Aina IPTV

Guide

M3U or Xtream Codes: which should you use?

Most IPTV providers hand out a subscription two ways: an M3U playlist link, and an Xtream Codes login. Both lead to the same channels, but not to the same experience.

Updated · By the Aina IPTV team

The short answer

If your provider offers an Xtream Codes login, use it. Films and series arrive as proper libraries with their details, the guide comes by itself, and catch-up works wherever the provider keeps an archive. Use the M3U playlist when it is all you have, or when it is a list you want for its own sake.

Side by side

Xtream Codes loginM3U playlist
What you enterServer URL, username, passwordOne playlist link
Live TVYesYes
Films and seriesSeparate libraries, with posters, plots and seasonsSorted out of the list by Aina, with fewer details
TV guideFrom the panel, automaticallyNamed in the playlist, or a guide link you add
Catch-upOn channels the panel archivesOn channels the playlist marks for catch-up
Expiry dateShown with the subscriptionNot given by the playlist
Big linesThree lists fetched apartOne large file
Your passwordEntered once, encrypted on the deviceWritten into the link itself

When M3U is the better choice

  • Your provider only gives out playlists.
  • The list is one someone made by hand: a selection of channels, or channels from several sources in one place.
  • You are trying free, public playlists, such as those in the iptv-org catalogue.

Can I add both?

Yes. Aina keeps any number of subscriptions, of either kind, and switches between them in a tap. Adding both for the same line simply gives you the same channels twice, so most people keep the Xtream Codes one.

How to add each

Questions and answers

On a big line, an Xtream Codes login usually loads more smoothly, because its lists arrive apart. Aina handles both: it is tested with a 300,000-entry playlist.

Often, yes: a link with get.php, username= and password= in it holds the server, the username and the password. Here is how.

Both reach the same server. An M3U link has your password written into it, so keep it private. Aina keeps either kind encrypted on the device.

Read next