What you need
- VLC media player from the official site, videolan.org (free, Windows, macOS and Linux)
- Your M3U playlist link from your welcome message. See M3U playlists
Opening your playlist in VLC
Windows and Linux
- Open VLC and select Media > Open Network Stream (or press Ctrl + N).
- Paste your M3U link into the network URL box.
- Select Play. VLC loads the playlist and starts the first channel.
- Open View > Playlist (Ctrl + L) to browse and search channels.
Mac
- Open VLC and choose File > Open Network.
- Paste your M3U link and select Open.
- Open Window > Playlist to browse channels.
Saving the playlist for next time
Once loaded, choose Media > Save Playlist to File (Windows) to keep a local copy. Remember that the file contains your login details, so keep it private. If we change the channel line-up, reload from the original link.
Limits of VLC for IPTV
VLC is a brilliant player but a basic IPTV app:
- no TV guide (EPG)
- no channel logos or categories in an easy-to-browse grid
- no catch-up or recording features designed for IPTV.
For everyday viewing on a computer, a dedicated player is nicer. See IPTV on Windows and Mac or set up Kodi.
If a channel won’t play in VLC
- Try another channel. If one works, your setup is fine.
- Increase the network cache. In Tools > Preferences > Show settings: All > Input / Codecs, raise Network caching to 3000 ms.
- Check the link. It must be pasted in full, including
http://. - Check you are not over your screen limit. See multi-screen plans.