How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (2024)

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (1)

The following tutorial will show you how to install M3U files on any device for watching live TV channels. We also rank the best playlists following the setup instructions.

An M3U playlist is a text file that stores a list of media files, often for streaming live channels, on-demand content, or even music. This file format facilitates playback on video players for flawless streaming.

These playlists are best known in the context of IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), where they are used to compile thousands of live channels and VOD content streamed over the Internet.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (2)

Oftentimes, live TV services will provide these playlists to its customers as an easy way to access channels through an IPTV player. This is especially common if a live TV provider does not offer Xtream Codes API login.

While there are thousands of free URLs floating around on the Internet, most of them are either not working or don’t have the proper licensing to broadcast channels legally.

Below you will find step-by-step instructions for setting up these files on an Amazon Firestick. However, this process will work on Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV, IPTV boxes, and other devices.

Table of Contents

Legal Disclaimer: TROYPOINT does not develop, operate, host, distribute, or administer any streaming application, add-on, website, or service. Furthermore, we cannot determine the legality of any streaming platform reviewed on this website. TROYPOINT specializes in educational tech reviews, tutorials, and news which is protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The end-user is solely responsible for media accessed and TROYPOINT assumes that all visitors are abiding by copyright laws set forth within their jurisdiction. Users should only stream works not protected by copyright when using unverified streaming solutions.


  • How to Setup M3U Files
    • Add More Channels
  • Best M3U Playlists
    • 1. IPTV Org
    • 2. Samsung TV Plus
    • 3. XUMO
    • 4. Redbox TV
    • 5. Tubi
  • More Playlists
  • Wrapping Up
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • What are the Best M3U Playlists?
    • What is an M3U Playlist?
    • Are M3U Playlists Legal?
    • Are They Safe?
    • What Live TV Players Work with Playlists?
    • Can I Create My Own M3U File?

How to Setup M3U Files

1. Install Downloader from your device’s app store and turn on Unknown Sources from Settings. Use the guide below for more details:

Install Downloader on Firestick

2. Open the Downloader app.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (4)

3. From the home screen, select the URL Menu bar.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (5)

4. Type 250931 which is a Downloader Code to access the TROYPOINT Toolbox.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (6)

5. Wait for the page to launch.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (7)

6. From the TROYPOINT Toolbox, scroll down to find IPTV Smarters and click Download.


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How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (8)

7. The application will begin to download.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (9)

8. When prompted, click Install.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (10)

9. When you see the IPTV Smarters Ready to launch message, select Open.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (11)

10. You will then encounter the IPTV Smarters home page. Select the device you are using and click Save.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (12)

11. Choose Load Your Playlist or File/URL.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (13)

12. Click Allow.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (14)

13. Enter a Playlist Name of your choice and for Playlist type, select M3U URL.


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How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (15)

14. Click Input M3U line.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (16)

15. Type your preferred playlist from the list above and click Go. In this example, we are using the Tubi TV Playlist.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (17)

16. Select Add User.



How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (19)

17. You will then see User added successfully! Channels will begin to download.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (20)

18. You are now presented with the IPTV Smarters home screen. Select Live TV.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (21)

19. Your M3U Playlist is now available with all live channel options.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (22)

Add More Channels

One of the best features of IPTV Smarters is the ability to add several playlists so you can access even more live channels! Follow the quick steps below for adding additional options.

1. Return to the Smarters home screen and select Switch User.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (23)

2. Click Add User.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (24)

3. Repeat the process as displayed above. You can do this for as many Playlist URLs as you wish. Enjoy!

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (25)

Continue reading for more details on the best playlists. We ranked these options based on channel selection, categories, source quality, playback, on-demand content, and feedback from users on Reddit.

Best M3U Playlists

1. IPTV Org

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (26)

“IPTV Org” is one of the most popular playlists available with over 10,000 live channels in a variety of categories. This is hosted on GitHub and is publicly available to anyone using an IPTV player.

Notable channels offered by “IPTV Org” include AFV, PBS, LOL Network, Pluto TV networks, Adult Swim, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, and thousands more. Unfortunately, there is no on-demand content available, but this is common among most free options.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (27)

According to the GitHub developers, the channels offered in this playlist are legal to stream on any device. However, users should always use caution with unverified streaming options as our reviews team can’t confirm that “IPTV Org” is 100% legal.

