Xtream Codes API Explained: The Complete IPTV Login Guide (2026)

If you use IPTV, you have likely encountered the term “Xtream Codes” when setting up your IPTV player app. It is the most common login method for IPTV services, and understanding how it works makes setting up any IPTV app significantly easier.

This guide explains everything about Xtream Codes API — what it is, how it works, where to enter your credentials in every major IPTV app, how it compares to M3U playlists, and how to fix common Xtream Codes login problems.

Need an IPTV service with Xtream Codes credentials? IPTVBROS provides both Xtream Codes API and M3U playlist credentials with every subscription. Start a free 24-hour trial.

What Is Xtream Codes API?

Xtream Codes API is a standardized communication protocol between IPTV player apps and IPTV service providers. Think of it as a universal language that lets your IPTV app talk to your provider’s server to retrieve channel lists, EPG data, VOD content, series, and catch-up TV.

Originally, Xtream Codes was a commercial IPTV panel management system used by IPTV providers to manage their services. While the original company is no longer operating, the API specification it created has become the de facto standard for IPTV login. Nearly every IPTV player app supports Xtream Codes API, and nearly every IPTV provider generates Xtream Codes credentials for their subscribers.

How Xtream Codes API Works

The Three Credentials

When you subscribe to an IPTV service, you receive three pieces of information for Xtream Codes login:

Credential	What It Is	Example
Server URL	The address of your IPTV provider’s server	http://server.example.com:8080
Username	Your unique account identifier	user12345
Password	Your account password	pass67890

These three values are all your IPTV app needs to connect to your provider and access everything — live channels, VOD, series, EPG, and catch-up content.

What Happens When You Log In

Here is the process that occurs when you enter your Xtream Codes credentials into an IPTV app:

1. Authentication. Your app sends your username and password to the server URL. The server verifies your account.
2. Category loading. The server sends back a list of channel categories (e.g., “USA Sports,” “UK Entertainment,” “Movies”).
3. Channel loading. When you select a category, the server sends the list of channels in that category.
4. Stream request. When you select a channel, the server provides the stream URL and your app starts playing it.
5. EPG loading. In the background, your app downloads the EPG (program guide) data from the server.
6. VOD and Series. The server provides the VOD library and series catalog separately from the live channels.

This on-demand loading is a key advantage over M3U playlists. Instead of downloading a massive file with all 15,000+ channels at once, Xtream Codes loads categories incrementally, making the initial setup faster and channel switching smoother.

The Server URL Explained

The server URL follows this format:

http://[server-address]:[port]

For example: http://iptv.example.com:8080

Key parts:

• http:// or https:// — the protocol (most IPTV servers use http://; some use https:// for encrypted connections).
• server-address — the domain name or IP address of the server.
• :port — the port number (commonly 8080, 80, 25461, or 443). This is required.

Common mistakes:

• Forgetting the http:// prefix.
• Using the wrong port number.
• Adding a trailing slash (/) at the end — some apps handle this differently.
• Using https:// when the server only supports http://, or vice versa.

How to Use Xtream Codes in Every Major IPTV App

TiviMate (Firestick / Android TV)

1. Open TiviMate.
2. Go to Settings > Playlists > Add Playlist.
3. Select Xtream Codes.
4. Enter Server URL, Username, Password.
5. Click Next.
6. Wait for channels to load (30 seconds to 2 minutes).

Full guide: TiviMate Setup Guide.

IPTV Smarters Pro (All Devices)

1. Open IPTV Smarters Pro.
2. Select Login with Xtream Codes API.
3. Enter:
   • Any Name — a label for this connection.
   • Server URL.
   • Username.
   • Password.
4. Click Add User.

Full guide: IPTV Smarters Pro Guide.

GSE Smart IPTV (iOS / Apple TV)

1. Open GSE Smart IPTV.
2. Go to Remote Playlists > + (Add).
3. Select Xtream Codes API.
4. Enter Server URL, Username, Password.
5. Tap Save.

See also: IPTV on Apple TV.

OTT Navigator (Android)

1. Open OTT Navigator.
2. Go to Settings > Providers > Add Provider.
3. Select Xtream Codes.
4. Enter your credentials.
5. Save and return to the main screen.

XCIPTV (Android)

1. Open XCIPTV.
2. Select Login with Xtream Codes.
3. Enter your credentials.
4. Click Login.

Smart IPTV (Samsung/LG TV)

Smart IPTV does not support Xtream Codes directly. It only accepts M3U playlist URLs. However, you can convert your Xtream Codes credentials to an M3U URL (see section below). For Samsung/LG TV guides, see our Samsung TV guide and LG TV guide.

Kodi (Windows/Mac/Android/Xbox)

Kodi’s PVR IPTV Simple Client does not support Xtream Codes directly, but you can use your M3U URL derived from your Xtream Codes credentials. See our Windows PC guide or Xbox guide.

Converting Xtream Codes to M3U URL

If your app only supports M3U playlists, you can convert your Xtream Codes credentials to an M3U URL. The format is:

http://[server-url]/get.php?username=[username]&password=[password]&type=m3u_plus&output=ts

Example:

If your credentials are:

• Server URL: http://server.example.com:8080
• Username: user12345
• Password: pass67890

Your M3U URL would be:

http://server.example.com:8080/get.php?username=user12345&password=pass67890&type=m3u_plus&output=ts

This URL generates the same channel list as the Xtream Codes login, but in M3U format. You can use it in any app that supports M3U playlists.

For more on M3U playlists, see our M3U playlist guide.

