Are you facing trouble while trying to install Kodi add-ons and keep getting the error Kodi unable to connect: Couldn’t retrieve directory information?
Then rest assured as you are not alone, many users are struggling with the error message:
Unable to connect
Couldn’t retrieve directory information. This could be due to the network not being connected. Would you like to add it anyway?
Well, this is a super irritating problem as users are unable to use Kodi due to network issues. Generally, Kodi is a very stable and user-friendly application but recently various issues have been faced by users like Kodi keeps crashing, and Kodi not working, from time to time.
And speaking of errors Kodi unable to connect: Couldn’t retrieve directory information is another irritating error, but luckily this can be fixed and today in this guide I’ll show you how to fix it so stay tuned with us.
But, before moving towards the solutions, first, learn what this error is and why it occurs.
What is Kodi Unable to Connect: Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Information Error?
The Kodi is unable to connect to the network, Couldn’t retrieve directory information means your Kodi won’t be able to connect to the network and the source you have written can’t be found.
Well, this can be because the source added by you is wrong such as a typo error, or extra space in the URL. So whenever you get Kodi unable to connect error make sure to check the URL typed or pasted by you and if any issue is found then correct it.
If correcting the URL or the typos works for you then well and good but if everything is correct and still you are facing the error, learn what causes the error.
Why I am getting Kodi Couldn’t retrieve directory information Error?
Well, the most common reason responsible for the Kodi unable to connect is the third-party add-ons on Kodi, despite this, there are other reasons as well.
- If your internet connection is not working properly then this can also cause issues as your device is unable to send or receive information from the source.
- If the URL you have typed is incorrect or has spelling mistakes, and due to this you are unable to access the content.
- If you are using third-party addons then there is a possibility that the repository has expired
- If you are unable to connect to the repository then you won’t be able to connect to the source.
So, these are some of the possible reasons responsible for the Kodi Unable to Connect: Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Information Error.
Now follow the fixes given accordingly till you find the one that works for you.
How to Fix Kodi Unable to Connect Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Information Error?
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Very firstly to fix the Kodi unable to connect to network error is check your internet connection as if the internet is not working properly then this is most likely to cause the error.
Make sure your internet is not working fine and if your connection is working fine then head to the next solution.
2. Verify the Source URL
As mentioned above if the source URL entered by you is incorrect, then this can cause Kodi couldn’t retrieve directory information error.
To verify the repository and do so follow the steps given:
- Open Kodi then go to the Settings
- Now find out the File Manager > click on it.
- Then right-click on the respective repository > click Edit Source.
- Next, click on the repository URL
- Now check the URL properly for any errors.
- Assure the URL is in lower-case
- As done, click OK and save.
Well, now there is no uncertainty in the URL you are trying to access. Hope now the problem is fixed but if not then follow the next solution.
3. Replace the URL
When any domain is shut down the Kodi repositories change the URL. So if you are getting the Kodi couldn’t retrieve directory information error then here it is advised to verify if the URL is correct or if you need to check the new URL for the repo.
To do so, simply search for the particular repository URL in Google, but if this won’t work for you then follow the next solution.
4. Use a VPN
If you are still encountering Kodi unable to connect to the network then the problem might be with your Internet service provider as this might be blocking the traffic directed to the particular IP address.
This generally occurs when the particular repository contains an addon that receives complaints about promoting copyright violations.
So, to resolve this situation it is recommended to use a VPN connection as this will not block the traffic and you can fix Kodi couldn’t retrieve directory information error.
5. Update Network Drivers
Well, if the network drivers are outdated or corrupted then this may cause issues. And can result in Kodi unable to connect: couldn’t retrieve directory information error.
So, make sure your network drivers are updated, or follow the steps to update the drivers:
- Click on Start and in the search box type Device Manager and choose Device Manager.
- Now choose a category to check the names of the devices next right-click on the driver you want to update.
- Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Then select Update Driver.
Hope this works for you to update the drivers but if in case Windows won’t locate a new driver then visit the manufacturer’s website or the Microsoft official website and search for the latest driver update.
Now after updating the driver make sure the Kodi unable to connect to the network issue is resolved, but if not then head to the next solution
5. Trying Using an Alternative Repository
If none of the above-given solutions works for you to fix Kodi couldn’t retrieve directory information error then search for an alternative repository. Well, the third-party add-ons can run in various sources so, in this case, to fix the error search for an alternative repository.
Moreover, to confirm whether the repository has been done or not, make sure to visit the source URL, and if has been shut down then you can see the 404 not found page.
Please Note: Avoid using illegal third-party add-ons, make sure to use Kodi and its add-ons legally. Or else it is recommended to download the add-ons from the Kodi Official website.
Conclusion — Kodi Unable to Connect
So, this is all about the Kodi Unable to Connect: Couldn’t Retrieve Directory Information error. I tried my best to list down the complete information about the error and the solutions to resolve it.
Make sure to follow the solutions carefully until the error is resolved. I hope the article works for you to fix Kodi unable to connect to the network, couldn’t retrieve directory information error.
Moreover, if you have any comments, suggestions or queries then feel free to share them with us in the comment section below.
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