Highlights

  • Playlist URL: https://iptv-org.github.io/iptv/index.m3u
  • Source: GitHub
  • Number of Channels: Over 10,000
  • VOD: No
  • Categories:News, Entertainment, Sports, Comedy, Classic, US, and International
  • VPN-Friendly: Yes

2. Samsung TV Plus

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (28)

Samsung TV Plus is a live TV platform owned by Samsung Electronics that launched in 2015. This playlist provides more than 1,500 live channels and also hundreds of on-demand movies and TV shows!

Some popular channels offered by Samsung TV Plus include CNN, Bloomberg TV, CBS News, LiveNow, ABC News, Hallmark Movies, SportsGrid, Million Dollar Listing, and Tiny House Nation.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (29)

If you own a Samsung Smart TV from 2017 onwards, this service may be pre-installed already. We suggest visiting our Samsung TV Plus tutorial for more details on this free platform.

Highlights

  • Playlist URL: https://i.mjh.nz/SamsungTVPlus/all.m3u8
  • Source: Samsung TV Plus
  • Number of Channels: Over 1,500
  • VOD: No
  • Categories:International, News, Entertainment, Comedy, Crime, Sports, and Finance
  • VPN-Friendly: Yes

3. XUMO

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (30)

While best known for its “XUMO Play” application, the XUMO playlist comes with over 350 live channels in a diverse group of categories. There is also a working electronic program guide (EPG) that will improve your viewing experience.

Some of the popular channels provided by XUMO are NBC Sports, CBS News, Today Show, Fox Sports, PGA Tour, SNL Vault, CBSN, and dozens of NBC local channels.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (31)

In addition to the XUMO playlist, users can install the XUMO Play app from popular app stores like Amazon or Google Play and get access to the same type of content.


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Highlights

  • Playlist URL: https://www.apsattv.com/xumo.m3u
  • Source: XUMO
  • Number of Channels: Over 300
  • VOD: No
  • Categories: News, Entertainment, Sports, Comedy, Classic, XUMO Originals
  • VPN-Friendly: Yes

4. Redbox TV

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (32)

The RedBox TV playlist features over 180 live channels in some excellent categories. Many are familiar with the RedBox kiosks that once transformed the media industry, and this is the same company behind RedBox TV.

Notable channels offered by RedBox TV include AMC Thrillers, Cinevault, World Poker Tour, Gameshow Central, USA Today, Cheddar News, Yahoo Finance, and AccuWeather.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (33)

If you don’t want to use the RedBox TV playlist, the RedBox TV application can be installed on any popular device from Google Play, Amazon App Store, and the Roku Channel Store.

Highlights

  • Playlist URL: https://www.apsattv.com/redbox.m3u
  • Source: RedBox TV
  • Number of Channels: Over 180
  • VOD: No
  • Categories:Action, Comedy, Family, Spanish, Movies, Sci-Fi, Horror, Crime, and Classics
  • VPN-Friendly: Yes

5. Tubi

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (34)

Tubi is a free streaming service best known for its extensive VOD library of movies and TV shows. Many are not aware of the 270 live channels provided by Tubi.

The most popular channels provided by Tubi consist of Fox Sports, ABC News, NBC News, USA Today, TMZ Channel, PGA Tour, Bloomberg TV, and Tubi Originals. The best part is their channel lineup continues to grow!

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (35)

If you prefer to use the Tubi application instead of the playlist, you can install Tubi on your device from any app store. This includes Google Play, Amazon, Apple, and the Roku Channel Store.

