⚡ Quick answer:Install the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on from Kodi's official repository, enter your M3U playlist URL (and EPG URL) in its settings, restart Kodi, and your channels appear under Kodi's TV section.
Kodi isn't an IPTV player by default — it's a general media center that plays IPTV through an add-on called PVR IPTV Simple Client, which connects an M3U playlistto Kodi's built-in Live TV interface.
What You Need Before Starting
- Kodi installed on your device.
- Your M3U playlist URL from your IPTV provider.
- Your EPG (XMLTV) URL, if your provider supplies one separately.
Step 1: Install PVR IPTV Simple Client
- Open Kodi and go to Settings (gear icon) → Add-ons.
- Select "Install from repository" → Kodi Add-on repository → PVR clients.
- Select "PVR IPTV Simple Client" and click Install.
Step 2: Add Your M3U Playlist
- Go back to Add-ons → My add-ons → PVR clients → PVR IPTV Simple Client, then click Configure.
- On the General tab, set "M3U Playlist Location" to Remote path (internet address).
- Paste your M3U playlist URL into the field provided.
- Enable "Cache M3U at local storage" for faster loading on future launches.
Step 3: Add EPG Data
While still in the add-on's configuration, open the EPG Settings tab, set the XMLTV location to Remote path, and paste in your EPG URL. Click OK to save — Kodi will prompt you to restart, which is required for the changes to take effect.
Step 4: Find Your Channels
After restarting, go to the TV section from Kodi's main menu — your channels should now be listed under Channels, with the program guide accessible from the same section if your EPG loaded correctly.
Kodi vs a Dedicated IPTV Player
Kodi is a full media center — IPTV is one feature alongside local media playback and other add-ons — while apps like TiviMate or IPTV Smarters are built specifically around channel surfing. If IPTV is your main use case, a dedicated player is often simpler day-to-day; if you already use Kodi for other media, adding IPTV through it keeps everything in one place.
If Channels Don't Show Up
Double-check the M3U URL was entered correctly and that you restarted Kodi after saving — PVR add-on changes require a restart to take effect. If channels still don't appear, see our M3U playlist troubleshooting guide for further steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PVR IPTV Simple Client?
It's an official Kodi add-on that lets Kodi's Live TV section play channels from an M3U playlist, with optional XMLTV EPG support. It's the standard way to bring IPTV into Kodi, available directly from the Kodi add-on repository.
Do I need a separate EPG for Kodi?
Yes, generally. PVR IPTV Simple Client loads the program guide from a separate XMLTV URL entered in its EPG settings tab — your provider typically supplies this alongside your M3U playlist link.
Can I use Xtream Codes with Kodi?
PVR IPTV Simple Client itself is built around M3U and XMLTV rather than the Xtream Codes API directly. If you only have Xtream Codes credentials, check with your provider whether they can also supply an equivalent M3U playlist link and EPG URL for use with Kodi.
Is Kodi a good IPTV player compared to TiviMate or IPTV Smarters?
Kodi is a full media center with IPTV as one feature among many (local media, other add-ons), while TiviMate and IPTV Smarters are purpose-built IPTV players with a more streamlined channel-surfing interface. If IPTV is your main use case, a dedicated player is usually simpler; if you already use Kodi for other media, adding IPTV through it keeps everything in one app.
Why aren't my channels showing up after adding the playlist?
Double-check that the M3U URL was entered correctly in the General tab and that you restarted Kodi after saving, since PVR client changes typically require a restart to take effect. If channels still don't appear, see our M3U playlist troubleshooting guide.
Is Kodi free?
Yes, Kodi itself and the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on are both free and open-source. Neither includes any channels — you still need a separate IPTV subscription to have content to watch.
Need an M3U playlist to add? See our pricing page for current plans, or start with the free 24-hour trial.