Start Kodi on boot with Launch On Boot on Android

Would you like it so that, when you turn on your TV Box or phone, Kodi What if it appeared ready without me touching anything? That feeling of turning on the TV and seeing the media center ready is... pure comfort and zero friction, perfect for setting up a "kiosk mode" for movies and series or for leaving an app open for kids or adults without complications.

The reality, however, is that Android has changed a lot with the latest versions, and what used to be solved with basic "autostart" now requires finer methods, special permits, and energy-saving adjustmentsIf you use a device like Nvidia You might be familiar with the Shield Pro 2019: you tried several startup apps, and after a few updates, they stopped working. Here we've gathered the key information, separating the old from the new, so you can launch Kodi on boot with Launch On Boot or other alternatives, and that actually works.

What you will get and why it's worth it

When you configure automatic startup, you turn your Android device into a dedicated media center. The idea is that, once the boot process is complete, Kodi launches without interactiongaining speed and simplicity.

• Total comfort: You turn it on and you're done; you save yourself repetitive searches and clicks every day.
• Device focus: If your device is "for Kodi", it turns it into a dedicated media center.
• Easy for everyone: Ideal for children or the elderly: fewer steps, less hassle and Everything is ready when starting..
• Perceived fluency: By preparing a single app at the beginning, the experience feels more direct and agile.

Before we begin: Android changes, requirements, and expectations

With modern Android, Google restricts how and when apps can launch after startup. Many apps that worked in the past have been hampered by these policies, which is why some Shield, TV Box, and mobile users noticed that Their autostarts stopped triggering after updatesThis doesn't mean it's impossible, but it does mean it has to be done right.

Have what you need on hand and remember that, depending on your Android model and version, The path to settings and permissions may vary.If you're unsure which team to choose, consult which is the best Android fieldOn TV Box with Android TV There are usually more limitations on OS than on Android AOSP, although with the right apps it can be achieved.

• Access to system settings: You're going to touch accessibility and usage permissions, and maybe developer options.
• Internet connection: to install apps from the Play Store or load trusted APKs if needed.
• Unknown origins: Enable it only if you install APKs from outside the Play Store. with discretion.
• Kodi already installed and configured: It's best if you have it ready and tested, so that the autostart works. Don't open a half-finished app..

Method 1: Native auto-start options by brand

Although stock Android doesn't offer manual app launch management, several Chinese brands maintain controls to decide which apps can be launched. auto-start on power-upIf you have a Xiaomi, HuaweiOPPO or Realme, check out these routes.

MIUI (Xiaomi)

• Opens Settings and go into Applications.
• Go to Manage applications and choose the app (Kodi).
• Activate or deactivate Automatic start as it suits you.

EMUI (Huawei)

• Accede to Settings and go into Applications.
• Opens Application launch and manages Kodi so that start only.

ColorOS / Realme UI (OPPO and Realme)

• Go to Settings and go into Application Management.
• Search Autostart applications and authorizes Kodi to open after boot.

HyperOS (Xiaomi's latest)

• Sign in Settings > Applications > Manage applications.
• Tap the icon Autostart in the background and activate Kodi so that stay alive after the start.

This option in HyperOS isn't exactly "opening the app in the foreground," but it helps keep it running in the background, which benefits... Don't let energy optimization ruin it. and that it can be started more consistently when the system is ready.

Method 2: Launch On Boot and other auto-start apps

If your device doesn't offer native controls, the most reliable approach is to use autostart utilities. Launch On Boot is one of the classic solutions to this problem: the goal is to listen for the end of the system boot process and Launch Kodi automatically with a configurable delay to avoid conflicts with system services.

There are several that fulfill the same purpose (depending on compatibility with your Android version and skin): Autostart No RootAutostart and StaY!, Startup Manager, Boot Apps, or AutoStart. Their mechanics are similar and they are worth considering. keeping only one to avoid conflicts.

General steps with an auto-start app

• Install the app from Google Play (or via a reliable APK if it doesn't appear in your store).
• Open it and grant permissions: they usually ask for them Accessibility and user accessThey don't work without that.
• Select Kodi as the application to run on startup, and enable a 10–20 s delay to give the system time.
• Save, restart your Android/TV Box and check that Kodi opens automatically after boot.

Autostart No Root, for example, is very straightforward: you choose the app, define whether you want a delay, and activate the service. Others, like Autostart and StaY!, add the ability to Reopen the app if it closes accidentallyuseful if some optimization aggressively kills processes.

AutoStart stands out for its minimalist interface: with its ON button you activate the service, with Add you add the apps, and you can adjust Start delay and Next app delay This allows you to chain multiple programs together without overloading the boot process. It's a simple way to organize the boot sequence and prevent everything from launching at once.

Key tip: If autostart suddenly stops working after an update, check accessibility permissions, data usage, and battery saver settings. In many cases, the system silently revokes permissions and startup apps no longer have free rein; also consult guides on Why isn't Kodi working? to resolve related issues.

Method 3: Android TV Box (Android TV OS vs Android AOSP)

On TV Boxes, the behavior differs: Android TV OS (Chromecast with Google TVThe Nvidia Shield TV box is more restrictive, while many Android AOSP boxes allow more freedom. If your TV box has a native option to choose apps on startup, use it; if not, rely on the utilities mentioned above. Don't forget the startup delay.

Typical steps For TV Box with autostart app:

• Install the utility (e.g., Launch On Boot, Autostart and StaY!, Startup Manager).
• Grant permissions and select Kodi as the target application.
• Set a delay of 10–30 s to allow the system Load network services and graphics.
• Restart the TV Box and verify that Kodi It starts on its own.

