To watch IPTV in Kodi, install the free PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on, paste your M3U playlist URL and EPG (XMLTV) URL into its settings, and open TV from Kodi's home screen. Kodi then shows live channels with a full programme guide. It works on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV, Fire TV and Xbox.
Step 1: Install the PVR IPTV Simple Client
- Open Kodi and go to Add-ons.
- Choose Install from repository → PVR clients → PVR IPTV Simple Client.
- Select Install (Kodi may also install dependencies).
The add-on's official documentation from Team Kodi describes every setting, including multiple M3U/EPG pairs since Kodi 20.
Step 2: Add your M3U playlist
- Open My add-ons → PVR clients → PVR IPTV Simple Client → Configure.
- Under General, set Location to Remote path (Internet address).
- Paste your M3U playlist URL — see M3U setup for what it looks like.
Step 3: Add the programme guide
- In the same settings, open EPG.
- Set Location to Remote path and paste your XMLTV URL. Our guide to adding an EPG URL explains where to find it.
- Select OK and restart Kodi.
Step 4: Watch
From the home menu choose TV → Channels or Guide. The first load of a large playlist can take a minute.
Recommended Kodi settings for live TV
| Setting | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Adjust display refresh rate | Settings → Player → Videos | Smoother sport |
| Channel group filtering | TV → Channels → group list | Hide countries you don't watch |
| Start playback minimised | Settings → PVR & Live TV → Playback | Keep the guide visible |
| Clear data | Settings → PVR & Live TV → General → Clear data | Fix stale guide or channels |
Fixing common Kodi IPTV problems
- No channels: check the M3U URL; make sure the add-on is enabled.
- Empty guide: add the XMLTV URL, then Clear data and restart.
- Guide times wrong: check Kodi's time zone and the add-on's EPG time shift.
- Buffering: try a wired connection — see the buffering checklist.
Kodi on a computer is covered in IPTV on Windows and Mac; on Linux see IPTV on Linux.
