The IPTV Simple Client add-on in Kodi allows you to load one or more M3U playlists and watch free IPTV channels directly through Kodi’s powerful live TV feature. By adding multiple playlists, you can access thousands of channels from around the world, including news, sports, movies, and entertainment, all in one place.
An M3U file is a simple format that stores links to various media streams, making it easy to organize and enjoy your favorite content.
This tutorial also includes a list of free M3U playlists you can use to start watching right away.
Here are the instructions on how to install IPTV Simple Client:
- Launch Kodi
- Click Add-ons
- Click the add-on browser icon
- Click Install from repository
- Click Kodi Add-on repository
- Click PVR clients
- Click IPTV Simple Client
- Click Install
- Wait until you see Add-on installed message
After installing the add-on, you have two options for configuration. The first is with a remote path, which is the URL of an M3U playlist available online. The second is with a local path, which points to an M3U file stored on your device. If you also have an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) URL or file, you can add it in the same settings section to display TV schedules and program information for your channels.
Here is how to configure IPTV Simple Client using remote path:
- Click IPTV Simple Client
- Click Configure
- Change Location to Remote Path (Internet address)
- Click M3U Play List URL
- Enter the URL of the M3U playlist you want to load, and click OK
- Click OK in the IPTV Simple Client settings menu
- Go back to the Kodi homepage
- Click the power options icon
- Click Exit
- Launch Kodi
- Wait until you see a message that all the channels were loaded
- Click TV
Later in the tutorial, you can find our list of M3U playlists.
Here is how to configure IPTV Simple Client using local path:
- Click IPTV Simple Client
- Click Configure
- Change Location to Local Path (include Local Network)
- Click M3U Play List URL
- Choose the M3U file you want to load, and click OK
- Click OK in the IPTV Simple Client settings menu
- Go back to the Kodi homepage
- Click the power options icon
- Click Exit
- Launch Kodi
- Wait until you see a message that all the channels were loaded
- Click TV
Here is how to configure EPG :
You can use either a remote XMLTV link or a local XMLTV file for your EPG source.
- Click IPTV Simple Client
- Click Configure
- Hover over EPG
- If you have an EPG URL
- Click XMLTV URL and enter the URL of the EPG, and click OK
- If you have an EPG file
- Click Location
- Click XMLTV path and choose the EPG file you want to load, and click OK
- Click OK in the IPTV Simple Client settings menu
- Go back to the Kodi homepage
- Click the power options icon
- Click Exit
- Launch Kodi
- Wait until you see a message that all the channels were loaded
- Click TV
How to add an additional M3U playlist:
- Click IPTV Simple Client
- Click Configure
- Click Add add-on configuration to add another playlist
How to manage channels and groups:
An M3U playlist can contain many channels you don’t need and other channels you often use. Therefore, managing the channels that appear in the list of channels is essential. It can be done by arranging them by groups, so it is easier to filter the needed ones. Also, other ways like hiding unwanted channels, hiding unwanted groups, and adding channels to favorites will help you get a better live TV experience.
Hide unwanted channels from the list
- Launch Kodi
- Click TV
- Click the menu button
- Click Manage…
- Click Channel manager
- Hover over the channel you want to hide
- Click Active to disable it
- Click OK
Hide unwanted groups
- Launch Kodi
- Click TV
- Click the menu button
- Click Manage…
- Click Group manager
- Hover over the group you want to hide
- Click Hide group to enable it
- Click OK
Add a favorite channel to favorites
- Launch Kodi
- Click TV
- Hover over the channel you want to add
- Click the menu button
- Click Add to favourites
The Favourites are located under the Kodi home page.
Using M3U playlists has several advantages over regular live TV add-ons:
- The live TV feature in Kodi is based on M3U playlists, making it ideal for watching IPTV. It includes useful functions such as recently played channels, recording, built-in EPG support, power saving, parental controls, and more.
- You don’t need to install any additional add-ons.
- The playlist is played directly by Kodi without any third-party interference, which can improve stream stability.
- You can replace your current playlist at any time by simply changing the URL or file.
Where can I find free M3U playlists?
You’re now ready to stream live TV with the IPTV Simple Client on Kodi. If you’re wondering where to find reliable and regularly updated free M3U playlists, check out our detailed guide for the best free M3U playlists. It includes curated links that work seamlessly with any IPTV player, such as Kodi.
