Ubuntu Kodi Use Other Kodi Database

6 min read Oct 16, 2024

Using a Different Kodi Database on Ubuntu

Kodi, a popular open-source media player, is known for its vast customization options. One of these options is the ability to use a different database for storing your media information. This can be useful if you want to:

Transfer your Kodi library to a new computer.
Keep your Kodi library separate from your main system.
Work with a larger library that requires more storage space.

This article will guide you through the process of using a different Kodi database on Ubuntu.

Understanding Kodi Databases

Kodi uses a database to store all your media information. This includes:

Media files: Movies, TV shows, music, and other files.
Metadata: Information about your media files, such as title, genre, director, and actors.
Playlists: Lists of media files you can easily access.
Settings: Custom configurations for Kodi.

By default, Kodi stores its database in the ~/.kodi/userdata directory. This directory is located in your user's home directory.

Switching to a Different Database

Here's a step-by-step guide on using a different Kodi database on Ubuntu:

Choose a new location for your database.
- You can choose a separate directory on your hard drive, a network drive, or even a cloud storage service.
- For this example, let's use a separate directory named kodi_data on your hard drive.
Create the new directory.
- Open a terminal and run the following command:
```
mkdir /path/to/kodi_data
```
- Replace /path/to/kodi_data with the actual path to your new directory.
Move the existing database to the new location.
- You can use the mv command to move the existing database to the new directory. Make sure you have the appropriate permissions to access the directory.
- Here's the command to move the database to the kodi_data directory:
```
mv ~/.kodi/userdata /path/to/kodi_data
```
Edit the Kodi configuration file.
- Open the Kodi configuration file located at ~/.kodi/userdata/advancedsettings.xml.
- Add the following lines to the file, replacing /path/to/kodi_data with the actual path to your new database directory:
```
  /path/to/kodi_data
```
- Save the configuration file.
Restart Kodi.
- After making these changes, restart Kodi to apply the changes.

Additional Tips

Backup your database before making any changes. This ensures you have a copy of your library in case something goes wrong.
Use symbolic links. Instead of physically moving the database, you can create a symbolic link to the new location. This allows you to keep the database in the default location while still using a different directory for storage.
Consider using a network drive. This allows you to access your Kodi library from multiple devices.
Explore cloud storage solutions. If you're using a cloud storage service, you can store your Kodi database there, making it accessible from anywhere.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while switching databases, try the following:

Verify the path to your database directory. Make sure the path in the advancedsettings.xml file is correct.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions. You might need to grant permissions to access the database directory.
Restart Kodi. Sometimes restarting Kodi after making changes can resolve issues.
Check the Kodi logs. The Kodi logs might provide more information about the error.

Conclusion

Using a different Kodi database on Ubuntu is a powerful feature that offers flexibility and control over your media library. By following these steps, you can easily switch to a different location for your database and enjoy your media seamlessly. Remember to backup your database before making any changes to ensure data safety.