Setup
M3U or Xtream Codes: which login should you use?
Both point at the same service. One of them gives you a programme guide and a resumable watch list.
IPTV Canada · · 4 min read
When you subscribe you get a long M3U URL. Most modern players would rather have the three parts inside it.
What the M3U URL is
It is a single link containing your server, username and password as query parameters. Any player that understands playlists can use it, which makes it the lowest common denominator.
What Xtream Codes adds
The same three values entered separately unlock the provider's API: a proper electronic programme guide, categories, on-demand sections and, in some players, resume-where-you-left-off. If your player offers Login with Xtream Codes API, use it.
Converting between them
Our M3U to Xtream converter splits a playlist URL into server, username and password in the browser. Nothing is uploaded — the parsing happens on the page.
Which to pick
Use Xtream Codes wherever the player supports it. Keep the M3U URL for VLC, for testing, and for the occasional app that accepts nothing else.