Highlights

  • Playlist URL: https://www.apsattv.com/tubi.m3u
  • Source: Tubi
  • Number of Channels: Over 270
  • VOD: No
  • Categories:News, Entertainment, Movies, Westerns, Game Shows, Sports, Crime, and Local
  • VPN-Friendly: Yes

More Playlists

In addition to the top-ranked choices above, there are some others worth mentioning:

  • Free-TV – https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Free-TV/IPTV/master/playlist.m3u8
  • DistroTV – https://www.apsattv.com/distro.m3u
  • The Roku Channel– https://www.apsattv.com/rok.m3u
  • Fire TV –https://www.apsattv.com/firetv.m3u
  • Cineverse –https://www.apsattv.com/cineverse.m3u
  • Klowd TV –https://www.apsattv.com/klowd.m3u
  • Xiaomi –https://www.apsattv.com/xiaomi.m3u
  • LocalNow– https://www.apsattv.com/localnow.m3u
  • Tablo –https://www.apsattv.com/tablo.m3u
  • LG Channels –https://www.apsattv.com/lg.m3u
  • Vizio TV –https://www.apsattv.com/vizio.m3u
  • PBS – https://i.mjh.nz/PBS/all.m3u8 2.4k

Wrapping Up

Overall, these are the best free M3U playlists for accessing thousands of live channels and VOD content on any compatible device. You should always do your own research prior to uploading any unverified option to confirm it does not carry unlicensed content.

If we missed anything in this article let us know in the comments! See the frequently asked questions below for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Best M3U Playlists?

While the best playlists are mostly based on user-preference, our reviews team found IPTV Org, Samsung TV Plus, XUMO, Redbox TV, and Tubi to be the best options in 2024.

What is an M3U Playlist?

An M3U playlist is a downloadable file that users can insert into various media players to access content such as video files, live feeds, and more.

Are M3U Playlists Legal?

TROYPOINT can’t verify whether a file holds the proper licensing for the content being delivered. Google has received legal pressures in the past to remove these options from search results. The end-user is responsible for all content accessed through and unverified services, apps, and websites.

Are They Safe?

These playlists by themselves are safe to use on any device. However, some playlists provided by unverified IPTV operators may be harmful. We recommend scanning files with VirusTotalto check for viruses/malware.

What Live TV Players Work with Playlists?

The best live TV players for using these files are IPTV Smarters, TiviMate, XCIPTV, Perfect Player, Kodi, MX Player, and more.

Can I Create My Own M3U File?

Yes, you can create your own files. You only need a text editor to create a file with the .m3u extension. Within this file, you list the URLs or file paths of the media files you want to include. Each URL or file path should be on a new line.

This page includes affiliate links where TROYPOINT may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Many times, visitors will receive a discount due to the special arrangements made for our fans. Learn more on my Affiliate Disclaimer page.

How to Install M3U Files for Watching Live TV (Best Playlists) (2024)

FAQs

How do I import a M3U playlist? ›

M3u playlist import how-to
  1. add the m3u file to the root of my local device provider's folder (then the relative paths should match)
  2. rescan the local provider (taking considerably longer than without the m3u file)
  3. open “library” tab on home screen, then “playlists”
Oct 17, 2023

How to run M3U file? ›

How to Play M3U Files in VLC Media Player
  1. Step 1: Open the M3U file with a text editor and copy the playlist URL.
  2. Step 2: Now, open VLC Media Player. Click on the Media > Open Network Stream (If you are a Mac user, click File > Open Network).
  3. Step 3: A window pops up. ...
  4. Step 4: Finally, click on the "Play" button.

Which IPTV player is best for M3U files? ›

Best M3U Player : M3U IPTV Player Alternatives for Android
  • YooTiX - IPTV Player. 1.7 for Android. ...
  • Iptv player m3u. 7.9 for Android. ...
  • IPTV Pro Player M3U. 1.6 for Android. ...
  • IPTV QUICK PLAYER- M3u Player. 1.0.4 for Android. ...
  • Livestream TV - M3U Stream Player IPTV. 3.3.1.7 for Android. ...
  • IPTV m3u. 9.1.0 for Android. ...
  • ENet TV. ...
  • iptv m3u list.

How to enter M3U url on android? ›

How to open m3u playlist by URL?
  1. Open MagicPlayer app.
  2. Bring to the screen app's control panel - press OK key on RC.
  3. Select Menu. ...
  4. Select Enter URL.
  5. Enter URL of m3u link.
  6. Confirm the entered data by clicking OK on the screen or Enter on the on-screen keyboard.
  7. To switch over the channel of the playlist, use.

