M3U vs Xtream Codes: What Is the Difference?

M3U is a playlist link. Xtream Codes is a login (server URL, username and password) that also loads the guide and the movie sections. If your player supports Xtream Codes, use it; use M3U for simple players.

When you get an IPTV subscription you usually receive login details in one of two forms: an M3U playlist link or an Xtream Codes login. Both give a player app access to your channels. They work differently.

M3U playlist link

An M3U file is a list of channels, each with a name, a logo and a stream address. The link points to that list. It looks like this (example only, not a real address):

• Works almost everywhere, including VLC and simple players.
• One big file. Loading can be slow when the list is large.
• The guide is separate. You may need to add an EPG link yourself.
• Movies and series may be mixed into the same list.

Xtream Codes login

Xtream Codes is a login method. You enter three things: a server URL, a username and a password. The app asks the server for live channels, movies, series and the programme guide in separate requests.

• Faster and tidier. Categories load on demand.
• Guide included. The EPG normally works without extra set-up.
• Cleaner movie and series sections.
• Supported by the best apps such as TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro.

Which one should you use?

How to enter them

1. Open the player app and choose Add playlist or Login.
2. For Xtream Codes, pick that option and type the server URL, username and password exactly as given, including the port number.
3. For M3U, paste the full link. Do not add spaces at the start or end.
4. Wait for the channel list to load, then check the guide.

Keep your details private

Your username and password identify your subscription. Do not post them online or share them: sharing can get an account suspended. If the app says the login failed, check for typos and the port number, then ask support. App-specific steps are on our device set-up guides and in the Firestick tutorial.