VLC is a free, open-source media player that runs on almost every platform. It doesn't have a full TV-guide grid, but it's the quickest way to check that a playlist URL works before you set up a dedicated IPTV player.
Windows
- Open VLC and choose Media → Open Network Stream (or press
Ctrl + N). - Paste your playlist URL into the network URL field.
- Select Play. VLC loads the playlist and starts the first channel.
- Open the channel list with View → Playlist (
Ctrl + L) and double-click a channel to switch.
macOS
- Open VLC and choose File → Open Network… (or press
Cmd + N). - Paste the playlist URL and select Open.
- Show the channel list with Window → Playlist and double-click to change channel.
Android
- Install VLC for Android from Google Play.
- Open the More tab and choose New stream.
- Paste the playlist URL and tap the arrow to start playback.
iPhone and iPad
- Install VLC for Mobile from the App Store.
- Open the Network tab and choose Open Network Stream.
- Paste the playlist URL and tap Open Network Stream.
If the playlist won't open
- Check that you copied the whole URL, with no spaces at the start or end.
- Open the URL in a web browser. If it downloads a file or shows text starting with
#EXTM3U, the link itself works. - If a single channel fails but others play, the problem is that channel, not your setup. Tell support which one.
- If nothing plays at all, work through our buffering and playback troubleshooting guide.
Next step: a proper TV player
Once you know the playlist works, move to a player built for live TV. It gives you a channel grid, favorites and a program guide. Our player app comparison and guide to choosing a player will help you pick one.