Kodi and IPTV
Kodi is free, open-source software available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Android TV and Fire TV. It contains no channels: the TV section is activated when you install a “PVR client”. For an M3U playlist, the official client is PVR IPTV Simple Client, found in Kodi’s official repository.
Installing PVR IPTV Simple Client
- Open Kodi, then Settings (the cogwheel) → Add-ons.
- Choose Install from repository → Kodi Add-on repository.
- Open PVR clients → PVR IPTV Simple Client → Install.
Stay on the official repository: add-ons from third-party repositories are often the gateway to pirated content and malware.
Adding the M3U playlist
- In the add-on, open Configure.
- General tab: Location = “Remote path (Internet address)”, then paste the address of your M3U playlist. For a file on the device, choose “Local path”.
- Confirm. If you have Xtream access, use its M3U address, see the Xtream Codes API.
Adding the programme guide (EPG)
- EPG settings tab: paste the XMLTV address supplied with your playlist.
- Adjust the time shift if programmes are offset.
- Restart Kodi: the TV section shows the channels and the guide.
Is the guide empty? The tvg-id identifiers in the playlist must match those in the XMLTV file. See the EPG and XMLTV.
Useful settings
| Setting | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Channel logos (Channel Logos tab) | Shows logos if the playlist does not supply any |
| Playlist refresh | Picks up changes to stream addresses |
| Channel groups | Reuses the group-title categories from the playlist |
| Playback caching | More stability on a weak network |
Quick troubleshooting
- No channels: check the playlist address in a browser or in VLC.
- “PVR client failed”: restart Kodi, then disable and re-enable the add-on.
- Stuttering: switch to Ethernet, see Wi-Fi, Ethernet or powerline.
Kodi or a dedicated IPTV player?
Kodi is highly customisable but takes time to set up, especially with a remote. For an immediate setup with films, series, favourites and sync between phone and television, AICKO IPTV is free, reads Xtream and M3U directly and is set up with a pairing code.
In short
- Kodi plays IPTV with the official PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on.
- It is installed from Settings, Add-ons, Kodi Add-on repository, PVR clients.
- You add the M3U playlist address, then the XMLTV address of the guide.
- Stay on the official repository to avoid pirated and malicious add-ons.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kodi legal?
Yes, Kodi is free, legal software. Third-party add-ons that give access to pirated content, however, are not.
How do I add an M3U list in Kodi?
Install PVR IPTV Simple Client, open Configure, and paste the playlist address in the General tab.
Why is the programme guide empty in Kodi?
The XMLTV address is missing or the tvg-id identifiers do not match. Check the EPG settings tab and restart Kodi.
Does Kodi read Xtream codes?
With PVR IPTV Simple Client, use the M3U address derived from your Xtream access.
