How to Set Up PVR IPTV Simple Client in Kodi

Kodi is a free, open-source media centre for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and other platforms. With its official PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on, Kodi can show live TV from an M3U playlist with a full programme guide from an XMLTV file. This guide covers installation, settings, guide matching and the problems people hit most often.

What PVR IPTV Simple Client does

According to the Kodi wiki, the add-on uses the M3U playlist format as the source of live TV streams and the XMLTV format as the source of guide data. The project’s documentation adds that compressed XMLTV files (such as .xml.gz) are supported, and since Kodi 20 (Nexus) you can add more than one playlist and guide pair.

It does not read Xtream Codes logins directly. If your provider gives you only an Xtream Codes login, ask for the equivalent M3U and XMLTV links, or use a dedicated player instead.

Step 1: Install Kodi from the official source

Download Kodi from the official Kodi website or your device’s official app store. Avoid “pre-configured” Kodi builds from third parties: they often bundle unofficial add-ons that are insecure or give access to unlicensed content. See how to spot unsafe streaming apps.

Step 2: Install the add-on

The Kodi wiki gives this route:

1. Open Settings (the gear icon).
2. Select Add-ons → Install from repository.
3. Choose PVR clients.
4. Select PVR IPTV Simple Client and Install.

On some platforms the add-on is installed but disabled by default; select it and choose Enable.

Step 3: Add your M3U playlist

1. Open the add-on and select Configure.
2. On the General tab, set Location to Remote path (Internet address).
3. Enter your playlist URL in M3U playlist URL.
4. Leave Cache M3U at local storage on unless your provider’s playlist changes very frequently.

If you have the playlist as a file instead, choose Local path and browse to it.

Step 4: Add the TV guide (XMLTV)

1. Open the EPG tab in the add-on settings.
2. Set Location to Remote path and enter your XMLTV guide URL.
3. If guide times are off, adjust the EPG time shift.

Restart Kodi so it reloads both files. Live channels appear under TV on the home screen, and the guide appears in the Guide view.

How Kodi matches channels to guide data

The Kodi wiki explains that each channel in the M3U file can carry tags that link it to the guide:

• tvg-id should match the channel’s id in the XMLTV file.
• If tvg-id is missing, the add-on falls back to tvg-name and compares it with the channel’s display name.
• tvg-logo points to the channel logo.

If a channel shows no guide, the usual cause is a mismatched tvg-id. Our guide to adding an EPG URL shows what a matching pair looks like, and what is EPG? explains where guide data comes from.

Useful settings

Troubleshooting

“No channels” after setup

• Check the playlist URL by opening it in VLC; see opening an M3U playlist in VLC.
• Make sure the add-on is enabled.
• Restart Kodi after changing settings.

Guide empty or partly empty

• Confirm the XMLTV URL is correct and reachable.
• Check tvg-id values against the guide file.
• Use Settings → PVR & Live TV → Guide → Clear data (wording varies by Kodi version) to force a fresh download.

Playback stutters

• Use a wired connection where possible.
• Check Kodi’s Settings → Player → Videos for hardware acceleration options; toggling them can help on some devices.

Frequently asked questions

Does Kodi come with channels?

No. Kodi is an empty media centre. You add your own sources, such as an M3U playlist and XMLTV guide from your provider.

Can I use an Xtream Codes login with Kodi?

Not with PVR IPTV Simple Client, which reads M3U playlists and XMLTV guides. Ask your provider for those links, or use a dedicated IPTV player that supports Xtream Codes.

Why should I avoid Kodi “builds”?

Third-party builds bundle unofficial add-ons that can be insecure, break with updates or give access to unlicensed content. Install Kodi from the official site and add-ons from Kodi’s own repository.

Summary

Install Kodi from the official source, add PVR IPTV Simple Client from Kodi’s own repository, enter your M3U playlist and XMLTV guide URLs, and restart. Matching tvg-id tags is the key to a complete guide. For other computer-based options, see watching IPTV on Windows or Mac.