How-to

How to add an M3U playlist to your IPTV player

An M3U playlist is either a link (a URL) or a file that ends in .m3u. Here is how to load either one in Tuvora on any device, and what to check when a playlist refuses to load.

Before you start

You need one of two things from your provider: an M3U URL (often a long link ending in get.php or .m3u) or an .m3u file saved to your device. If instead you were given a server address with a username and password, that is Xtream Codes; a portal URL with a MAC address is Stalker. The format comparison shows how to tell them apart.

Add an M3U playlist by URL

  1. Open Tuvora and go to the source or playlist screen, then choose to add a source.
  2. Select M3U, then M3U URL.
  3. Paste the full URL exactly — no missing characters, no trailing spaces.
  4. Give it a name and save. Tuvora fetches the list and sorts it into Live TV, Movies and Series.

A URL is the better choice when your provider updates the list, because Tuvora can refresh it on a schedule instead of you re-importing a file.

Upload an .m3u file

  1. Save the .m3u or .m3u8 file to your phone, tablet or computer.
  2. In Tuvora, add a source, choose M3U, then M3U file.
  3. Pick the file from storage and save.

On TV, a URL is usually easier than moving a file onto the device — or add the playlist from your phone and let it sync to the TV. See the full M3U guide for screenshots of each step.

If the playlist will not load

  • Re-copy the URL. One missing character breaks the whole link. Copy it again from the source, not from a screenshot.
  • Check the device limit. Many lines allow only one or two connections at once. Close the playlist on other apps and devices, then retry.
  • Try another network. Some networks or DNS providers block the host. Test on mobile data or a different Wi-Fi to rule this out.
  • Confirm the format. If the link needs a username and password to work, it is Xtream Codes, not plain M3U — add it as Xtream instead.

Keep your playlist private

An M3U URL can contain a token or login that is unique to you. Do not paste it into public support posts, screenshots or playlist-checker websites — treat it like a password.

Questions we get

What even is an M3U playlist?

It's a plain text list — or a link to one — of the channels and streams your provider gave you. The player reads the list and shows each entry. There's no video inside the file itself, just the addresses.

Can I open a file instead of a link?

Yes. Tuvora takes both an M3U link and a local .m3u or .m3u8 file. On a phone or computer you just pick the file from storage. A link is handier when the provider keeps the list updated, because Tuvora can refresh it on its own.

Why won't my playlist load?

Usually one of three things: the link was mistyped or has expired, the line only allows one device at a time, or your network is blocking the host. Re-copy the whole URL, close it on your other devices, and try again on a different network before you blame the app.

Is it really free?

Yes — free, no paid tier. Tuvora plays M3U, Xtream Codes and Stalker lines and supplies no channels of its own. You bring a playlist you're allowed to use.

Bring your own playlist

Tuvora is a player. It does not provide, sell or host channels, films, series or IPTV subscriptions.

Get TuvoraRead setup guides