The best IPTV player for iPhone, iPad and Apple TV

Best IPTV apps on Apple devices

iPhone and iPad

1. Install IPTV Smarters or GSE Smart IPTV from the App Store.
2. Choose the Xtream Codes login, or add a remote playlist (M3U link).
3. Enter your details exactly as issued and add the guide link if your app asks for it.
4. Give the playlist a minute to load before you start browsing.

Apple TV

On Apple TV, GSE Smart IPTV and iPlayTV are the most capable players. iPlayTV in particular has a clean, native-feeling guide built for the Siri remote. Add your login once and the channels and guide fill in.

AirPlay from iPhone to TV

If you do not want to set up the Apple TV, start a stream in your iPhone player and tap the AirPlay icon. It is convenient for one programme; for regular viewing a player installed on the Apple TV is smoother.

Tips for smooth playback on Apple devices

• Keep iOS, tvOS and the player app updated.
• Use Wi-Fi on 5 GHz, or Ethernet on Apple TV models that have a port.
• Close other streaming apps on the same network during live events.

Apple devices and IPTV Trends

IPTV Trends lists Apple TV, iPhone and iPad among its supported devices, and its logins work in all of the players above. See the IPTV Trends app guide for every platform.

IPTV Smarters on iPhone and iPad

IPTV Smarters on iOS works much like on Android: choose the Xtream Codes login, enter the details and the app groups your channels and loads the guide. On an iPad the larger screen makes the guide genuinely useful, and the app supports picture-in-picture so you can keep a match playing while you use another app.

GSE Smart IPTV

GSE Smart IPTV is one of the longest-running IPTV players on Apple devices. It handles both remote playlists and Xtream logins, can load a separate guide link, and supports AirPlay and Chromecast. Its menus are denser than IPTV Smarters', which suits people who like control over sorting and playlists.

iPlayTV on Apple TV

iPlayTV is built specifically for Apple TV. It uses the Siri remote naturally, shows a proper programme guide and keeps favourites in sync with the TV interface. It is a paid app, but if Apple TV is your main screen it is one of the most comfortable ways to watch live channels.

Settings worth changing on Apple devices

Common problems on iPhone

• Stream stops when the screen locks: enable background audio or picture-in-picture in the player.
• No sound on some channels: switch the player's audio track or decoder in its settings.
• Login rejected: iOS can add a space after autocorrect; type the details manually.

Sources and official links

• Smart IPTV (official site)
• VLC media player (VideoLAN)
• Google TV Help
• Apple TV support

Best IPTV player for iPhone: questions and answers