Kodi SMB Operation Not Permitted? Here Is How to Fix It

Does your Kodi return this message, “Kodi SMB operation not permitted” when accessing your media?

You are not alone! Kodi can be a great way to enjoy your favorite movies, podcasts, TV shows, and music.

However, Kodi users may find that they are experiencing interference with their networks.

Read on if this is the case for you and find out how to fix this error.

To clear the “Kodi SMB Operation Not permitted” message, first ensure that the SMB protocol is correct. Set SMB V1 as the minimum protocol and the maximum to SMB V3. If this doesn’t work, you can add a username and password if you haven’t already done that.

The following are some of the major causes of your Kodi error message. We’ll also take a close look at the solutions for fixing the error.

Reasons Your Kodi SMB Operations Are Not Permitted

Many reasons may cause the “Kodi SMB Operations Are Not Permitted” message.

Here are some reasons:

• You have set the maximum SMB protocol to SMB V1.
• You have not set up your username and password.
• The password protection for sharing is on.
• Media streaming is off.
• The source path is incorrect or doesn’t exist.
• The VPN setting is restricting performance.

How to Fix SMB Operation Not Permitted Error on Your Kodi

It’s now easier to fix this error successfully after troubleshooting and identifying the source of the problem. Here are some quick fixes you can try:

Solution #1: Check the SMB Protocol Settings

Setting the SMB protocol correctly is fundamental if you want your Kodi to function without issues.

So, check the SMB settings first before trying any other solution. Kodi version 19 doesn’t support SMB V1for security purposes, so change the setting to a higher version.

Ensure that the minimum protocol version is set to SMB V1 and the maximum protocol version to SMB V3.

To check or change the SMB settings, follow these few steps:

1. Open Kodi from your device
2. Select services under the settings menu
3. Click the SMB client and ensure you set the protocols to SMB V1 for minimum and SMB V2 for maximum.

Solution #2: Turn the Media Streaming Option to On

After installing or upgrading Kodi software, you may find that the media streaming option is automatically set to off.

So, ensure to check this setting and set it to on.

1. Open Network and Sharing Center;
2. Go to advanced sharing settings under the “All Networks tab” and click on change on your Kodi.
3. You’ll find a “media streaming option” and click on the “Choose media streaming options” link.
4. When you click the link, you’ll see “Media streaming is not turned on.”
5. Click on the “turn on media streaming” option and click OK.

Solution #3: Set a Username and Password

The earlier Kodi versions did require a username and password. So, if you have upgraded your Kodi to version 19, Kodi likely needs you to set up your user account.

Also, this version does not support network browsing, requiring a username and password.

1. Go to libraries and select your source.
2. Select the file option, and you’ll see a list of sources.
3. Scroll down and choose “Add network location.”
4. From there, you can add your username and password.

Solution #4: Turn off Password Protected for Sharing

The password protection for sharing can sometimes cause the Kodi SMB Operation Not permitted error.

If this password is set to ON, turn it off and see if your Kodi will clear this error.

1. From your Kodi’s Network and Sharing Center, select the “All Networks tab.”
2. Scroll down to “password protected sharing.”
3. The default option is set to “Turn on password protected sharing.”
4. Turn it off by selecting the “Turn off password protected sharing” and save changes.

Your Kodi should now be able to access your media sources without any errors.

Solution #5: Check and Update Media Share

An incorrect source path can result in the Kodi Operation Not permitted SMB message.

If you used the source path before, confirm that the address is correct.

This is because you might have changed your media source on your device without knowing.

1. Select your source from the library, for example, music
2. Select file option
3. Click and hold on the existing path and then select edit source
4. You’ll see a list of your sources on the browse for share window
5. Browse the list to locate your source and select OK after editing the path

If the error is still there, you can also add a new source manually or use the device name or IP address.

Step #1: Scroll down the list of your sources on the browse for share window

Step #2: Select “Add a network location.”

Step #3: Select server name and key in the IP address or the device name

Step #4: Your new path should now reflect on the browse for share window

Solution #6: Turn off the VPN

Sometimes your VPN settings can interfere with Kodi’s performance. This can happen, especially if you install it or change its settings.

However, VPN is a good protection tool against threats and cybercrimes.

It helps encrypt your data on internet traffic and hide your location and Ip address. So, it’s good to have one installed.

But in this case, you don’t need to enable the VPN when using Kodi. Also, check other protection settings that may hinder your Kodi’s performance.

Do the above solutions fix your problem? If not, it’s always good to try all-purpose solutions for software.

Solution #7: Reboot Your Device or Unplug from Power

Sometimes it can only take a quick reboot to your system to quickly fix your problems. So, reboot your device to allow the Kodi program to refresh.

Rebooting can also help clear some load in the cache, thereby improving the functionality of the Kodi.

Instead of rebooting, you can also prefer unplugging your device’s power cord from the wall outlet. Wait for 10 to 15 seconds for you to plug in your power cable.

Solution #8: Uninstall and Reinstall the Kodi Software

If you’re still receiving the SMB operation not permitted error, it’s time to uninstall the software.

Sometimes bugs can mess up with the normal functioning of programs. So, try the uninstall and reinstall option and fix your problem once and for all.

When you uninstall the software, the system will clear the cache too. This means that if there were a bug causing the error, it would be removed from the device.

When reinstalling the software, ensure you have the updated version. This helps your software to improve performance and provides you with enhanced features.

Ensure to install updates regularly to keep your software updated to eliminate and patch issues with your Kodi.

Solution #9: The Last Resort- Reach out to Kodi Customer Care

If all these solutions haven’t cleared the error message, contact Kodi Customer Care.

According to Kodi, the best way to seek help from Kodi support is by using their active community support forum.

You will receive solutions from other Kodi users and the Kodi support team on the forum.

A remedy for the "SMB operation not permitted" problem on Kodi can't be the same for everyone. 

Therefore, it’s a good idea to experiment with different options to determine what works best for you.

To fix the “SMB operation not permitted error,” change the SMB protocol to SMB V1 and SMB V3 for minimum and maximum protocols, respectively. Also, set the media streaming option on and turn off the “password protected for sharing.” You can also update your media source and add a username and password.

Read Next: Can You Put Kodi on Xbox 360?

Bottom Line

The “Kodi SMB operation not permitted” error is a common complaint among its users. The good thing is that you can fix this error quickly.

We hope that these quick fixes will clear the error and allow you to continue enjoying your music, videos, or movies.