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An M3U link and Xtream Codes are two ways of giving your IPTV player the same subscription. An M3U link is one long web address that contains your whole channel list. Xtream Codes (often shown as "XC" or "Xtream API") split the same information into three fields: a host (server URL), a username and a password. Use whichever your app asks for — the channels are identical.
Side by side
| M3U link | Xtream Codes | |
|---|---|---|
| What it looks like | One long URL | Host + username + password |
| Where you paste it | "Playlist URL", "M3U URL", "Link" | "Host / Server", "Username", "Password" |
| Content | Same line, same channels | Same line, same channels |
| Typical apps | Hot Player, IBO Player (Add Playlist), MYTVOnline+ (Add m3u Playlist) | IBO Player (Add XC Playlist) and other apps with an "Xtream" option |
When you buy a POKTV plan or start a free test, you receive all four: the M3U link, the username, the password and the host. They are in your delivery email and always on your account page under Subscriptions.
Which one should I use?
Use the M3U link with the players we recommend — it is a single copy-paste and the setups in our guides use it:
- Hot Player: at
hotplayer.app/upload, leave Source on Link and paste the M3U link. → Activate Hot Player - IBO Player: choose Add Playlist and paste the M3U link into Playlist URL. Add XC Playlist is the Xtream Codes form. → Activate IBO Player
- MYTVOnline+: choose Add m3u Playlist. Add Portal is for a different kind of subscription. → IPTV on Android phones
Use Xtream Codes when an app only offers a login form with host, username and password.
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Common mistakes
Pasting the M3U link into the "host" field
The host field wants only the server address. If an app asks for host + username + password, take the three separate values from your account page — do not paste the whole M3U link there.
Choosing the wrong option in the app
In IBO Player, an M3U link goes in Add Playlist, not Add XC Playlist. In MYTVOnline+, it goes in Add m3u Playlist, not Add Portal.
Typos
Every part is case-sensitive. Always copy and paste rather than retyping. A "login failed" message is usually a typo or an expired subscription. → IPTV not working checklist
A cut-off link
M3U links are long. When pasting on a TV or phone, check that the end of the link is there.
Does renewing change my link?
No. Extending your subscription keeps the same username, password and M3U link, so nothing has to change in your player — just restart the app once the extension is applied.
Keep your credentials private
Your M3U link and login are your subscription. A subscription is one stream at a time, so if someone else uses your link, your own picture will freeze. Do not post it publicly or share it.
FAQ
Is an M3U link the same as an M3U8 link?
They are closely related playlist formats, and most players accept either. Paste the link exactly as you received it.
Can I use both M3U and Xtream Codes at the same time?
They are the same line — you can store either in several apps, but only one stream can play at a time.
Where is my M3U link?
In your delivery email and on your account page under Subscriptions.
What is an EPG field?
EPG is the TV guide. When IBO Player asks for an EPG URL while adding your playlist, leave it empty, as in our IBO Player guide.
New to all of this? Start with What is IPTV and how does it work.
