IPTV on Android TV and Google TV: set-up guide

Why Android TV is the easy case

Setting up IPTV on Android TV is simpler than on any other TV system, because the Google Play Store on the TV offers several IPTV players that are made for the remote control. There is nothing to sideload and no website to register on.

The same applies to Google TV, which is the newer interface on the same system, and to Android TV boxes such as the Nvidia Shield or the Xiaomi TV Box.

What you need

• an Android TV or Google TV device, connected to the internet;
• a Google account signed in on the device;
• your IPTV login: an Xtream Codes login (server address, username, password) or an M3U link.

No login yet? Request the free 24h IPTV trial and follow along with a working login.

Step 1: choose a player

Open the Play Store on the TV and search for one of these:

Player	Good to know
TiviMate	TV-style guide, fast zapping. One playlist in the free version, more features in the paid version
IPTV Smarters Pro or Smarters Player	Simple layout with live TV, films and series tabs
Televizo	Lightweight and straightforward
Kodi	A full media centre; IPTV needs an add-on

Store listings change over time and differ per country. If one player is not offered on your device, take another from the list. They all play the same subscription.

Step 2: install it

Select the player in the Play Store, choose Install and open it. On first start, allow the permissions it asks for, such as access to storage.

Step 3: add your subscription

With an Xtream Codes login (recommended, because it loads films, series and the guide automatically):

1. Choose Add playlist and then Xtream Codes.
2. Enter the server address including the port, your username and your password.
3. Give the playlist a name and confirm.

With an M3U link:

1. Choose Add playlist and then M3U playlist.
2. Enter the full link.
3. If the app asks for a programme guide address (EPG URL), enter the one from your provider.

Step-by-step versions with screenshots:

• how to set up TiviMate
• how to set up IPTV Smarters Pro
• how to set up IPTV on Kodi

Step 4: tidy up the channel list

A full subscription contains thousands of channels. Ten minutes of tidying makes daily use far more pleasant:

• Hide the country groups you never watch. Most players let you switch groups off.
• Create a favourites list with your regular channels.
• Set the start screen to live TV or to your favourites.
• Check the guide times and correct the time zone if programmes appear shifted.

An Android TV box instead of a Smart TV

If your television runs another system or is an older model, an Android TV box or stick turns it into an Android TV. Everything in this guide then applies. Read what is an Android box? and our suggestions for choosing a set-top box.

Some boxes run plain Android (the phone version) instead of Android TV. They work too, but apps are designed for touch and may be awkward with a remote. A box with certified Android TV or Google TV is the more comfortable choice.

If the player is not in your Play Store

You can install it by hand:

1. Install the Downloader app from the Play Store.
2. In the TV settings, allow Downloader to install unknown apps (Settings > Apps > Security & restrictions > Unknown sources; the exact path differs per brand).
3. Enter the download address from the player’s official website and install the file.

Tips for smooth playback

• Cable first. Use the Ethernet port if your device has one.
• 5 GHz Wi-Fi if a cable is not possible.
• Restart the device once in a while instead of leaving it in standby for weeks.
• Keep storage free. Remove unused apps.
• Match the buffer to your line. Some players let you choose a larger buffer, which helps on unstable connections.

Still stuttering? See buffering in IPTV: causes and fixes.

Next steps

During your trial evening, work through the IPTV test checklist. If you have a television from another brand, the overview how to set up IPTV on Smart TV points you to the right guide, and every tutorial is listed in the IPTV installation guides.