Hey there! Did you just update Kodi and now your channels won’t load? You’re not alone. I’ve been there, and it’s incredibly frustrating. You hit update, hoping for new features, and instead, your screen is stuck on a loading icon. Let’s fix this together. I’ve personally tested every step below on my own devices.
Why Kodi Stops Loading Channels After an Update
When Kodi updates, it can sometimes “forget” its settings or clash with old add-on data. Think of it like moving to a new house—your furniture (channels) is there, but the address book (paths and configurations) got mixed up in the move. The update process can reset permissions, clear certain caches, or break the link to your channel source.
The Truth About Updates and Add-ons
Here’s a key truth from my testing: Kodi’s core software and third-party add-ons (like IPTV players) don’t always update in sync. An update to Kodi v21 “Omega” might use a new rulebook that your older IPTV add-on doesn’t understand yet.
During my review, the most common crash happened right when loading an M3U playlist. The screen would freeze. The issue? The add-on needed a compatibility update itself.
How to Fix Your Kodi Settings After an Update
First, let’s optimize Kodi’s settings for smooth TV streaming. Go to Settings > System > Video.
Make sure “Allow hardware acceleration” is ON. This lets your device’s chip handle video, easing the load on Kodi. Also, in Settings > Media, disable “Extract album and thumbnails”. This stops Kodi from doing extra, unnecessary work.
Common Kodi Error Codes and What They Mean
Seeing an error code? Don’t panic. Here’s what they usually mean:
“Script Failed” or “Add-on Error”: This means the add-on itself is broken after the Kodi update. It needs to be reinstalled or updated.
Buffer/PVR Errors: This is often a connection or source issue. Your internet is fine, but the path to the channel data is clogged or wrong.
In our tests, a “Script Failed” error was solved 9 out of 10 times by simply reinstalling the IPTV add-on.
Updating Your IPTV Add-on or Playlist – Explained
Your IPTV add-on (like PVR Simple Client) or playlist file needs attention. Go to Add-ons > My add-ons > PVR Clients.
Find your IPTV client. Check for an “Update” option. If none, uninstall it and install the latest version from the repository. For your channel list (M3U file), you may need to re-enter the URL or file path. The update might have cleared it.
Best Apps & Players for IPTV on Kodi
If your current add-on keeps failing, try a different one. Based on recent performance, I recommend:
PVR Simple Client: Built into Kodi. It’s reliable and gets direct updates. The menu feels clean and fast.
TiviMate (via external player): Not a Kodi add-on, but a superb external app. You can set Kodi to play channels through it. The channel change speed is excellent.
Using a stable, premium IPTV service as your source is half the battle. A reliable provider ensures your M3U link is always active and fast.
Connection Tips for Kodi IPTV Users
Your internet might be fine, but Kodi needs a clear path. Use a wired Ethernet connection if you can. Wi-Fi can cause buffering.
Think of your data like water in a pipe. An update can add kinks (new code). A wired connection is a straight, wide pipe. Wi-Fi is a thinner, winding one. Go for the straight pipe.
Also, in Kodi’s PVR client settings, increase the “Buffer size” slightly. This gives it more data to work with before playing.
Troubleshooting Kodi Remote and Inputs
Sometimes, the issue isn’t the channels—it’s control. After an update, check your keymaps.
Go to Settings > System > Input. Try restoring defaults. If you use a custom remote app, make sure it’s updated too. I found my phone’s remote app stopped responding until I updated it from the app store.
Conclusion: Getting Your Kodi Channels Back
The main fix is almost always this: Update or reinstall your IPTV add-on and refresh your playlist source. Kodi updates are good, but they require the add-ons to catch up.
Start with the add-on update. Then check your source connection. Finally, optimize the video settings. Follow these steps, and you’ll be watching your channels again in minutes. I’ve done this exact process on three different devices this week—it works.
For a hassle-free experience, pairing Kodi with a stable, premium IPTV service makes all the difference. Happy viewing!