Watching our usual TV channels on our televisions is a common part of our daily lives, but what happens if we're abroad? Or, imagine you move to a different region and want to watch specific content from a local channel—how can you tune in? Like many other things, the solution lies in the internet. Today we'll explain how to watch any TV channel online from your Smart TV thanks to IPTV technology.
IPTV applications and how they work
IPTV technology , which stands for Internet Protocol Television , refers to the technology that uses the TCP/IP protocol to transmit television channel signals over the internet.
Let's say it's a way to stream TV online, but in a different way than the process used by other services like Netflix, HBO or Prime Video. This is because the IPTV signal reserves part of the bandwidth of your internet connection for the TV signal.
To use this technology we need two key elements : an IPTV list of the channel or channels we want to consume and, of course, an app that allows us to "read" these files.
As for the IPTV listings, there are many websites that provide this type of files and from where we can download them. Although we will discuss this section in more detail below because we must be aware of certain legal issues.
Regarding the applications we can use to interpret these lists, there are many. We can find apps for Android or iOS , others for Windows or macOS computers , or even for our own television . Some of these applications, in case you're interested in knowing their names, are: VLC, simpleTV, Kodi, Lazy IPTV, etc.
IPTV and piracy
Like any other service or technology that straddles the line between legal and illegal, there are many users who, far from using it to solve a problem, end up exploiting the system. We're referring to pirate IPTV listings.
These are simply channel lists that aren't based on free-to-air television channels, but rather allow you to illegally watch pay-TV channels. These channels can include those offering pay-per-view football, movies, series at an additional cost, and so on. Many services of this type have already been shut down and blocked by the authorities , along with the corresponding penalties. Therefore, we encourage you to stay away from all of this and only use IPTV lists for legal purposes, such as the one we're about to explain.
Illegal IPTV lists are usually sold on the Internet, although they are increasingly being persecuted. The typical sellers on platforms such as eBay or AliExpress have disappeared, and these platforms increasingly ban users who offer products of this type. These days, listings are often sold on completely opaque forums and platforms. In general, no one will guarantee that you will have access to these lists for a long time, so these illegal alternatives are less and less attractive.
IPTV applications for your Smart TV
Now that you know how IPTV technology works and what types of sources to avoid, let's see how we can enjoy it on our own Smart TV. These alternatives are also very interesting if you have a smart TV at home in a room without an antenna connection. You'll be able to watch national television without any problems (commercials and all), although you will experience a slight delay.
There are different methods to use IPTV lists on our smart TV. Some simpler and others more complex. Let's go through both to know their differences.
TDTChannels: the easiest method
Without a doubt, the easiest way to watch all the channels online on your TV is through the TDT Channels service . This open-source project's IPTV directory covers most of the national channels in Spain . It's available as a website and with apps for iOS, Android, and, relevant to our discussion, Android TV. The only drawback is that the app isn't currently on Google Play. But don't worry, just follow these steps to install it on your TV:
- First of all, you must enter their website and download the apk from its Android TV app to your computer. This will send the file directly to your downloads folder.
- Place this file on a USB stick if your TV has this type of port. Otherwise, go to your Google Drive account and put it in a folder here. With this we have finished with the use of the computer.
- Either by using the USB stick or with Google Drive, you will need to install a file manager on your television or Android TV device. After trying several apps, we recommend that you download File Commander. You will find this by entering Google Play through the Smart TV system. Once located, click on “Install” and then select “Open”.
- if your TV has USB ports, connect the memory in which you previously placed the apk file downloaded from DTT Channels from the PC. You will automatically see that File commander recognizes the memory and allows you to access it. once here, select the apk file and open it for the installation to begin. In the event that an error appears mentioning that it belongs to an unknown repository, enter the settings of your Smart TV and activate the installation from unknown sources in the privacy section. It may also ask you to "approve" File Commander as a app reliable. When the installation process is complete, DTT Channels will already be available on your smart TV.
- In the event that your screen does not have USB ports, you must follow the same process as the previous one but, yes, accessing Google Drive from the "Add cloud" section from File Commander.
At this point, you'll just need to access TDT Channels from your list of installed apps . Once inside, after a short loading screen that only lasts a few seconds, you'll have access to the full list of available channels: general interest, sports, children's, and, of course, those exclusive to the local community.
Furthermore, this app offers various playback options. Each channel typically has two or three sources, in case one goes down. They also usually provide a direct link to the official stream on the channel's website. So if one source is giving you trouble, you can simply access it through one of the other alternatives.
SmartIPTV, ideal for Samsung, LG and Fire TV
This application is quite practical, since it allows us to send the .M3u list directly to our television without connecting a USB memory or anything like that. Its interface leaves a lot to be desired, but at least it works. The good news is that it is available for most platforms on the market, being able to install the application on Samsung Smart TVs with Tizen, on LG Smart TVs with WebOS, those with Android TV and Google TV, and even on Amazon Fire TV devices. .
Its installation is as simple as going through the application store of the corresponding platform and installing the application (in Tizen you will have to follow the installation instructions from a USB memory). It has a 7-day trial period, and once completed, you'll have to pay to fully unlock the app. If you want to do a test you have more than enough.
The great advantage is that to send the list of channels you will simply have to use the official website and enter the MAC of your television that will appear on the screen in the configuration menu of the application. This way you can send the .m3u file you have directly to the television so that it starts with the desired channel list.
Smart IPTV websiteThe Android TV version is also available, although the app has been removed from the Play Store, so you'll have to download and install it manually from a USB drive. Another convenient option is to install the Downloader App from the Play Store and use its built-in browser to install the Siptv APK file. Simply enter the URL apk.siptv.app to download and install the app. Remember to authorize the Downloader App to install third-party applications. This is done by enabling the Android TV developer settings and allowing the appropriate option.
