Android TV and Google TV run on many devices sold in the UK: TVs from brands such as Sony, Philips, TCL and Hisense, the Google TV Streamer, Chromecast with Google TV, and Android TV boxes such as the Nvidia Shield. They have access to the Google Play Store, which makes IPTV setup simple.

You will need: your Android TV or Google TV device signed in to a Google account, a connection to your broadband, and your IPTV login.

Step 1: Install a player app from Google Play

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your TV, or use Apps on the Google TV home screen.
  2. Search for a player such as TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro or IBO Player.
  3. Select Install.

TiviMate is popular on Android TV because its programme guide looks and works like a traditional TV guide. Some features in TiviMate and other players need a paid upgrade, so check the app's own pricing.

Step 2: Add your subscription

Open the app and choose Add playlist or Add user, then pick your login type:

  • Xtream Codes: enter the server address, username and password exactly as provided.
  • M3U: paste or type the playlist link.
  • MAC activation: note the MAC address and device key the app shows, and send both to your provider.

Give the playlist a name you will recognise, such as "King of Stream", and let the app finish loading.

Step 3: Set up the programme guide

With Xtream Codes, most apps load the programme guide automatically. With an M3U link, you may need to add a separate EPG address in the app's playlist or EPG settings.

Then check two settings:

  • Time zone: your device should be set to London time so that listings change with the clocks in March and October. Look under Settings, System, Date and time.
  • Guide update frequency: set the app to refresh the guide at least once a day.

Step 4: Tidy up your channel list

Most players let you hide channel groups you never watch and add favourites, so the channels you use most sit at the top. In TiviMate, for example, press and hold on a group or channel to see these options.

Tips for the best picture on Android TV

  • Connect by Ethernet if your device has a port. Many Android TV boxes do.
  • In the player's settings, try a different video decoder (hardware or software) if a channel stutters or shows a black screen.
  • Keep the app updated through Google Play.

Common Android TV problems

The app is not in Google Play on my TV

Some TV makers limit which apps appear in their store. Search for an alternative player, or plug a Fire TV Stick or Google TV Streamer into a spare HDMI port.

Channels load but the guide is empty

Refresh the EPG in the app, check the device's time zone, and see our login and programme guide fixes.