LG Smart TVs use LG’s own webOS system. Like Samsung’s Tizen, it doesn’t run Android apps, so you pick from the IPTV players LG offers in its app store rather than installing whatever you like. In practice that’s fine: the Smart TV players available on webOS are designed exactly for this job and set up in a few minutes.
Before you start: check your LG TV
Press the Settings button, then open All Settings → General → About This TV (or Support → TV Information on some models). You’ll see the model and the webOS version. Recent webOS versions run IPTV players smoothly. If your TV is old or struggles with other apps, a Fire TV Stick plugged into a spare HDMI port will usually be faster than the TV’s own processor.
While you’re in settings, it’s worth making sure the TV is on the latest software: Settings → General → About This TV → Check for updates.
IPTV apps for LG webOS
| Player | How you add your login | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SmartOne IPTV | Web portal using the TV’s MAC address | Free trial, then a one-time fee per TV | Modern layout, supports Xtream Codes and M3U |
| Smart IPTV | Upload a playlist on the developer’s website | Free trial, then a one-time fee per TV | Lightweight and simple |
| SS IPTV | Add a playlist link, or upload a file with a code | Free | One of the first IPTV apps on LG |
| Other webOS players | Varies | Varies | Worth trying if the above aren’t listed for your model |
LG’s catalogue varies by country and TV model, and individual apps are sometimes withdrawn and later return. Prices are set by the app developers and can change, so check in the app before paying.
How to set up IPTV on an LG Smart TV
Connect to your network
Use an Ethernet cable if your router is nearby. Otherwise open Settings → All Settings → General → Network (or Connection → Network on newer models) and join your router’s 5 GHz Wi-Fi network.
Install a player from the LG store
Press Home, open Apps (or LG Content Store), select the search icon and type the player’s name. Choose Install, then Launch.
Write down the MAC address
The player’s first screen shows your TV’s MAC address, and sometimes a device key. Photograph it with your phone so every character is correct.
Add your login on the developer’s website
On your phone or computer, open the player developer’s official website and go to its playlist upload or device management page. Enter the MAC address and key, then paste your M3U playlist link or enter your Xtream Codes server, username and password exactly as we sent them. Add the TV guide (EPG) link as well if the page has a field for it.
Restart the player
Close the app on the TV and open it again, or choose Reload. Your channels load within a minute or two. Build a favourites list and hide categories you don’t use.
LG settings that make IPTV smoother
- Turn off Quick Start+ if the app misbehaves. It keeps the TV partly awake so it starts faster, but it also keeps apps in memory. If the player forgets channels or freezes after standby, switch it off so the TV starts fresh.
- Picture mode. Standard or Cinema gives the most natural picture for TV and films. Avoid Vivid, which exaggerates colour.
- TruMotion. Smooth or Natural suits live sport. Many people turn it off for films.
- HDMI Ultra HD Deep Colour only matters for an external stick or box. Turn it on for that HDMI input to allow 4K HDR (see our 8K and 4K guide).
- Time and date. Set to automatic in Settings → General → System → Time & Date so the programme guide lines up correctly.
LG TV app or a streaming stick?
The LG app is the tidiest option: one remote, no extra power socket and no cables. A stick or box is worth adding if your TV is older, if you want TiviMate’s grid guide, or if you’d like recording. The same subscription works on both, so you can start with the TV app and add a stick later without changing anything.
LG IPTV troubleshooting
The player isn’t in the LG store
The catalogue depends on your model and country. Try another player from the table. If none are listed, a Fire TV Stick or Android TV box works with every plan.
Channels disappear after standby
Turn off Quick Start+, unplug the TV from the wall for a minute, then plug it back in and open the player. This clears the app from memory completely.
The playlist won’t load
Compare the MAC address on the website with the one on the TV character by character, and make sure the full link was pasted. If you changed anything on the website, restart the player on the TV to download the update.
Buffering during busy evenings
TV Wi-Fi is usually weaker than a stick’s. Use a cable, or move the router closer. Then follow the steps in our buffering and freezing guide.
Try it on your LG TV
Request a free trial and install a player from the LG store to see how your TV handles live TV and the guide.