Xtream Codes API vs M3U: When to Use Each

Feature	Xtream Codes API	M3U Playlist
Login format	Server URL + Username + Password	Single URL
Initial loading speed	Fast (loads categories first)	Slow with large lists
Channel categories	Loaded from server, well-organized	Parsed from group-title tags
EPG	Included automatically	Sometimes requires separate EPG URL
VOD library	Full library with categories	Limited or none
Series section	Yes, with episode tracking	No
Catch-Up TV	Yes (if provider supports it)	Usually not available
Playlist editing	Not possible	Possible (text file)
App compatibility	Most modern IPTV apps	All IPTV apps
Recommended?	Yes — use when available	Use when Xtream Codes is not supported

Our recommendation: Always use Xtream Codes when your app supports it. It provides a better experience with faster loading, organized content, VOD, series, and catch-up TV. Use M3U only when your specific app does not support Xtream Codes.

Xtream Codes API Endpoints

For advanced users, here are the API endpoints that IPTV apps use when connecting via Xtream Codes:

Endpoint	Purpose
/player_api.php?username=X&password=Y	Authentication and account info
/player_api.php?...&action=get_live_categories	Live TV category list
/player_api.php?...&action=get_live_streams	All live channels
/player_api.php?...&action=get_vod_categories	VOD category list
/player_api.php?...&action=get_vod_streams	All VOD content
/player_api.php?...&action=get_series_categories	Series category list
/player_api.php?...&action=get_series	All series
/xmltv.php?username=X&password=Y	EPG data in XMLTV format

You do not need to know these endpoints to use IPTV — your app handles all of this automatically. But understanding them can help with troubleshooting.

Troubleshooting Xtream Codes Login Issues

”Login Failed” or “Authentication Error”

Most common cause: A typo in one of the three credential fields.

1. Re-check your credentials carefully. Copy and paste from your welcome email if possible, rather than typing manually.
2. Check for accidental spaces. Spaces before or after any field will cause a failure. Tap into each field and verify there are no spaces.
3. Verify the server URL format. It must include http:// (or https://) and the port number (e.g., :8080). No trailing slash.
4. Check your subscription status. An expired subscription returns an authentication error. Verify your account.

”Server Not Found” or “Connection Error”

1. Verify the server URL. The domain or IP address may be incorrect.
2. Check the port number. Common ports: 8080, 80, 25461, 443. Try a different port if yours is not working.
3. Check your internet connection. Can you access websites on the same device?
4. Server may be down. Your provider’s server may be temporarily offline. Check with their support.
5. Firewall or VPN blocking. A VPN, firewall, or DNS filter may be blocking the connection. Try disabling your VPN temporarily.

”Account Expired” Message

Your IPTV subscription has expired. Renew it through your IPTV provider. IPTVBROS pricing and renewal.

”Max Connections Reached”

You have exceeded the number of simultaneous connections your subscription allows. Close IPTV on other devices, or upgrade to a plan with more connections. IPTVBROS offers multi-connection plans.

Channels Load but Nothing Plays

1. The Xtream Codes login worked (channels appeared), but the stream URLs may be using a format your player cannot handle.
2. Try changing the player engine in your app settings.
3. Try changing the stream format (HLS vs MPEG-TS).
4. Try a different channel — the issue may be specific to certain streams.

EPG Not Loading with Xtream Codes

1. EPG should load automatically with Xtream Codes, but it may take 1 to 5 minutes.
2. In your app, go to Settings > EPG and manually trigger an update.
3. Check if the EPG auto-update interval is set (every 4 to 8 hours recommended).

For more troubleshooting across all IPTV issues, see our IPTV not working fix guide.

Security and Privacy with Xtream Codes

Keep Your Credentials Private

Your Xtream Codes credentials (server URL, username, password) are tied to your subscription account. Do not share them with others — if someone else uses your credentials, it counts against your connection limit and could result in account suspension.

Using HTTPS

Some IPTV providers offer HTTPS server URLs (starting with https://). This encrypts the connection between your device and the IPTV server, preventing your ISP from seeing the specific content you are accessing. If your provider offers HTTPS, use it.

VPN with Xtream Codes

For additional privacy, use a VPN when connecting to your IPTV service. A VPN encrypts all traffic, not just the IPTV connection. See our best VPN for IPTV guide and IPTV privacy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Xtream Codes and an IPTV subscription?

Xtream Codes is the login method — how you connect your app to the service. The IPTV subscription is the service itself (the channels, VOD, etc.). You need both: a subscription from a provider like IPTVBROS and an IPTV app that supports Xtream Codes login.

Do all IPTV apps support Xtream Codes?

Most modern IPTV apps support Xtream Codes, including TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro, GSE Smart IPTV, OTT Navigator, and XCIPTV. Some apps (VLC, Kodi PVR, Smart IPTV) only support M3U playlists, but you can convert your Xtream Codes credentials to an M3U URL.

Is Xtream Codes free?

The Xtream Codes login method itself is free — it is built into your IPTV app. You need a paid IPTV subscription to get working credentials. IPTVBROS starts at $7.51/month.

Can I use the same Xtream Codes credentials on multiple devices?

This depends on your IPTV provider’s plan. Most providers allow 1 to 4 simultaneous connections depending on the subscription tier. IPTVBROS offers plans with multiple connections.

My Xtream Codes credentials stopped working. What happened?

Common causes: subscription expired, provider changed server addresses, account suspended for exceeding connection limits, or provider-side server issues. Contact your IPTV provider for specific account issues.

Related Guides

• M3U Playlist Guide — The alternative login method to Xtream Codes.
• TiviMate Setup Guide — Set up Xtream Codes in TiviMate.
• IPTV Smarters Pro Guide — Set up Xtream Codes in Smarters.
• IPTV Not Working Fix — Fix login and connection issues.
• IPTVBROS Free Trial — Get Xtream Codes credentials with 15,000+ channels.