem:

If you can’t find your issue:

Path 5: I Want to Know Everything (4-6 hours)

For: Completionists and power users.

Read the entire documentation site in this order:

  1. Start Here (if you haven’t already)
  2. Installation (all device guides)
  3. Using Stremio (all 6 guides)
  4. Add-ons (all 6 guides)
  5. Metadata Management (all 5 guides)
  6. Troubleshooting (all 9 guides)
  7. Privacy & Security (all 5 guides)
  8. FAQ
  9. Glossary

By the end, you’ll be an expert.

Special Scenarios

I’m Setting Up Stremio for Someone Else

If you’re helping a parent, grandparent, or non-technical friend:

  1. Read Safety & Legality yourself first
  2. Install Stremio and configure it for them following First 10 Minutes Setup
  3. Only install safe, legal add-ons (YouTube, podcasts, etc.)
  4. Show them Navigation Basics in person
  5. Write down or bookmark these pages for them:
  6. Periodically check in and audit their installed add-ons

For kids: Also read Accessibility Settings for parental controls and content filtering ideas.

I’m Migrating from Another App (Kodi, Plex, etc.)

If you’re coming from a different media center:

  1. Read What is Stremio?—understand the differences
  2. Install Stremio: Installation Overview
  3. Understand add-ons: Add-ons Explained
  4. If you care about organization: Metadata Explained
  5. If you have sync/multi-device needs: Sync & Multiple Devices

Key differences to know:

  • Stremio focuses on streaming, not local media libraries
  • Add-ons are simpler to install than Kodi add-ons (but similar concept)
  • Syncing is built-in and free (unlike Plex’s free tier limitations)
  • Customization is more limited than Kodi but easier to use

If you’re committed to using Stremio 100% legally:

  1. Read Safety & Legality
  2. Install only these types of add-ons:
  3. Use Stremio as a catalog and tracking tool for content you watch on other platforms
  4. Regularly audit your add-ons: Avoiding Suspicious Add-ons

This is a valid use case! Stremio’s interface and syncing are valuable even if you’re not streaming pirated content.

Quick Reference: All Major Sections

Use this to jump directly to what you need:

SectionWhat’s InsideTime to Read All
InstallationDevice-specific install guides30 min
Using StremioInterface, features, settings60 min
Add-onsUnderstanding and managing add-ons60 min
MetadataOrganizing and fixing your library60 min
TroubleshootingSolving common problems90 min
Privacy & SecurityStaying safe and legal60 min
FAQQuick answers to 40+ questions20 min
Glossary80+ terms explainedReference

Tips for Learning

Don’t Rush

Stremio has a lot of features. It’s okay to:

  • Take breaks
  • Read one section at a time
  • Revisit pages as you need them

Bookmark What You Need

Use your browser’s bookmarks to save:

  • Pages you refer to often (like Troubleshooting)
  • Your specific device’s install guide
  • The FAQ and Glossary

Try Things Out

Reading alone won’t make you proficient. As you read:

  • Install the add-ons mentioned in examples
  • Click around the interface
  • Test features like search, library, and syncing

Ask for Help When Stuck

If something doesn’t make sense:

  • Re-read the relevant section slowly
  • Check the Glossary for unfamiliar terms
  • Search the documentation site
  • Ask in the Stremio community (see Reporting Issues & Scams)

Common Questions at This Stage

”Do I really need to read all this?”

No. You can use Stremio with just the basics. But reading more helps you:

  • Avoid common mistakes
  • Troubleshoot faster
  • Stay safe and legal
  • Get the most out of Stremio’s features

Suggested minimum reading:

  • Start Here section (you’ve done this)
  • Your device’s install guide
  • Navigation Basics
  • Add-ons Explained
  • Privacy Basics

”Can I skip the safety/legal stuff?”

You can, but you shouldn’t. It’s the most important content in this guide. Even if you plan to use Stremio legally, understanding the risks helps you:

  • Recognize when something isn’t safe
  • Make informed decisions about add-ons
  • Avoid accidentally installing something harmful

It takes 20 minutes. Just do it.

”I’m overwhelmed. Where do I start?”

Start small:

  1. Read just Navigation Basics (10 min)
  2. Install one safe add-on like YouTube
  3. Use Stremio for a few days
  4. Come back and read more when you’re ready

You don’t have to master everything today.

Your Personal Learning Plan

Take 2 minutes to decide your path and set a goal:

My goal with Stremio is:
[ ] Just watch videos
[ ] Organize a media library
[ ] Replace my current media center
[ ] Sync across multiple devices
[ ] Learn everything about it

My next step is:
[ ] Install Stremio on [device]
[ ] Read [section]
[ ] Configure [feature]
[ ] Troubleshoot [problem]

I will spend [time] on this today.

Tip

Write this down or bookmark this page with a note. Having a plan makes learning feel less overwhelming.

Final Encouragement

You’ve made it through the “Start Here” section—that’s the hardest part. From here on, you can learn at your own pace and focus on what matters to you.

Remember:

  • Stremio is a tool. Use it in a way that aligns with your values and legal obligations.
  • This documentation is always here. You don’t need to memorize it—just know how to find what you need.
  • Mistakes are okay. If you install the wrong add-on or break a setting, you can undo it (see each guide’s “How to Undo” section).
  • You’re not alone. Millions of people use Stremio, and there’s a community ready to help.

Now go forth and stream responsibly! 🎬