Fixing 9Now Kodi Connection Error: Max Retries Exceeded

Hey there, Kodi users! Are you stuck with that frustrating ConnectionError: HTTPSConnectionPool(host='k.slyguy.xyz', port=443): Max retries exceeded message when trying to enjoy content on your 9Now add-on? You're definitely not alone. This particular 9Now Kodi connection error is a common headache that can prevent you from streaming your favorite shows and movies. It's like your Kodi device is trying its absolute best to connect to a server, but after multiple attempts, it just gives up, throwing its hands in the air with a 'max retries exceeded' warning. This article is your ultimate guide to understanding, diagnosing, and fixing this pesky issue, getting you back to uninterrupted entertainment. We're going to dive deep into what this error actually means, why it happens, and most importantly, how to troubleshoot it step-by-step, even covering some advanced solutions. So, grab a snack, settle in, and let's get your 9Now add-on back in working order!

Understanding the "Max Retries Exceeded" ConnectionError on Kodi

Let's cut right to the chase, guys. The ConnectionError: Max retries exceeded that you're seeing on your 9Now add-on in Kodi isn't just a random cryptic message; it's Kodi's way of telling you there's a serious communication breakdown. Specifically, the error HTTPSConnectionPool(host='k.slyguy.xyz', port=443): Max retries exceeded with url: /.decryptmodules/modules.json indicates that your Kodi system, particularly the 9Now add-on, is trying to reach a specific server — k.slyguy.xyz — on port 443, which is standard for secure HTTPS connections. This k.slyguy.xyz host is a critical component, often associated with the SlyGuy repository, which provides essential modules and updates for many popular add-ons, including 9Now. The "Max retries exceeded" part means that your Kodi client made several attempts to establish this secure connection, but each try failed. It tried, and tried, and tried again, but got no response, eventually giving up.

The deeper cause, as revealed in your traceback, is a NewConnectionError('<urllib3.connection.HTTPSConnection object at 0x55646930>: Failed to establish a new connection: [Errno -2] Name or service not known'). This is the real clue, folks! [Errno -2] Name or service not known is a classic indicator of a DNS resolution problem. Think of DNS (Domain Name System) as the internet's phone book. When your device wants to connect to k.slyguy.xyz, it asks a DNS server for the numeric IP address associated with that name. If the DNS server can't find it, or if your device can't reach the DNS server, it gets this Errno -2. Without a proper IP address, your system literally doesn't know where to send its connection request, leading to the connection pool maxing out its retries.

So, why might this be happening? Well, there are a few usual suspects when you face a 9Now Kodi connection error. It could be something as simple as a temporary internet outage or a flaky Wi-Fi signal on your end. Maybe your router needs a reboot because its DNS cache is messed up. Sometimes, a firewall on your network or even on your Kodi device (especially if it's a Linux-based system like your Raspberry Pi) might be blocking the outgoing connection to k.slyguy.xyz. VPNs, while great for privacy, can sometimes interfere with DNS resolution or specific connections if configured incorrectly or if the VPN server itself is having issues. In some cases, the k.slyguy.xyz server itself might be temporarily down or experiencing maintenance, making it unreachable for everyone. And let's not forget the possibility of an outdated 9Now add-on or even an older Kodi version (like your Kodi 18.9 Leia running Python 2.7.16) struggling with modern connection protocols or dependencies that newer add-ons require. This kind of problem is super frustrating because it brings your streaming to a screeching halt, turning what should be a relaxing experience into a troubleshooting mission. But don't you worry, we're going to tackle these possibilities head-on and get you back to your shows!

Initial Troubleshooting Steps: The Basics of Resolving Connection Issues

Alright, before we dive into the deep end, let's start with the easy wins. When you're hit with a 9Now Kodi connection error and that dreaded max retries exceeded message, it's often something surprisingly simple that's causing the fuss. Think of these as your first line of defense—the quick checks that can often save you a lot of headache. Don't skip these, even if they seem obvious, because more often than not, the solution is right under our noses.

First things first, let's talk about your internet connection. I know, I know, it sounds basic, but seriously, is your internet actually working? Open a web browser on another device connected to the same network and try to load a few websites. If they're not loading, then bingo! Your internet is the culprit. A quick fix for this is often a router restart. Just unplug your modem and router from the power for about 30 seconds, then plug them back in. Give them a few minutes to fully boot up and re-establish their connection. This simple act can clear out temporary glitches, refresh IP addresses, and, crucially, flush the DNS cache on your router, which might be the underlying issue for that Errno -2 Name or service not known error. Trust me, guys, this works wonders more often than you'd think.

Next up, let's give Kodi itself a fresh start. Sometimes, Kodi, like any software, can get a bit bogged down or have a temporary bug. Simply exiting Kodi completely and then restarting it can resolve minor internal conflicts or network stack issues that might be preventing the 9Now add-on from making a successful connection. If you're running Kodi on a dedicated device like your Raspberry Pi, it's even better to restart the entire device. A full system reboot can clear out any lingering network issues at the operating system level, reinitialize all network services, and ensure everything is running smoothly from a clean slate. This is especially important for embedded systems like the Pi, which can sometimes benefit from a good old power cycle.

Now, let's focus on the 9Now add-on itself. Is it running the latest version? Outdated add-ons can sometimes struggle with changes in server infrastructure or rely on deprecated libraries that lead to connection failures. To check and update, navigate to Add-ons -> My add-ons -> Video add-ons -> 9Now. If an update is available (usually through the SlyGuy Repository), Kodi should prompt you, or you can manually check for updates. Ensuring your add-on is current means it has the latest fixes, protocol support, and correct server addresses, which is paramount for avoiding connection issues to k.slyguy.xyz.

Finally, consider your Kodi version. You mentioned running Kodi 18.9 Leia. While Leia was a fantastic release, it's getting a bit long in the tooth, especially when it comes to Python versions. Kodi 18.9 still primarily relies on Python 2.7.16, as noted in your environment details. Many modern add-ons, and their underlying dependencies, are rapidly transitioning to Python 3. This discrepancy can sometimes lead to unexpected errors, including network connection problems, if the add-on is trying to use Python 3-specific networking features that aren't properly emulated or supported in Python 2 environments. While upgrading Kodi isn't always an