Don't you just hate when a good software suddenly removes a feature you find useful? It happens a lot if you handle tech on a regular basis. The latest example of this in the HTPC world is the removal of the download feature on Genesis Kodi Addon version 5. You surely have this version by now if you took the option to install Genesis on Kodi via a repository that kept it updated, which is the option we gave you on our guide on how to install Genesis Kodi plugin. However, there might be a number of reasons you need the download feature this plugin had and... doesn't have anymore. [Read:How to install Sick Beard on Android to download TV shows?]
Update (Feb 26, 2016): Genesis does not work properly anymore and is not being developed. Here are some awesome Genesis alternative Kodi addons.
If this is your case, you might have to downgrade Genesis 5, by uninstalling the current version of Genesis, and installing the old version from a .zip file. If you know how to do this, you are set, however, if you need advice on how to do this, keep reading. The steps we describe here will help you downgrade Genesis 5 and have your Genesis 4.8.5 Kodi addon working in no time. Please keep in mind that, since you will not install it from a repository, it will not be updated on a regular basis, and you might encounter problems with your Genesis Addon Kodi install that won't have a solution unless you upgrade to the latest version. You might find it easier to follow this tutorial if you use a wireless HTPC remote or a remote app for Android like Kore, the official Kodi remote app.
First things first, you need to download the Genesis 4.8.5 .zip file. You can do this googling for that specific version; however, there is a Genesis version called Genesis Lazarus, which is based on the 4.8.5 version of Genesis. You can download Genesis 4.8.5 Lazarus here (at your own risk, though).
According To The Addon Description, Genesis 4.8.5 Provides Download Functionality After Installed.
After that, you need to uninstall Genesis 5. In order to do this, go to the main menu and select System -> Settings -> Add-ons -> Enabled Add-ons -> Video Add-ons. Scroll down until you find Genesis. Click on it and you will see a window where you will need to click the Uninstall button. When asked if you are sure, select Yes.
Uninstall Genesis 5 By Clicking On The Uninstall Button.
Go to the main menu again, but this time go to System -> Settings -> Add-ons -> Install from zip file. Find the .zip file you downloaded before, in order to dowgrade Genesis 5. In this case I clicked the Genesis Lazarus .zip file.
Click The .Zip File In Order To Install The Genesis Lazarus Addon.
Wait until you get the confirmation that Genesis 4.8.5 Lazarus is installed. When you get it, it means you were able to downgrade Genesis 5 successfully.
If You See This Indication, You Installed Genesis 4.8.5 Successfully.
That's all there is to it! Pretty simple, huh? However, you should be careful if you decide to downgrade Genesis 5, or any addon, for that matter. Addons for Kodi change constantly, and not having an addon installed from a repository such as SuperRepo means you won't get automatic updates, which might make your addon stop working, or work improperly. [Read:How to Install SuperRepo on Kodi for easy addon installation?]
It seems the team behind the Genesis addon have addressed the concerns raised regarding Genesis 5 and have since re-enabled the functionality in Genesis 5.0.7 and above, making it unnecessary to downgrade Genesis 5 to an older version. Nevertheless, if it doesn't work as you expected, or if you'd much rather have the 4.8.5 version (for whatever reason) you now know how to do it.
Alejandro is an electrical engineer, working as a software developer and part-time writer. He has a passion for technology, languages and games, and has been around the web since 2004.
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