IPTV Smarters desktop app
- Download the Windows or macOS version from the IPTV Smarters official website.
- Open the app and choose Login with Xtream Codes API.
- Enter your username, password and server URL exactly as sent.
PC/Mac guide
Installing IPTV Smarters Pro on PC and Mac
A quick way to set up your IPTV subscription on a computer, with stable access to live channels, VOD and series. Install IPTV Smarters Pro on PC or Mac with the official desktop app, or use VLC media player as an alternative for M3U playlists.
A Windows PC, MacBook or iMac is a good second screen for IPTV, whether you are working in another room or watching a match on a laptop at the kitchen table. IPTV Smarters Pro is a free player with no channels of its own, so you will also need the login from your IPTV subscription.
Two ways to watch on a computer
VLC media player (M3U)
- Install VLC from videolan.org.
- Go to Media → Open Network Stream (Mac: File → Open Network).
- Paste your M3U link and press Play. Use the playlist view to switch channels.
| Feature | IPTV Smarters desktop app | VLC media player |
|---|---|---|
| Login type | Xtream Codes or M3U | M3U link only |
| Live TV, films and series sections | Yes, separated | One long playlist |
| TV guide (EPG) | Yes, with Xtream Codes | No full programme grid |
| Catch-up | On supported channels | No |
| Best for | Everyday viewing | Quick testing of a link |
IPTV Smarters Pro on PC and Mac, step by step
- Download the desktop app. On the IPTV Smarters official website, open the downloads section and choose the Windows or macOS version.
- Install it. Windows: run the installer and follow the prompts. Mac: open the downloaded file and drag the app into Applications. Only accept installers from the official website.
- Open the app. Launch IPTV Smarters from the Start menu or Applications and accept the terms.
- Choose Login with Xtream Codes API. Select Login with Xtream Codes API. Use the M3U or playlist option only if your provider gave you a playlist link.
- Enter your details. Type any name, then your username, password and server URL exactly as sent, including http:// and the port, and select Add User.
- Test playback. Wait for live TV, films, series and the TV guide to load, then play a live channel and a film in a window and full screen.
The server URL normally looks like http://server-address:8080; copy it without a trailing slash. On
a computer you can paste the details, which avoids typos, but check no space has been copied at the end. The
Xtream Codes login section of our guide explains each field, and the
catch-up library on supported channels goes back up to 7 days.
Using VLC with an M3U link
VLC is useful when you want to check that a link works or you only have an M3U playlist. Paste the full link in one go: M3U links are long and easy to cut short. Large playlists can take a minute to load. For the pros and cons of each login, read Xtream Codes vs M3U playlist; for an everyday comparison of players, see TiviMate vs IPTV Smarters Pro.
Performance best practice
Network
Use Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi-Fi to reduce lag on sports channels.
App
Use an up-to-date version and restart the app after switching profiles.
Video quality
Match the quality to your real broadband speed to avoid buffering in the evening.
Allow about 10 Mbps for HD, 20 Mbps for Full HD and 30 Mbps for 4K per screen, as set out in our internet speed guide. Pause cloud backups and large downloads while you watch, and if a channel will not start, change the stream format or player in the IPTV Smarters Pro settings. Persistent errors are covered in our Xtream and M3U error guide.
IPTV Smarters Pro on PC and Mac FAQ
Is there an IPTV Smarters Pro app for Windows and Mac?
Yes. The IPTV Smarters official website offers desktop versions for Windows and macOS. Download them only from that website, not from third-party download sites.
Can I watch IPTV in a web browser instead?
Browsers cannot normally play an Xtream Codes login or M3U playlist on their own. Use the desktop app or VLC media player, both of which handle IPTV streams properly.
How do I play my M3U link in VLC?
Open VLC, go to Media > Open Network Stream on Windows or File > Open Network on Mac, paste the full M3U link and press Play. Open the playlist view to switch channels.
Does VLC show the TV guide?
Not in the same way as an IPTV player. VLC plays the channel list from an M3U link but has no full programme grid, which is why the IPTV Smarters desktop app with Xtream Codes is better for everyday viewing.
Can I watch on my laptop and my TV at the same time?
Only if your plan has two screens. Essential and Premium allow one screen playing at a time; Supreme allows two.
Why does IPTV stutter on my laptop?
Laptops on Wi-Fi far from the router are the usual cause. Plug in an Ethernet cable or use 5 GHz Wi-Fi, close other heavy downloads and check you have about 10 Mbps for HD or 20 Mbps for Full HD.
New to the app? Read our complete IPTV Smarters Pro guide, compare IPTV subscription plans or see how our IPTV service works.