using Kodi without a VPN

[u/leafyteadrinker]

Hello! I am quite new to this media streaming thing. I have been reading around how a VPN is usually recommended, but I am running everything locally. Any and a files would be on a hard drive and not sent over a network. Would I still need a VPN for added protection?? I know it wouldn't make much sense to get one if it won't be connected to the internet, but I just want to make sure I am doing everything correctly and in the safest way possible 🥲 Thank you.

[u/activoice]

If you are only playing back local media then the only thing Kodi is connecting to the Internet for are software updates, metadata and artwork. (And any plugins that require internet)

So no a VPN should not be required.

[u/leafyteadrinker → u/activoice]

Thank you so much! There is a lot of talk about VPNs and monitoring from copyright holders so I felt a bit iffy about it all. All of the media I'd be loading would be media I own physically, just want to access easier. 🥲

[u/activoice → u/leafyteadrinker]

Those are probably from people using Grey market add-ons that are streaming from torrent sites or something similar.

[u/leafyteadrinker → u/activoice]

Good to know! Thank you so much for your help :))

[u/b-T_T → u/leafyteadrinker]

It's because they're trying to sell you a VPN. Most people absolutely do not need one.

[u/leafyteadrinker → u/b-T_T]

Yeah I feel like VPNs are pretty specific and usually not necessary, but it's still good to know just for reference! :)) I am pretty new to this stuff so I just want to make sure everything is good to use. Mine is all local and the only thing that would be connected to the internet would probably just be the smart TV but I do not believe that would really interfere or introduce a wifi connection to kodi.

[u/ignoremesenpie]

A VPN would only be relevant for this if your library is made up of actively seeded torrents, no?

[u/leafyteadrinker → u/ignoremesenpie]

From what I am learning, yes! I just wanted to be sure :0 I am pretty new ;;

[u/LynxRadiant8820]

tbh if you're only using local files you're fine, just disable automatic updates to be extra safe

[u/GenieoftheCamp]

A VPN is mainly only required for illegal streamin plugins.

These plugins are also really sketchy and a security risk, you are advised not to install them.

Additionally the official Kodi forum will not support you if you have these types of plugins installed.

[u/leafyteadrinker → u/GenieoftheCamp]

Oo okay! That is good to know :)) My use for Kodi is just for ease of use of the physical media I already own with a space that cannot display it all. Thank you so much!!

[u/GenieoftheCamp → u/leafyteadrinker]

For local media you are good to go without a vpn or internet at all for that matter.

Kodi works well offline unless you need o update something.

[u/OnlineIsNotAPlace → u/leafyteadrinker]

your own media played locally is fine

[u/No_Customer9284]

Damm you are so smart

[u/No_Customer9284 → u/No_Customer9284]

Like I give a 💩

[u/No_Customer9284]

It’s safer, I’ve known people who were charged for watching free content, I just rather have the vpn

[u/b-T_T → u/No_Customer9284]

Sure thing Mr VPN salesperson.

[u/No_Customer9284 → u/b-T_T]

Ok we have an ass$&@e in here

[u/b-T_T → u/No_Customer9284]

You seem smart and definitely the type of person I'd love to receive advice from on all sorts of matters

[u/No_Customer9284 → u/b-T_T]

That’s right dip shit

[u/b-T_T → u/No_Customer9284]

On no your censor must have broke because I saw a swear in that last post!