How to watch IPTV in VLC
Play your IPTV M3U playlist in VLC on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or iPhone. Step-by-step, how to find channels, and VLC's limits for live TV.
Quick answer
In VLC, choose Media > Open Network Stream (File > Open Network on Mac), paste your M3U link and press Play. VLC loads the channel list as a playlist. It does not show a TV guide, so for daily viewing a dedicated IPTV player is better.
On this page
VLC is free, everywhere and plays almost anything, which makes it a handy way to test an IPTV playlist.
Windows and Linux
- Open VLC and choose Media > Open Network Stream.
- Paste your M3U link and click Play.
- Open View > Playlist to browse channels.
Mac
- Choose File > Open Network.
- Paste the M3U link and click Open.
- Use Window > Playlist to see channels.
Android and iPhone
In VLC for mobile, open Network > Open Network Stream (Android) or Network > Open Network Stream (iOS) and paste the link.
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.
VLC limits
- No TV guide.
- Large playlists load slowly.
- No favourites or channel groups in the same way as IPTV apps.
For everyday use, try a real player: best IPTV player for Windows and Mac.
Sources and official links
IPTV on VLC: questions and answers
Yes. Open your M3U link as a network stream.
No. Use an IPTV player for a guide.
Large playlists are slow in VLC; dedicated IPTV players handle them better.
