VLC is a free media player that opens almost anything, including IPTV playlists. It has no TV guide and is not designed for daily channel surfing, but it is the fastest way to check a login or watch a channel on a computer.
Open your playlist
| Device | Steps |
|---|---|
| Windows / Linux | Media, Open Network Stream, paste M3U link, Play |
| Mac | File, Open Network, paste link, Open |
| Android | Menu, Stream, paste link |
| iPhone / iPad | Network, Open Network Stream, paste link |
Then open the playlist view to switch channels.
Tips
- Save the playlist (Media, Save Playlist to File) so you do not paste the link every time.
- If a channel stutters, raise Network caching to 1500 ms in Tools, Preferences, Show all, Input/Codecs.
- Use the search box in the playlist view to find a channel by name.
When not to use VLC
For everyday TV, a proper IPTV player with a guide and favourites is much nicer. See our best player apps.
Questions and answers
Can VLC play IPTV?
Yes. Open your M3U link as a network stream.
Does VLC show a TV guide?
No. Use a dedicated IPTV player for the guide.
How do I stop VLC buffering on IPTV?
Increase network caching in the advanced preferences.
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