If you have set the maximum SMB protocol to SMB V1, or username and password are not set, or password protection for sharing is enabled – then these are the reasons behind “Kodi SMB operation not permitted” message. Other than this, if the source path is incorrect, the VPN setting is restricting any process, or media streaming is turned off can also generate SMB error.
While you are streaming your favorite movie or watching any video, you might experience sudden interference within the network. This error would stop you from accessing the media on Kodi.
To fix this problem, verify whether the SMB protocol is set correctly. You need to go to SMB V1 and set it to minimum protocol, and SMB V3 should be set to maximum.
If you are not tech savvy, then let’s help you with detailed step-by-step methods so that you can identify the problem and also fix it quickly.
1. Reboot your device
This is the most basic and quick fix where the Kodi program is allowed to reset by resetting the device. This process might clear a certain amount of cache, but it will definitely eliminate the error that you’re facing.
To proceed – unplug the cables from the power outlet and keep the device as it is for 10 to 15 seconds. Now, plug the cables back into the power outlet, turn on the device, and check whether Kodi is still showing the error.
2. Verify the SMB protocol setting
If you want to fix the message “Kodi SMB operation not permitted”, then you need to change the SMB protocol setting.
To check the SMB settings, you need to verify whether Kodi supports SMB V1. Now, to change the settings, open Kodi, go to Settings menu > Services SMB client, and verify that you have set the protocols to SMB V1 for minimum and SMB V3 for maximum.
3. Set the Proper username and password
The previous versions of Kodi never required any kind of username or password. If you get the latest version of Kodi, then you need to set a password for your account.
To set the username and password, go to Libraries > Source and select File Option. You will also get to see a list of sources. Simply scroll down and choose ‘Add a network location”. Now, you will find the space to add a username and password. When done, restart the system to save the setting and fix the SMB error.
4. Enable the Media Streaming option
If you have installed the Kodi software for the first time, then the Media Streaming option will be automatically set to off. To set it on, you need to go to Network and Sharing Center > All network tab > Advanced sharing settings, and then click on Change on your Kodi.
Now, try to locate Media Streaming options and select Choose Media Streaming Options link. As soon as you click on the link, you will notice the ‘Media Streaming is not turned on’ notification visible on the screen. So, you need to click on the ‘Turn on Media Streaming option’ and finally click on OK.
5. Update Media Sharing
If the “Kodi SMB operation not permitted” message appears, then you might have to change the media source and update the media sharing. To fix this, go to the Library, select the Source File option, and then keep holding the existing path.
Finally, select Edit Source and go through a list of sources for the share window. Now, go through the list to locate your source and edit the path. Finally, when done, click on OK to save the changes. You can also try to add a new source or utilize the device name or IP address.
Go through the list of sources, select the option “Add a network location” and select the server name and key in the IP address. Now, you can see the new path on the browser for sharing the window.
6. Disable password protected option for Sharing feature
Kodi SMB operation not permitted message can also appear if the password-protected for Sharing feature is enabled. To disable it, you need to go to the Network and Sharing Center of Kodi.
Select the All network tab, go to Password protected sharing, select it, and choose the option “Turn on password protected sharing” and toggle the switch to off. Double check whether you can see “Turn on password-protected sharing”. Now, save the changes and try to access any media source on Kodi.
7. Disable VPN
VPN proves to be helpful in terms of protecting your online privacy but also creates errors while you are trying to view any content on Kodi. Thus, try to disable VPN when you are using Kodi. The process is quite simple, launch the app and turn off VPN right before you access any content on Kodi.
8. Rectify and set the correct source path
If you have entered the wrong source in Kodi, then it can lead to such an SMB operation not being permitted. In this case, you need to go to the Library, scroll through the File section, and look at what the sources are.
If you find any of this unfamiliar, then hold on to the source for that particular file and click on the Edit source option. Now, browse to the right source and click on OK to save the new path. You must also follow this step if you are unable to play any file.
How to Reinstall Kodi?
Reinstallation helps to eliminate minor bugs and also fix installation errors. Remember that during the installation, you will lose all your app data. So, if the above methods do not work, then only you need to proceed with reinstalling Kodi.
To proceed – Go to the Kodi app, right-click on it, and select Uninstall. It will erase all the data from your device. Now, go to Microsoft Store or from the Kodi official website, download, and install Kodi. Wait for the installation to complete, and always check whether the internet connection is stable.
Verify that no app is running at the file source, and try to launch the app and view any content. This should fix the SMB issue. However, if the SMB error still persists, then you need to contact the support team immediately.
