Kodi 101: How to Change the Default Skin for a Fresh New Theme

When you first use Kodi, it can be intimidating. The main menu has numerous options for the various types of media Kodi can play back, and the settings menu has a broad array of tools to customize Kodi to your needs. After poking around in theses menus, you might realize that you don't like the default look. But whether it's the color, font, layout, or just the general theme, Kodi skins can change it all.

Skins are themes for Kodi, but they offer so much more than just a fresh look. They can change how the menu is arranged, what options are included, the font used, colors of menu options and backgrounds, and the list goes on. Skins are the fastest way to modify Kodi and provide a foundation for additional customization.

Changing the Default Theme

To get started, open up Kodi for Android or Kodi for iPhone. Next, tap the gear icon in the upper-left corner of your screen, then select "Interface settings."

Next, under the sub-group Look and feel, select "Skin" (there are two instances of the word "Skin" on the screen, but the one on the right is the one you want), then a new screen will emerge showing two of the preinstalled skins Kodi provides. The default skin is "Estuary, " but if you want, you can switch to "Estouchy," which is a skin designed for touchscreen devices (such as smartphones).

However, Kodi doesn't limit you just two skins. If you select "Get more," Kodi will present you with 24 more options for skins that you can install. Read the descriptions, and when you come to a decision, just select the skin, then Kodi will download and install it.

Once a new skin is installed, you will be asked if you want to keep the changes. Select "Yes" and check out the dramatic modification you just implemented to your Kodi layout. Although it varies depending on the skin, look through the menu, submenus, and settings to see all that the skin has changed. Most skins will make some visual modifications in these areas.

As you see, Kodi makes it easy to change the overall look of your layout, providing you both a way to alter everything and a good foundation for additional customization. What is your favorite skin that Kodi provides? Let us know in the comments below.

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Cover image and screenshots by Jon Knight/Gadget Hacks