If you're using Shield Pro 2019, it's normal for apps that worked in the past to now fail due to Android changes. Don't give up: with the right combination of accessibility permissions, optimization exclusions, and a reasonable delay, the success rate is very high with modern tools. If you need to apply specific updates to your computer, check how update the Android Box MXQ to maintain compatibility.

Method 4: Advanced Automation (Tasker/Automate) and ADB

If you need surgical control, Tasker (paid) and Automate (free with extras) allow you to create complex workflows: after startup, wait X seconds, check for network, increase volume, activate Bluetooth if necessary, and finally, Open Kodi in the foregroundIt requires a learning curve, but it gives you total flexibility.

• Tasker: Create a “Device Boot” profile, add waits and conditions (WiFi active, time of day) and the “Launch App: Kodi” action.
• Automate: It uses blocks (boot completed, delay, if/else, launch app) to make the boot process robust and sequenced.

With ADB you can also launch apps from a PC with debugging capabilities. USB activated, or create scripts that trigger commands to boot. It's a powerful but demanding path, more suitable for advanced users or developers.

Special case: Kodi on Raspberry Pi (OpenELEC/LibreELEC)

If you're using a Raspberry Pi with OpenELEC/LibreELEC, the idea is for Kodi to start on power-up and play a video or playlist on a loop. Many users want it to start automatically, without any user input. a playlist is launched and repeated indefinitely such as an info panel or an internal channel.

In Raspbian you can invoke Kodi from /etc/rc.local, but the infinite loop depends on Kodi: it's best to use playback settings (repeat) or a script Kodi startup file (e.g., autoexec.py in the userdata folder) that triggers that list when the interface loads. This ensures that at boot, Open Kodi and start playing automaticallyIf you use IPTV or recorded lists, it's also helpful to review how to install and configure them. PVR/IPTV on Kodi to play content on a loop.

If you're looking for "kiosk" mode, disable screen savers and check that the necessary add-ons load without dialogs. Avoid any pop-up windows at startup. It breaks the 100% automatic experience..

iPhone: System Limits and Shortcuts Alternative

En iOSThe boot process is managed by the system, and there isn't a general function like in Android. However, some models and versions have Accessibility settings that allow you to configure the boot process. automatic startup of certain apps When you turn it on. If it appears on your iPhoneThe path goes through Settings > General > App Accessibility, enable Automatic startup and choose the app.

If that option isn't available, the alternative is the Shortcuts app. Create an automation like this:when turning on the iPhoneor “on unlock”, and adds the “Open app” action. Apple limits some of these behaviors for security reasons, but for many cases it is sufficient to approach autostart what are you looking for.

Advantages, costs and common questions

What are the advantages and disadvantages of autostart? On the one hand, convenience and speed; on the other, slightly higher power consumption at startup and potential conflicts between processes if everything launches simultaneously. With a reasonable delay and a single autostart app, the balance is usually excellent.

• Battery and performance: The system initiates more tasks and startup may take a little longer, although the impact it is usually small.
• Unexpected closures: If Kodi or any app closes after a short time, check cache/data, battery optimization exclusions, and accessibility permissions.
• Updates that break settings: After updating Android or the utility itself, revalidate permissions and check that the service remains active.

How to tame optimizations and prevent the system from "killing" you

Many crashes or autostart failures are due to aggressive battery management. Go to Settings > Apps > your autostart utility and then to Kodi, and uncheck power optimizations. Also, check that can run in the background and that its automatic start is not restricted.

If nothing changes, clear the cache and data of the autostart app and configure it from scratch. Add a longer delay (20–30 seconds) to allow the system to finish setting up the network and graphics services before... launch KodiSometimes, that small adjustment makes all the difference.

Avoid using two or more startup utilities at the same time. They overlap, open duplicate files or none at all, and the result is unpredictable. Stick with one, and make sure it's... Always active and check that your service has not stopped.

Brand-specific controls: use them if you have them.

As we've seen, MIUI, EMUI, ColorOS/Realme UI, and HyperOS offer native controls. It's the cleanest approach: you authorize the app you need, and let the interface handle it. If your phone or TV box has something like this, take advantage of it before installing anythingIt's ideal for Kodi: you mark it with auto-start, exclude it from battery usage, and you're done.

When those menus are missing (or when Android TV OS hides them), use a quality autostart app. Of those mentioned, Autostart No Root and Autostart and Stay! usually work very well, and Launch On Boot is the classic approach if you want right after the boot with configurable delay.

Real-life cases: from "it doesn't work for me" to "now it always starts"

It's common to read about users who installed several apps and none of them worked… until they found the right recipe: permissions + delay + battery exclusion. On devices like the Nvidia Shield Pro 2019, several older methods stopped working after certain updates, but with the current settings, they've worked. A reliable start is achieved again from Kodi.

Switching from navigating menus every time to having Kodi automatically on screen completely changes the experience: Fewer steps and more content from minute one.

Most persistent issues are due to revoked permissions, aggressive optimizations, or target apps that require initial interaction. If a specific app won't allow it, try a similar one or increase the delay. And remember: Not all apps react the same way to a "boot launch", but Kodi usually behaves very well.

With all of the above, you now have a map of options: native brand controls, utilities like Launch On Boot, Autostart No Root, or Autostart and Stay!, and, if you want to fine-tune things, Tasker/Automate or even ADB. Grant permissions, set a reasonable delay, and exclude battery drain. On most devices, this translates to Kodi opening by itself when turned on and a media center that feels much more like yours.