Kodi + Xtream Codes: Setup Guide
How to use Xtream Codes with Kodi: install an IPTV client add-on, add your portal or M3U playlist, set up the guide, and configure playback.
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.
Install an IPTV client
- Open Kodi and go to Settings → Add-ons → Install from repository.
- Under PVR clients, install PVR IPTV Simple Client.
- 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.phpplaylist 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.phpURL (see Xtream Codes EPG). - Enable the PVR and guide, then restart Kodi to populate channels and program data.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kodi support Xtream Codes natively?
No. Core Kodi has no built-in Xtream Codes login. You add an IPTV client add-on — most commonly the official PVR IPTV Simple Client — and point it at your Xtream Codes playlist URL or API endpoint.
How do I add my Xtream Codes playlist to Kodi?
Use the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on and set its M3U playlist URL to the get.php URL from your provider, or paste the full playlist URL into the add-on's settings. See the M3U guide for the URL format.
Which Kodi add-on should I use?
Start with the official PVR IPTV Simple Client from the Kodi repository. Third-party Xtream Codes add-ons exist, but only install add-ons from trusted repositories.
How do I get the EPG working in Kodi?
In the PVR IPTV Simple Client settings, set the XMLTV URL to your provider's xmltv.php URL and enable the guide. See the EPG guide for the URL format.
References
Written by
Alex CarterTechnical Writer & IPTV Technology Analyst
Alex Carter is a technical writer and streaming-technology analyst with over a decade of experience documenting IPTV infrastructure, media player software, and streaming protocols. Alex has worked hands-on with Xtream Codes, M3U, and EPG tooling across Fire TV, Android, and smart-TV platforms, and writes approachable guides that respect both the reader's time and the legal boundaries of streaming technology.
- 10+ years documenting streaming and IPTV technologies
- Practical experience with Xtream Codes, M3U, EPG, and player software
- Focused on accurate, sourced, and privacy-respecting guidance
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