How to Use Xtream Codes with Kodi (IPTV Simple Client Setup)

Kodi is a full media center with a plugin system, and Xtream Codes support comes through IPTV client add-ons rather than a built-in login. The most reliable option is the official PVR IPTV Simple Client, which turns Xtream Codes playlists into a live TV and guide experience inside Kodi.

What you need before you start

• Kodi installed on your device (Windows, Linux, Android TV, or another supported platform).
• The PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on.
• Your provider’s playlist URL (a get.php link) and EPG URL (an xmltv.php link).

Install an IPTV client

1. Open Kodi and go to Settings → Add-ons → Install from repository.
2. Under PVR clients, install PVR IPTV Simple Client.
3. Enable the PVR manager when prompted.

Only install add-ons from the official Kodi repository. Third-party “Xtream Codes” add-ons that ask for your credentials should be treated with suspicion.

Add your Xtream Codes playlist

The PVR IPTV Simple Client consumes an M3U playlist or an Xtream Codes API URL:

• Option A — M3U URL: get the get.php playlist URL from your provider (see Xtream Codes M3U) and paste it into the add-on’s M3U Playlist URL field.
• Option B — API URL: some providers support entering the Xtream Codes API URL directly. Both still rely on your host, username, and password embedded in the URL.

Open the add-on’s Settings → Configure and set the playlist URL, then restart Kodi.

Set up the guide

• In the add-on settings, set XMLTV URL to your provider’s xmltv.php URL (see Xtream Codes EPG).
• Enable the PVR and guide, then restart Kodi to populate channels and program data.
• If the guide shows “No information”, the tvg-id values in the playlist must match the EPG feed’s channel IDs — remap them in the add-on if the provider doesn’t align them.

Playback settings worth changing

• Enable hardware acceleration: in Settings → Player → Video, turn on hardware acceleration for smoother playback.
• Limit cache size: set a finite video cache to reduce memory use on weaker boxes.
• Use the Inputstream Adaptive add-on for adaptive-stream playback where your provider serves HLS.

Common Kodi problems

• Channels don’t appear after setup — restart Kodi after enabling the PVR; the add-on loads the playlist at startup.
• Guide stays empty — confirm the XMLTV URL is set and the feed is reachable; remap tvg-id mismatches.
• Streams stutter — enable hardware acceleration and limit the video cache.
• Kodi won’t install a third-party add-on — avoid it; “Xtream Codes” add-ons from unofficial repos are a common credential-theft vector. The official PVR client is all you need.

Keep it safe

• Use your own authorized account only.
• Your Xtream Codes playlist URL embeds your username and password — treat it like a password. See Xtream Codes security.
• Only install add-ons from the official Kodi repository.

Related reading

• Xtream Codes M3U — the playlist URL format Kodi consumes.
• Xtream Codes EPG — setting up the guide in a client.
• Xtream Codes setup — the general setup flow.