What adding an API to Stremio actually does

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a bridge that lets Stremio pull content information from sources outside its built-in catalog. When you add an API, you're telling Stremio where to find movie and show data, posters, descriptions, and streaming links that the app doesn't have on its own. The API acts as a middleman between Stremio and whatever content database or service you're connecting.

Most people add APIs to Stremio to access community-built add-ons that index content from different sources. Some APIs point to torrent databases, others to free streaming sites, and some to legitimate services. Stremio itself doesn't host the content — the API just tells the app where to look for it.

Key Takeaways

  • Stremio add-ons work through APIs that you install by pasting a URL into the add-ons section of the app.
  • You find API URLs on community forums, GitHub repositories, and add-on directories designed for Stremio users.
  • The installation process is the same whether you're on Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS — you paste the URL and confirm.
  • Some APIs require you to create an account or configure settings before they start showing content in Stremio.
  • If an API stops working, it usually means the source behind it went offline or changed its structure.

Finding the API URL you want to add

Before you can add anything to Stremio, you need the actual API URL — a web address that points to the add-on. The most reliable place to find these is the official Stremio add-ons page at stremio-addons.herokuapp.com or the community-maintained list on GitHub. Both sites list add-ons with descriptions of what each one does, who maintains it, and the exact URL you'll need.

If you're looking for a specific type of content — movies, TV shows, live sports, or documentaries — search the add-ons page by category. Each add-on listing shows its URL in a box you can copy directly. Write down or copy the full URL; you'll paste it into Stremio in the next step. Avoid add-ons with no description or no recent updates, as these are often abandoned and won't work anymore.

Adding the API through Stremio's add-ons menu

Open Stremio and look for the Add-ons section in the left sidebar menu. On desktop, this is usually near the bottom of the menu. On mobile, you may need to tap a menu icon to see it. Click or tap Add-ons

You'll see a list of add-ons already installed. Look for a button that says Install Add-on or shows a plus sign (+). Click it. A text box will appear asking you to paste the API URL. Paste the full URL you copied from the add-ons directory, then press Enter or tap the confirm button. Stremio will connect to that API and load the add-on.

The add-on should appear in your list within a few seconds. If it doesn't, check that you pasted the URL correctly — even a missing character will cause it to fail. If the URL is correct but nothing happens, the API may be offline or no longer maintained.

Configuring the add-on after installation

Some add-ons work immediately after installation, but others ask you to log in or choose settings before they start showing content. If an add-on appears in your list but shows no results when you search, look for a settings icon (usually a gear symbol) next to the add-on name. Tap or click it.

Common settings include choosing which content sources to use, entering login credentials if the add-on requires an account, or filtering by language or video quality. Follow the prompts the add-on provides. Some add-ons have a Configure button that opens a web page where you set up your preferences — this is normal, and you'll be sent back to Stremio once you're done.

After configuring, go back to the main Stremio screen and search for a movie or show. The newly configured add-on should now return results. If it still shows nothing, the add-on may not have content for what you're searching for, or it may be having connection problems.

Troubleshooting when an API won't install or work

If you paste a URL and nothing happens, first check your internet connection. Stremio needs to reach the API server to load it. If your connection is fine, try copying the URL again and pasting it slowly — sometimes copy-paste errors happen with long URLs.

If the add-on installs but shows no results, the API may be temporarily offline. Wait a few minutes and search again. If it still doesn't work after an hour, the add-on is likely no longer maintained. Remove it by clicking the trash icon next to its name and try a different add-on instead.

On mobile devices, make sure you're using the official Stremio app from the App Store or Google Play, not a third-party version. Third-party versions sometimes have add-on features disabled. If you're on the official app and add-ons still won't install, try closing Stremio completely and reopening it, then attempt the installation again.

Understanding what happens when you add an API

When you add an API, Stremio doesn't download anything to your device. Instead, it creates a connection to that API's server. Every time you search for a movie or show, Stremio sends your search to the API, the API looks through its database, and returns results back to Stremio. This happens in the background — you just see the results appear in your search.

This also means that if the API's server goes down, you won't see results from that add-on anymore. You can have multiple APIs installed at once, and Stremio will search all of them and combine the results. If one API is offline, the others still work normally.

Removing an API you no longer want

Go back to the Add-ons menu and find the add-on you want to remove. Look for a trash icon, delete button, or right-click menu next to the add-on name. Click or tap it and confirm that you want to uninstall. The add-on will be removed immediately, and Stremio will stop searching that API.

Removing an add-on doesn't delete anything from your device — it just stops Stremio from connecting to that API. You can reinstall it anytime by pasting the URL again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add multiple APIs at the same time?

Yes. You can install as many add-ons as you want, and Stremio will search all of them when you look for content. Having too many installed can slow down search results slightly, so most people keep between three and eight active add-ons.

Do I need to pay for add-ons?

Most Stremio add-ons are free. Some may ask you to create a free account with the service they connect to, but the add-on itself costs nothing. If an add-on asks for payment through Stremio, it's a legitimate premium feature, but these are rare.

What if an add-on URL stops working?

The API server behind it has likely gone offline or the maintainer stopped supporting it. Remove the add-on and find a replacement from the official add-ons directory. Check the directory regularly for new add-ons if your favorite one disappears.

Can I create my own API for Stremio?

Yes, if you have programming experience. Stremio publishes documentation for building add-ons on their GitHub page. Most custom APIs are built by developers who want to index specific content sources or create specialized features for other users.

Will adding APIs slow down Stremio?

Not noticeably, unless you install dozens of add-ons. Each API search happens in the background, and Stremio handles multiple requests at once. If you notice slowness, try removing a few add-ons and see if performance improves.