Xtream codes vs M3U playlist explained

When you set up a player app yourself you meet two terms: Xtream codes and M3U.

M3U playlist

An M3U playlist is a link to a file that lists channels and titles. You paste the link into the app and it loads the list. It is simple, but big lists can be slow to download, and some apps handle large files badly.

Xtream codes

Xtream codes are a login made of three parts: a server address, a username and a password. The app uses them to ask the server for channels, movies, series and the TV guide directly. For many apps this is faster and gives a neater layout.

Which should you use?

It depends on the app. Some apps work best with Xtream codes, a few need the M3U link, and some accept both. This is one reason we choose the method for you: we load your account into the app so you do not have to guess.

Common mistakes

• Typing a port number into the address when the app already adds one.
• Mixing up capital letters and lower case in the username or password.
• Leaving a space at the end of a pasted link.
• Saving the same playlist twice so the app shows duplicates.

FAQ