Kodi as an IPTV Player
Kodi is a free, open-source media centre that runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android TV, Raspberry Pi, and many other platforms. Its PVR (Personal Video Recorder) IPTV system, via the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on, turns Kodi into a fully functional IPTV player with live TV, EPG, and channel management.
Kodi requires more initial setup than dedicated IPTV apps like TiviMate, but its flexibility and cross-platform support make it popular among advanced users.
Installing Kodi
Download Kodi from kodi.tv for your platform. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Raspberry Pi, and more. Install it normally and open it to complete the initial setup wizard.
Installing PVR IPTV Simple Client
- In Kodi, go to Add-ons (from the home screen or the main menu)
- Click the Package icon (open box icon) in the top-left
- Select Install from Repository
- Choose Kodi Add-on Repository
- Navigate to PVR Clients
- Find and click PVR IPTV Simple Client
- Click Install and wait for the confirmation notification
Configuring PVR IPTV Simple Client
- Go to Add-ons → My Add-ons → PVR Clients → PVR IPTV Simple Client → Configure
- Under the General tab, find the M3U Playlist URL field
- Change the location to Remote Path (Internet)
- Paste your VIP IPTV Club M3U URL
- Under the EPG Settings tab, add your EPG URL (XMLTV format) if you have one
- Click OK to save
- Restart Kodi when prompted
After restarting, Kodi will load your channels. Navigate to TV in the main menu to access live channels and the programme guide.
Viewing EPG in Kodi
With PVR IPTV Simple Client and an EPG URL configured, Kodi shows a full TV guide under TV → Guide. The guide displays channels in a grid format with current and upcoming programmes. Use the arrow keys to navigate the timeline and press Enter/OK to tune to a channel.
Tips for Using Kodi as an IPTV Player
- Add Kodi to startup with your preferred interface as a TV-mode launcher
- Install a TV-optimised Kodi skin like Estuary (default) or Titan Bingie for better remote navigation
- Set Kodi to auto-start in fullscreen under Settings → System → Display
- Use a wireless keyboard with touchpad for easy Kodi navigation without switching to a TV remote
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Kodi's PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on supports M3U playlist URLs. Simply enter your VIP IPTV Club M3U URL in the add-on settings under General → M3U Playlist URL.
For IPTV specifically, TiviMate provides a better user experience on Android TV and Firestick — faster channel switching, better EPG, and native recording. Kodi's strength is its cross-platform support and integration with other media libraries.
Kodi's PVR IPTV Simple Client does not natively support Xtream Codes API. Use your M3U URL instead. Some third-party Kodi add-ons support Xtream Codes but require additional installation steps.
Yes. Configure an XMLTV EPG URL in PVR IPTV Simple Client's EPG Settings tab. VIP IPTV Club provides an EPG URL in your welcome email.
Yes, Kodi is completely free and open-source. There are no fees for Kodi itself or the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on.