What an add-on does in Stremio

An add-on in Stremio is a piece of software that extends what the app can do — it adds new sources where Stremio can find movies, TV shows, live streams, or other content. Without add-ons, Stremio is just a shell. With them, it becomes a catalog that pulls from multiple places at once.

Think of Stremio as a search engine and add-ons as the websites it searches. When you install an add-on, you're telling Stremio "look here too" when someone searches for a show. The add-on doesn't store the content itself — it just tells Stremio where to find it.

Key Takeaways

  • Add-ons are installed directly inside the Stremio app through the Addons menu, not downloaded separately to your computer.
  • You search for and install add-ons by their name or URL within Stremio's interface, then enable them before they start working.
  • Popular add-ons include Torrentio (for torrent sources), OpenSubtitles (for subtitles), and Trakt (for tracking what you watch).
  • Disabling an add-on stops it from working without deleting it, so you can turn it back on later if you change your mind.

Finding and installing an add-on through the Stremio app

Open Stremio on your computer. In the left sidebar, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) or click directly on "Addons" if you see it listed. This opens the add-ons catalog built into Stremio.

You'll see a search box at the top. Type the name of the add-on you want — for example, "Torrentio" or "OpenSubtitles" — and Stremio will show you matching results. Click on the add-on name to open its details page. You'll see a description of what it does, who made it, and an "Install" button. Click that button.

Stremio will read and install the add-on in seconds. You'll see a confirmation message or the button will change to show the add-on is installed. That's it — you don't need to restart Stremio or do anything else on your computer.

Installing an add-on using its direct URL

Some add-ons aren't listed in Stremio's built-in catalog, but you can still install them if you have their direct web address. This is common for newer add-ons or ones made by independent developers.

Go to the Addons menu in Stremio and look for an option that says "Install from URL" or a text field where you can paste a link. Copy the full URL of the add-on (it usually starts with https://) and paste it into that field. Click Install. Stremio will fetch the add-on from that address and install it the same way as one from the catalog.

If you're not sure whether an add-on is safe, check where the URL comes from. Stick to add-ons linked from the official Stremio website or from well-known community forums. Avoid installing from random links or sources you don't recognize.

Enabling and disabling add-ons after installation

Installing an add-on doesn't automatically turn it on. After you install it, go back to the Addons menu and find the add-on in your list of installed add-ons. You'll see a toggle switch or checkbox next to it. Click that switch to enable the add-on.

Once enabled, the add-on starts working when ready. When you search for a movie or show, Stremio will now include results from that add-on's sources. If an add-on isn't giving you results you want, or if it's slowing things down, you can disable it by clicking the toggle again. Disabling doesn't delete it — it just turns it off, and you can turn it back on anytime.

Common add-ons and what they do

Torrentio is one of the most popular add-ons. It searches torrent sites and magnet links for movies and TV shows. When you search for something in Stremio, Torrentio shows you torrent sources alongside other options.

OpenSubtitles finds subtitles for movies and shows. Install it and Stremio will automatically offer subtitle options when you play something, pulling from the OpenSubtitles database.

Trakt connects your Stremio account to Trakt, a service that tracks what you watch, keeps a watchlist, and shows you ratings. It syncs your viewing history across devices.

Kitsu and MyAnimeList are add-ons for anime fans. They catalog anime shows and movies and let you track what you've watched in those communities.

Troubleshooting when an add-on won't install or work

If an add-on won't install, first check that you're using the correct URL or spelling. Typos in the add-on name will cause the search to return no results. If the name is spelled right but still doesn't appear, the add-on may be temporarily unavailable or removed from the catalog.

If an add-on installs but doesn't show results when you search, make sure it's enabled. Go back to the Addons menu and check that the toggle is switched on. Some add-ons also take a few seconds to load results, so wait a moment before assuming it's broken.

If an add-on is enabled but still not working, try disabling and re-enabling it. Close Stremio completely and open it again. This refreshes the connection between Stremio and the add-on. If it still doesn't work, the add-on itself may be down or the service it pulls from may be unavailable.

Removing an add-on you no longer want

To remove an add-on completely, go to the Addons menu and find it in your installed list. Look for a delete icon (usually an X or trash can) next to the add-on name. Click that icon and confirm the removal. The add-on will be deleted from Stremio and won't appear in your searches anymore.

If you're not ready to delete it permanently, just disable it instead. You can always re-enable it later without having to install it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to restart Stremio after installing an add-on?

No. Most add-ons work when ready after installation. If an add-on doesn't show results right away, wait a few seconds or disable and re-enable it. A full restart of Stremio is rarely necessary, but it can help if something seems stuck.

Can I install add-ons on Stremio for my phone or tablet?

Yes, the process is the same on mobile. Open Stremio, go to Addons, search for or paste the URL of the add-on you want, and click Install. The add-on will work on your phone or tablet the same way it does on your computer.

What happens if I install too many add-ons?

Stremio can handle many add-ons at once, but having too many enabled may slow down search results because Stremio has to query more sources. If searches feel slow, try disabling add-ons you don't use regularly. You can always turn them back on when you need them.

Is it safe to install add-ons from outside the official Stremio catalog?

Add-ons from the official Stremio catalog are vetted, but add-ons from external URLs are not. Only install from URLs you trust — ones linked from the official Stremio website, community forums, or developers you recognize. Avoid random links from unknown sources.

Can I use the same add-on on multiple devices?

Yes. If you sign into Stremio with the same account on different computers or phones, your installed add-ons and settings sync across devices. You don't have to install them separately on each device.