Confirm the two inputs
Kodi's official IPTV Simple documentation describes an M3U source for channels and XMLTV for programme data. Record which legitimate sources are configured without exposing private URLs. A working video establishes neither that XMLTV loaded nor that its entries map correctly.
Start with one channel and one expected programme in the supplied guide. Do not rebuild the entire list while the mapping question is still unknown.
Inspect identity rather than artwork
The documentation shows fields such as tvg-id and tvg-name in M3U metadata. Compare the relevant supplied identifier with the guide's channel identity using the developer's documented matching rules. A logo or nearly identical title is not reliable proof that two feeds are the same.
Regional, time-shifted or high-definition variants can have similar names. Ask the legitimate supplier which identifier belongs to the actual feed before editing it.
Separate missing data from wrong association
If the guide has no entry for the channel, an identifier change cannot create programme data. If it has data but the displayed schedule belongs to another feed, preserve that mapping evidence. If the entire guide is shifted by time, inspect timing separately.
Keep a copy of the original configuration through supported means. A speculative mass rename can break otherwise correct channels and obscure the one failing example.
Verify after a supported refresh
Use the add-on's documented refresh or reload process for the installed version. Check the same channel and expected programme, then one known working channel. An import finishing is not proof of correct association.
For support, share non-secret identifiers, app/add-on version and the observed mismatch, not full credential-bearing links. This article does not supply playlists, certify any service's XMLTV data or claim a performed Kodi/IPTV Canada test.
Use one known-good comparison
Keep a channel whose guide association already works as a reference. If a refresh breaks both the original example and the known-good channel, investigate the input or import stage before assuming the single identifier was wrong. This comparison reduces the risk of turning an isolated mapping problem into an unexplained whole-guide rebuild. Preserve the original working input before making a supported mapping correction.
Sources and scope
Scope notes distinguish published documentation, supplied information and editorial methods. They do not report a hands-on service test.
- Kodi PVR IPTV Simple Client — Official current Wiki excerpt: M3U sources, XMLTV guide source and identifier fields; not a claim that arbitrary services are supported.
- Kodi Live TV and PVR — Official current Wiki excerpt: front-end/add-on/backend roles and guide data distinction.
