What you need
- An Android TV or Google TV device: a Smart TV with Android TV built in, a streaming box such as the Nvidia Shield, or a Google TV device such as the Google TV Streamer.
- A player app. See the best IPTV apps for Android TV.
- Your login: an Xtream Codes login, an M3U link or a portal address. How to set up IPTV explains the difference.
Step 1: install a player from Google Play
- Open the Google Play Store on the TV (on Google TV, search from the Apps tab).
- Search for the player by name, and check the developer name, because look-alike apps are common.
- Choose Install, then Open.
Players published for TV devices appear in the TV version of the store. Some phone-only apps don’t show up there at all.
Step 2 (only if needed): install from the developer
If your chosen player isn’t on Google Play, you can install it from the developer’s website using a downloader or file-manager app, after allowing that app to install others. How to sideload apps on Android TV and Google TV shows the steps and the precautions.
Step 3: add your login and TV guide
Open the player, add a playlist or profile, choose the matching login type and enter your details. Load the TV guide; with an Xtream Codes login it usually loads automatically. See how to add an EPG.
Settings worth changing
| Setting | Why | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Auto frame rate | Smooth motion on UK channels at 25 and 50 fps | The device’s display settings, or the player’s own option; see auto frame rate on Android TV |
| Audio output | Avoid silent channels with Dolby audio | The device’s sound settings; see no sound on IPTV |
| Stream format | Fix buffering or slow starts | The player’s settings; see HLS vs MPEG-TS |
| Wired connection | The most reliable picture | Use the device’s Ethernet port if it has one |
Keep it fast
- Keep storage free, and clear the player’s cache now and then. See Android TV storage full.
- Update apps and the system software.
- Avoid uncertified boxes that ask you to disable Play Protect. See Android TV box malware.