App guide

Kodi IPTV Setup with PVR IPTV Simple Client

Kodi is a free, open-source media centre that can become a full live TV interface using its official PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on. You add your M3U and EPG links and Kodi builds a channel list and guide.

Kodi runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, Android TV and many streaming boxes. Its reputation has sometimes suffered from third-party add-ons, but Kodi itself and the PVR IPTV Simple Client are official, legitimate software. This guide uses only the official add-on repository.

Installing Kodi

Download Kodi from the official kodi.tv website or from your device's official app store, such as Google Play. Avoid pre-loaded "fully loaded" Kodi boxes, which often include unofficial add-ons of unknown origin.

Enabling the PVR IPTV Simple Client

1. Open Kodi and select the settings cog.
2. Go to Add-ons, then Install from repository, then Kodi Add-on repository.
3. Choose PVR clients and select PVR IPTV Simple Client.
4. Select Install and wait for confirmation. On some systems it is already installed and just needs enabling.
5. Open Configure. Under General, set Location to "Remote path (Internet address)".
6. Paste your M3U link into "M3U playlist URL".
7. Open the EPG settings and paste your XMLTV link into "XMLTV URL".
8. Select OK and restart Kodi so the channels and guide load.

Finding live TV

After restarting, a TV option appears in Kodi's main menu. Inside you will find Channels, Guide and, if supported, Recordings. The first guide load can take a few minutes. If the TV menu does not appear, go to Settings, then Interface, then Skin, then Configure skin, and make sure the TV menu item is enabled.

Useful settings

• Settings, then PVR & Live TV, then Guide: choose how many days to show and how often to update.
• Settings, then PVR & Live TV, then Playback: start playback minimised or full screen, and choose channel switching behaviour.
• Channel groups: the Simple Client uses groups from your playlist, so channels are organised automatically.
• Player settings: enable hardware acceleration where your device supports it.

Common Kodi IPTV problems

• "No PVR add-on enabled". The Simple Client is installed but disabled. Enable it in My add-ons.
• Channels load but the guide is empty. Check the XMLTV URL and use "Clear data" in PVR settings to force a fresh guide download.
• Changes do not appear. Kodi only reloads the playlist on restart. Close and reopen Kodi.
• Choppy playback on older boxes. Enable hardware acceleration and reduce skin animations.

Is Kodi right for you?

Kodi is powerful and customisable, and ideal if you already use it as a media centre for your own films and music. If you want something simpler, a dedicated IPTV app is quicker to set up. Our comparison of IPTV player apps can help you decide.

Kodi questions

Is Kodi legal?

Yes. Kodi is open-source software. What matters is the content and add-ons you use with it.

Can Kodi use an Xtream Codes login?

The PVR IPTV Simple Client uses M3U links. Ask your provider for the M3U version of your login.

Does Kodi work on Fire TV?

Kodi has been available for Fire OS devices, but check the current availability on your model, especially newer devices running Vega OS.

Install Kodi from official sources, enable PVR IPTV Simple Client, add your M3U and XMLTV links and restart. You get a full live TV guide inside Kodi.