Key takeaway: Stremio does not play IPTV on its own. You add an IPTV add-on, paste your own M3U link or Xtream Codes login into its setup page, and then install the personal add-on link it creates. Live channels then appear inside Stremio next to your other content.
Stremio is a free media centre for Android, Android TV, Windows, macOS, Linux and some smart TVs. On its own it does not include IPTV. Instead, it works with add-ons: small online services that feed content into the app. A few community add-ons let you load your own IPTV playlist, which is why “Stremio IPTV” has become a popular search.
This guide explains how IPTV works inside Stremio, how to add your own playlist step by step, how to get a TV guide, what to watch out for, and when a dedicated IPTV player is the better choice.
Good to know: you still need an IPTV service. The add-on only reads the playlist or login you already have.
In this guide
How Stremio IPTV works
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Stremio app | The screen you watch on |
| IPTV add-on | Reads your playlist and passes channels to Stremio |
| Your M3U link or Xtream login | Comes from your IPTV service |
| EPG (guide) link | Optional; shows what is on now and next |
Two community add-ons listed on Stremio Addons support your own playlist:
- IPTV Catchup (M3U/EPG): live TV, a TV guide, catch-up, direct M3U or Xtream Codes, category filters and favourites. Its page says each user enters their own M3U and EPG links.
- M3U IPTV: loads M3U playlists or Xtream Codes content. Its page recommends deploying your own copy, because the shared demo is for testing only.
What you need
- Stremio installed on your device, free from stremio.com
- Your M3U link or Xtream Codes details from your IPTV service
- Your EPG (guide) link, if your service provides one
- About ten minutes
How to set up Stremio IPTV with your playlist
These steps follow the setup described on the IPTV Catchup (M3U/EPG) add-on page.
- Open the add-on’s page on Stremio Addons and choose Configure. The add-on needs to be configured before it works.
- On the setup page, paste your M3U link or enter your Xtream Codes details.
- Paste your EPG link if you have one.
- The page creates a personal add-on link for your playlist. Select Install, or copy the link.
- In Stremio, open Add-ons, paste the link in the search box if needed, and confirm Install.
- Open Discover or Board and choose the add-on’s TV catalogue to see your channels.
Getting the TV guide
The guide comes from the EPG link you paste in step 3. If channels show but the guide is empty, check that the link is correct and give it a few minutes to load. If programmes are an hour out, check the time zone on your device. Our IPTV EPG setup guide explains guide links in detail.
Safety tips for Stremio add-ons
- Use only your own playlist. Add-ons that promise free channels are a common source of broken streams and malware.
- Keep your login private. Your personal add-on link contains your playlist details, so do not share it.
- Prefer open-source add-ons with a public code page, such as the two above.
- Expect changes. Community add-ons can stop working if their server goes offline; a dedicated player does not depend on a third-party server.
Stremio or a dedicated IPTV player?
| You want | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Live TV with a full guide grid | TiviMate or OTT Navigator |
| Everything in one app with your other content | Stremio with an IPTV add-on |
| The simplest setup for a parent | IPTV Smarters Pro |
| Recording and catch-up you control | TiviMate Premium |
For most people who mainly watch live TV, a dedicated player is smoother and does not depend on an add-on server. Compare players in Xtream IPTV player.
Fixes for common problems
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Add-on installed but no channels | Configure it again and reinstall the personal link |
| “Failed to load” on some channels | That channel’s source; try another player to compare |
| Guide empty | Re-check the EPG link and the device time zone |
| Buffering | Use Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi; see IPTV buffering fixes |
| Add-on stopped working | Its server may be down; try later or use a dedicated player |
FAQ
Can Stremio play IPTV?
Yes, with an IPTV add-on that reads your own M3U link or Xtream login.
Is Stremio free?
Yes. Stremio’s website offers it for free; supporter plans add experimental features.
Does Stremio work on iPhone?
Stremio suggests using Stremio Web on iPhone and iPad, with more limited features.
Do I still need an IPTV subscription?
Yes. The add-on only reads the playlist or login from your IPTV service.
Does it count as a connection?
Yes. Watching in Stremio uses one connection on your plan, like any player.
Next steps
Need a playlist to use? See our guide to the best IPTV service, or learn the difference between M3U and Xtream Codes.
Free download
Firestick + IPTV Setup Checklist
Two printable pages: install, login, the settings that make it faster and quick fixes for buffering and an empty guide.
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