Two Ways to Add a Playlist to TiviMate
TiviMate supports two playlist formats. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right one for your IPTV provider:
Method 1: M3U URL
A direct link to an M3U playlist file. Your provider gives you a URL that ends in .m3u or .m3u_plus. You paste it directly into TiviMate. EPG requires a separate XMLTV URL.
Method 2: Xtream Codes (Recommended)
Three credentials: server URL, username, password. TiviMate fetches channels, VOD, series, and EPG automatically from the provider's API. No separate EPG URL needed.
Recommendation: Always use Xtream Codes login when your provider offers it. It automatically includes EPG, VOD, and series — and requires no manual playlist updates when channels change.
Method 1 — Add M3U Playlist to TiviMate
- Open TiviMate on your deviceFire Stick, Android TV, or Android phone/tablet
- Go to Settings (gear icon) → PlaylistsFrom the main screen, navigate to the settings panel on the left
- Tap "Add Playlist" → Select "M3U Playlist"TiviMate will prompt you to choose the playlist type
- Enter a name for this playlist (e.g. "My IPTV")This label appears in TiviMate's playlist selector
- Paste your M3U URL in the "Playlist URL" fieldYour URL looks like: http://server.com/get.php?username=X&password=X&type=m3u_plus&output=ts
- Tap "Add" and wait for channels to loadLoading 50,000 channels takes 30–90 seconds on first load
- Add EPG URL separately under playlist settings → EPGYour provider sends an XMLTV URL for the guide — paste it here
Method 2 — Add Xtream Codes to TiviMate (Recommended)
- Open TiviMate → Settings → Playlists → Add PlaylistNavigate from the main settings panel
- Select "Xtream Codes"This option is below "M3U Playlist" in the add menu
- Enter a playlist nameE.g. "IPTV Service" — for your own reference
- Enter your Server URLFormat: http://server.iptv-service-subscription.us:port — provided by your IPTV service
- Enter your Username and PasswordThese are included in the credentials your provider sends via WhatsApp
- Tap "Add" — channels, EPG, and VOD load automaticallyNo separate EPG URL needed — Xtream API delivers everything
- Wait 2–5 minutes for the full channel list and EPG to populateTiviMate fetches 50,000+ channels and builds the EPG in the background
M3U URL Format Reference
If your provider gave you an M3U URL, the format determines which stream type you receive. Use the correct output parameter for your device:
# For Fire Stick / Android TV / TiviMate (best compatibility):
http://server.example.com/get.php?username=USER&password=PASS&type=m3u_plus&output=ts
# For Roku / Apple TV / Samsung TV (HLS required):
http://server.example.com/get.php?username=USER&password=PASS&type=m3u_plus&output=m3u8
Organizing Channel Groups in TiviMate
After loading your playlist, TiviMate displays all channel groups from your provider. With 50,000+ channels, you'll want to organize them:
- Settings → Playlists → [Your Playlist] → Channel GroupsOpens the list of all groups in your playlist
- Uncheck groups you don't needHide foreign-language groups or categories you never watch — they still exist but won't clutter your list
- Drag groups to reorder themPut USA Sports at the top, followed by locals, then entertainment
- Tap a group name to rename itRename "US | SPORTS" to "Sports" for cleaner navigation
Playlist Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Playlist not loading | Wrong URL or credentials | Verify URL/credentials with provider; check for typos |
| Channels load but no EPG | No EPG URL added (M3U method) | Add XMLTV URL in Settings → Playlists → EPG |
| Playlist loads but channels won't play | Subscription expired | Renew IPTV subscription; contact provider via WhatsApp |
| Playlist loading very slowly | Large playlist on slow connection | First load only — subsequent loads use cache and are faster |
| "Invalid credentials" error | Wrong username/password for Xtream | Copy-paste credentials from provider — don't type manually |
| Some channels missing | Channel group hidden or filtered | Settings → Channel Groups → verify all needed groups are checked |
| Playlist updates don't show | TiviMate using cached playlist | Settings → Playlists → Update Now |
Frequently Asked Questions
Open TiviMate → Settings → Playlists → Add Playlist. Choose between M3U URL (paste your M3U link) or Xtream Codes (enter server URL, username, and password). Xtream Codes is recommended as it automatically includes EPG and VOD.
M3U is a URL that delivers a static channel list file. Xtream Codes is an API login (server URL + username + password) that delivers live channels, VOD, series, and EPG dynamically. Xtream Codes is preferred in TiviMate as it integrates EPG automatically and supports catch-up TV with Premium.
Common causes: incorrect M3U URL or Xtream credentials, expired subscription, server temporarily down, or the playlist URL has changed. Verify credentials with your provider and try refreshing in TiviMate Settings → Playlists → Update.
TiviMate Free supports 1 playlist. TiviMate Premium supports up to 10 playlists simultaneously. You can switch between playlists from the main menu without losing settings for each one.
Go to TiviMate → Settings → Playlists → Channel Groups. You can show/hide groups, reorder them by dragging, and rename them. Hidden groups still exist but won't appear in your channel list.
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