How do I add M3U to an IPTV player? ›

How to import IPTV channels list from m3u list?
  1. Open the IPTV channels tab.
  2. Choose Import from m3u.
  3. Click the Add file button.
  4. Choose and upload the IPTV channels list in ". m3u" format. Note! The . ...
  5. Add/delete separate channels or IPTV channels list in the constant broadcasting list (shown in Channels tab).

How do I convert my playlist to M3U? ›

On the File menu, click Save Now Playing List As (Save Playlist As in Windows Media Player 9 Series), click Save as type, and then click M3U Playlist(*. m3u). In the File name box, type a file name for the M3U playlist, and then click Save.

What program opens M3U files? ›

M3U file is a computer file format for audio playlists. It can be opened with VLC Media Player, MediaPlayerLite, Winamp, etc. Try MiniTool MovieMaker to add your favorite audio files to video.

How do I play M3U files on Windows Media Player? ›

1 Answer. It seems that WMP doesn't know how to handle such M3U files, even though they are valid according to the M3U specification. However, you can instead right-click the folder in Explorer and select Play with Windows Media Player.

What does a M3U file look like? ›

File format

An M3U file is a plain text file that specifies the locations of one or more media files. The file is saved with the "m3u" filename extension if the text is encoded in the local system's default non-Unicode encoding (e.g., a Windows codepage), or with the "m3u8" extension if the text is UTF-8 encoded.

What is the best IPTV player for TV? ›

The best IPTV app for Android is “Tivimate”. This app stands out for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, making it a top choice for IPTV enthusiasts. Key Features of Tivimate: User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design for easy navigation.

What is the best free IPTV app? ›

Best IPTV Streaming App for Android & iOS
NameSupported DevicesChannels
CalmaHUB OTTAmazon First Stick, Android TV, Apple TV, iPhone, iPad, PlayStation, Roku, etc.23,400
Fenix OTTAndroid Phones, Android TV, iOS (iPhone, iPad, Macbook), MAG devices, Firestick/fireTV, Smart TVs Samsung LG…25,000+
3 more rows
5 days ago

What is the M3U playlist URL? ›

An M3U file is an Audio Playlist file that stands for MP3 URL, and as such, isn't an actual audio file in and of itself. An M3U file just points to audio (and sometimes video) files so that a media player can queue them for playback.

How do I add playlists to IPTV? ›

Using an IPTV Playlist

Import the Playlist: Open the IPTV application and import the M3U playlist file you created. The application will read the file and display the available channels/content. Start Streaming: Navigate through the channels or content categories and start streaming the desired content.

How to find IPTV m3u URL? ›

How do I get the M3U URL? Simply drag the m3u file into TextEdit or open it with Quick Look, and you'll see what's in the m3u container, which is either a link to a file or a playlist. Once you have the URL from the m3u playlist, you can then download it locally.

What is the m3u m3u8 playlist file? ›

The m3u8 file is essentially a m3u playlist, which can be a media playlist or a master playlist. However, regardless of the type of playlist, the text used inside is encoded in utf-8.

How to import M3U playlist into Spotify? ›

How to import M3U playlists to Spotify?
  1. On Soundiiz; select Import Playlist in top right of the interface.
  2. Choose From File and upload your playlist file.
  3. Confirm the tracklist and configure your playlist.
  4. Select Spotify as the destination and confirm!

Can I add an M3U playlist to Plex? ›

Go to the path in Plex where the plugin is installed on your computer and open the folder with its name "IPTV. bundle". In there go to Contents => Resources and you will find the file "playlist. m3u" that you should open with the notepad and add all the IPTV channels you want and that end in .

How do I copy all files from M3U playlist? ›

You simply locate your m3u playlist in your List & Advice -> Playlists folder. Right click on it, [Export to…]. Select your folder, Done!. Not only it will copy the media files to that folder but also a copy of the m3u playlist with corrected filepaths (to match the new folder) will be copied too.

How do I open M3U files in IPTV? ›

Web IPTV Channel Player

Here's how to open M3U files with the online M3U player. Go to Web IPTV Channel Player website. Paste the M3U streaming URL in the search box. Then click on Load to start streaming M3U file.

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