Xtream Codes vs M3U: what is the difference?

When you order IPTV, you usually receive your access in two forms: an Xtream Codes login and an M3U link. Both open the same subscription, but they work differently inside your player app. This article explains the difference in plain words and tells you which one to use on each device.

What is an M3U link?

An M3U link is a single, long web address. It points to a playlist that lists every channel and video in your subscription, one after the other. You paste it into your app, the app reads the list and shows the channels.

Because it is just one address, an M3U link works in almost every player, including apps that are set up through a website with your TV’s MAC address, such as IBO Player, Hot Player and Smart IPTV.

What is Xtream Codes?

Xtream Codes is a login with three parts: a server address, a username and a password. Instead of reading one long list, the app asks the server for exactly what it needs: live TV, films, series and the programme guide, each in its own section.

The main differences

• Organisation: with Xtream Codes, apps usually separate live TV, films and series cleanly. With an M3U link, everything can arrive as one long list.
• Programme guide: Xtream Codes normally loads the guide automatically. With M3U, some apps need a separate guide address.
• Typing: an M3U link is long and hard to type with a TV remote. Xtream Codes has three short fields.
• Compatibility: M3U works in more apps, especially those set up through a website. Xtream Codes needs an app that supports it, which most modern players do.

Which one should you use?

• IPTV Smarters Pro and TiviMate: use Xtream Codes. See our IPTV Smarters Pro guide and TiviMate guide.
• IBO Player, IBO Player Pro, Hot Player and Smart IPTV: these apps use the list you add on their website, so the M3U link is the simplest choice. See the setup guides for each app.
• MAG boxes: neither. A MAG box uses a portal address linked to its MAC address. See the MAG guide.

If one method does not work on your device, try the other. Both give access to the same channels, films and series.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Adding a space before or after the username or password. Copy and paste the details when you can.
• Removing the port number from the server address, for example :8080.
• Pasting an M3U link into the Xtream Codes fields, or the other way round.
• Pasting only part of a long M3U link.

Keep your details private

Your Xtream Codes login and your M3U link are personal. Anyone who has them can use your subscription, which counts against the number of devices in your plan. Do not post them online or share them outside your household.