IPTV in Plex: add live channels with Plex Live TV
Add your IPTV channels to Plex Live TV and DVR using a tuner bridge, so they appear in Plex on every device. What you need, setup and guide tips.
Quick answer
Plex does not read M3U playlists directly. Run a tuner bridge such as Threadfin or xTeVe on your Plex server, give it your M3U and guide links, and add it in Plex as a network tuner. You need a Plex Pass for Live TV and DVR.
On this page
Plex users love having everything in one app. With a little setup, your IPTV channels can appear in Plex's Live TV section with a guide, on every device that runs Plex.
What you need
- A computer or NAS running Plex Media Server, on all the time.
- A Plex Pass (Live TV and DVR is a Plex Pass feature).
- A tuner bridge app (Threadfin or xTeVe) that presents your playlist as a network TV tuner.
- Your M3U link and guide (XMLTV) link.
Setup outline
- Install the tuner bridge on the same machine or network as Plex.
- Add your M3U and guide links in its web interface and choose the channels to include.
- In Plex, go to Settings > Live TV & DVR > Set up Plex DVR; it should detect the tuner.
- Map the guide, then open Live TV in any Plex app.
Every app on this page asks for the same thing: either an Xtream Codes login (server address, username, password) or an M3U playlist link. IPTV Trends sends both as soon as your payment clears. If an app offers both, use the Xtream Codes login: it loads the channel groups and the TV guide together. See M3U vs Xtream Codes.
Things to know
- Each channel you watch through Plex uses one connection from your plan.
- Plex may convert video, which needs a reasonably powerful server.
- If you only want live TV, a dedicated player is simpler: TiviMate setup guide.
Sources and official links
- TiviMate (official site)
- TiviMate on Google Play
- Plex Live TV & DVR support
- M3U playlist format (Wikipedia)
IPTV in Plex: questions and answers
Yes, through Plex Live TV with a tuner bridge such as Threadfin or xTeVe.
Yes, Live TV and DVR require Plex Pass.
It is better for one-app households; dedicated players are simpler for live TV.
