IPTV on a Windows PC or Mac
On a computer you have two options. A player with Xtream Codes support gives you everything: live channels, films, series and the EPG. VLC with an M3U link is more basic, with live channels only, but it is free and you may already have it. This page covers both.
Have this ready
What you need depends on the route you choose.
- A Windows PC or Mac that is connected to the internet
- A player that supports Xtream Codes, or VLC media player for the M3U route
- Our WhatsApp message with your server URL, username and password
- For VLC: your M3U link; don't have it? Ask us on WhatsApp
Five steps on the computer
Choose your route in step 1; the other steps follow from it.
Decide which route you take
With a player that supports Xtream Codes, such as IPTV Smarters Pro for Windows, you fill in three fields and get films, series and the EPG as well. With VLC you use an M3U link and only get the live channels.
Install the player
Download it from the developer's official website, the Microsoft Store or the Mac App Store. VLC comes from videolan.org. Stay away from download sites that redirect you to installers from somewhere else.
Log in with Xtream Codes, or open a network stream in VLC
In an Xtream Codes player, enter a playlist name, username, password and server URL. In VLC, open the Media menu, choose the option to open a network stream and paste your complete M3U link.
Give the channel list time to load
The first load can take up to a minute with a large list. In VLC the channels appear in the playlist window; if you don't see it, open it with the playlist shortcut.
Save your favourites
Mark the channels you watch most as favourites. In VLC, save the playlist on your computer so you don't need to paste the link each time, and update that file when channels change.
Xtream Codes player or VLC: the trade-off
Both get you watching. The difference is what you see.
A player with Xtream Codes follows a fixed protocol with the server. It can tell live TV, films and series apart, load the EPG and update the list when channels change. You fill in server URL, username and password in separate fields.
VLC is a general media player, not an IPTV app. It reads an M3U list as separate streams: channels yes, but no guide, no categories and no automatic updates. In return it is free, runs on every PC and Mac and needs nothing else.
Our advice: treat the computer as a second screen, or as a quick way to test your subscription. For everyday watching on the TV, a Fire TV Stick or an Android TV box suits better, with a remote and a layout made for the sofa.
Windows and Mac problems and fixes
The five situations we hear about most from computer users.
VLC opens, the playlist is empty
Make sure you pasted the whole M3U link and that no line break crept in, which often happens when you copy from a chat message. Open VLC's playlist window yourself, because it doesn't always appear on its own.
The channels are listed but won't play
Try another channel to rule out a single stream. If they all stay black, the link or password is wrong or no longer valid. Ask us to check your details before you dig any further.
There is no EPG in VLC
VLC treats an M3U list as a set of loose streams and has no TV guide. That is how this route works, not a problem with your subscription. For a guide, use a player with Xtream Codes support.
The laptop stutters while the phone plays fine
On battery, a laptop often slows its Wi-Fi to save power, and Windows power settings also hold back the processor. Plug in the charger, and use a network cable or USB network adapter where you can.
A VPN or firewall blocks playback
Turn the VPN off and try again. It sends your traffic through another country, which slows or blocks the stream. Still blocked? Give the player network access in your firewall settings.
More guides that might help
Using a different device? Take a look at the full list of setup guides.
Can't get it working?
Message us on WhatsApp. Tell us which device you're using and what's on your screen, and we'll help you finish the setup.
Ask for help on WhatsApp