Device guide
IPTV on Windows: three ways to watch on a PC
A Windows computer is the most forgiving device for IPTV. It has a keyboard, usually an Ethernet port, and players of every kind. This guide gives you three ways to watch Smartiflix on a PC, from the fastest to the most complete.
- Where apps come from
- Microsoft Store or the developer's site
- Fastest test
- VLC, in about a minute
- Login
- Xtream Codes or M3U
- Best connection
- An Ethernet cable
A PC gives you more than one way to watch
On Windows you are free to choose where a player comes from: the Microsoft Store, or a program downloaded from its developer. In all cases the idea is the same. The player opens the M3U playlist or the Xtream Codes login that Smartiflix sends you and shows it as channels, movies and series.
A computer is also the easiest place to copy and paste. Open our message on the PC and you never have to type a long address by hand.
What you need
- A desktop or laptop with Windows 10 or Windows 11, up to date.
- A connection to your router, by cable if the computer has an Ethernet port.
- What we send you by WhatsApp or email on confirming your order: an M3U playlist address and the three parts of an Xtream Codes login.
- One of the players below.
Three kinds of player
| Player | Best for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| VLC | Checking in a minute that your details work | Free; a plain list of channels and very little TV guide |
| MyIPTV Player | People who prefer the Microsoft Store | Has a TV guide and groups channels by category |
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Everyday viewing | Live TV, movies and series in sections; from its developer's website |
| Kodi | People who already use it | Available in the Microsoft Store; needs an IPTV add-on |
Download a program only from the Microsoft Store or from its developer's own website. Copies offered on other sites and in adverts often come with unwanted software.
Setup, step by step
Option A: VLC, the quick test
- Install VLC from the website of its makers, VideoLAN.
- Open VLC, then the Media menu, then Open Network Stream.
- In the box that opens, paste the M3U playlist address from our message and choose Play.
- Open the playlist view to see the list of channels, and double-click one to watch it.
Option B: a player from the Microsoft Store
- Open the Microsoft Store, search for MyIPTV Player and install it.
- In the app, open Settings and add a new playlist.
- Paste the M3U playlist address, save it and select it as the active playlist.
- Go back to the channels screen and pick one.
Option C: a desktop player with a login
- Download IPTV Smarters Pro for Windows from its developer's website and install it.
- Open it and add a new user.
- Choose the Xtream Codes login and give the player the address of our server with your username and password.
- Let the channels and the TV guide load, then start watching.
A cable beats Wi-Fi
The biggest advantage of a PC is the Ethernet port. A cable from the computer to the router gives a connection that does not depend on walls, neighbours or the microwave oven, and that is what keeps live TV steady.
- Use a cable whenever the router is within reach.
- On Wi-Fi, connect to the 5 GHz band and stay close to the router.
- Pause large downloads and cloud backups while you watch.
- A faster connection helps for 4K, or when other people in the house are streaming too.
Common problems on Windows
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| VLC shows nothing after you press Play | Paste the playlist address again; check that nothing was cut off at the start or the end |
| The login is refused | Copy the server address, username and password again from our message |
| The picture stops and starts | Connect by cable and pause other downloads |
| No programme information | Refresh the TV guide in the settings of the player; VLC has very little of it |
| Windows warns about the program | Delete it and download it again from the official source; never turn your protection off |
If the problem stays, write to support by WhatsApp or email and name the player you use.
Limits to know about
- A computer is made for a desk. For the sofa, a TV device with a remote is more comfortable.
- To see the PC on a television, connect it with an HDMI cable or use the Cast feature of Windows.
- This guide covers Windows. Mac computers are supported too, but we have not written their guide yet: ask support for help.
What to check during a free trial
- Start with VLC to confirm in a minute that your details work.
- Then try a full player and see whether its TV guide suits you.
- Compare an evening on cable with an evening on Wi-Fi if you can.
A free trial is free and asks for no payment details.