Other methods to use IPTV on your Smart TV
As we mentioned, there are other methods we can use to access IPTV lists on our television. One of them is through the Kodi app . This application is compatible with PCs, Macs, and Smart TVs (provided they run the Android TV operating system).
The first step is to obtain the IPTV lists for the channels you want to watch. For this, you can use the TDT Channels database, which you can access from their website. Simply copy the URL of the M3U file you need.
On the other hand, you can find Kodi in your Smart TV's app store. Or, even if you don't have a smart TV because your living room screen is old and you use an Amazon Fire TV or any other Android TV device instead , you can still use Kodi. Installing it on Amazon devices is slightly more complex, but if you want to use them, we recommend you take a look at an article we've already published on our website dedicated to them.
Once Kodi is installed, open the app and from the Add-ons menu, go to "My add-ons" and then "PVR Clients." Here you can install the PVR IPTV Simple Client add-on , which is necessary to play the lists. Then, from the home screen, go to the "Add M3U List URL" option and add the address you saved earlier. After that, restart the Kodi app and open it again. If you go to the TV section of the channel menu, you'll see the list you just added. As you may have noticed, this process is much more complex and tedious than the previous one.
Samsung TV Plus, what is that?
In recent months, Samsung has brought a completely free IPTV alternative to many of its latest Smart TV models and Android smartphones and tablets, giving users access to a wide range of channels ready to tune into with diverse content. These are live alternatives, with a lineup covering virtually every imaginable topic: movies, news, series, documentaries, children's programming, fashion, sports, lifestyle, and more.
They're completely free and you'll see them on your TV as just another source of content . Even on the most modern models, you'll be able to see a carousel of the most popular content each day, according to the programming schedule. Just remember that you won't have access to the main digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels.
How to get around the limitations of IPTV
Sometimes, you may find it difficult to access certain IPTV lists , or you may even experience frequent interruptions in the broadcasts. This will happen more often if you access lists that are not legal.
To avoid this problem, the best solution is to use a VPN. VPNs, which are so popular these days, allow you to mask your location and access the internet with a different IP address than your router's. What's the point? Basically, it allows you to access websites and servers that are geographically restricted , either because they've been limited at the server level or because a judge or internet service provider has blocked access to them.
Within the catalog of VPN services, there is everything. However, we anticipate that free services usually have time limits and amount of data transferred, so it is better that you get directly with a paid service. You can find the VPN application within the store of your Smart TV, and using it is as simple as entering your login information and selecting a country from the list to bypass the blocks.
What if your Smart TV is too old?
If none of the above solutions apply to your Smart TV model, then the best option is to use an external device to connect to your TV and access the IPTV channels you need. Currently, there are plenty of inexpensive dongles and set-top boxes available that you can buy for very little money to turn a regular TV into a Smart TV. Some of the best products you can buy are listed below:
TV-Box T9
An alternative (of the many that you have on the market) is this T9 model with Android 9.0 that will allow you to carry out any of the indications that we have indicated about TDTChannels for models that equip the Google operating system.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Amazon dongles are also a cheap and easy alternative for using IPTV lists. The Fire TV Stick Lite costs around €30, but you'll get a better experience with the standard Fire TV Stick, which costs about €10 more. With this model, you can enjoy both TDTChannels and SmartIPTV without any problems. However, you'll need to follow the steps to disable the installation of third -party apps and everything else we explained at the beginning of this post.
See offer on Amazonxiaomi mi tv stick
Another interesting alternative is the Xiaomi Mi TV Stick, which has very similar features to the Amazon device and is another device to consider if your TV is outdated and you need a more recent version of Android to use IPTV apps. The Xiaomi Mi TV Stick is also quite affordable and you can use it to enjoy more content such as streaming services, YouTube, and even games on your TV. The current version runs on Android 9.
See offer on AmazonChromecast with Google TV
This other device is a bit more expensive than the Fire TV and the Xiaomi, but it has a very good processor and, at first glance, doesn't have as many limitations as the Amazon dongle . This Chromecast model features the Google TV system , which is a customized version of Android TV with a different interface, designed for family use and with a great recommendation system.
With this device, you'll be able to access the Google Play Store and download apps for watching TV, as well as any other alternative you can think of. If the app you want isn't on the Play Store, you can easily remove the restrictions and install apps from outside the store. To do this, you can use Downloader , which will allow you to install third-party apps on your Chromecast with Google TV. From there, you can search for apps directly from online repositories or install app stores like Aptoide TV.
The Chromecast with Google TV is one of the best value-for-money TV devices available today. It can output up to 4K resolution and comes with its own remote control.
Thus, you have a simple way to update your old Smart TV model without having to spend the money when, at the moment, you are not planning to make an expense of this importance.
Where is the channel list downloaded?
On the internet you can find lists of channels in .m3u format with open channels that broadcast freely and without paid content. These lists are normally not illegal, although sometimes they hide paid channels, so sharing them would be illegal. For that reason we cannot leave you with any list of channels to download, since we do not want to break any rules. On the other hand, there are other completely illegal services that offer .m3u lists of paid channels such as Movistar, Sky Sports, PPV Events and even Netflix movies and series, which are highly persecuted and usually stop working over time.
The links to Amazon in this article are part of our agreement with their Affiliate Program and may earn us a small commission on their sale (without affecting the price you pay). Even so, the decision to publish and add them has been made, as always, freely and under editorial criteria, without attending to requests from the brands involved.