Part of our Installation section.
On this page
Why use VLC for IPTV?
- Free and open source, with no adverts and no account.
- Runs everywhere: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, iPhone, iPad and Apple TV.
- Plays almost any format, which makes it ideal for checking whether a problem is the stream or your usual app.
Its limits: no grid-style programme guide, basic favourites and a menu designed for files rather than channels. For daily TV use, compare other players.
Open an M3U playlist in VLC on a computer
- Download VLC from the official VideoLAN website and install it.
- Windows: Media → Open Network Stream. Mac: File → Open Network.
- Paste your M3U link and select Play.
- Open the playlist view (Ctrl+L on Windows, Cmd+L on Mac) to see every channel, and double-click to switch.
VLC on phones, tablets and TV devices
- Android and Android TV: install VLC from Google Play, then open Browse → Stream (or New stream) and paste the link.
- iPhone, iPad and Apple TV: install VLC from the App Store and use Network → Open Network Stream.
- Fire TV: install VLC from the Amazon Appstore where available and open the link as a network stream.
Stop buffering in VLC
VLC keeps a small network buffer by default. On a computer, go to Tools → Preferences, select Show settings: All, then Input / Codecs, and raise Network caching from 1,000 ms to around 3,000 ms. A larger buffer adds a few seconds of delay but rides out brief dips. Leave hardware-accelerated decoding on Automatic.
If buffering continues, the problem is probably the connection rather than VLC: see IPTV buffering.
Frequently asked questions
Can VLC play IPTV?
Yes. Open your M3U link as a network stream and VLC lists every channel in its playlist view.
Does VLC show a TV guide?
Not as a grid. For a full guide, use Kodi with the IPTV Simple Client, or an IPTV player such as TiviMate or IPTV Smarters.
Can VLC record IPTV?
VLC can save a stream on a computer, but only record programmes you are entitled to watch, for your own private viewing.
