Xtream Codes Setup: How to Enter Your Login Details
Euro TV Pro Editorial Team
Xtream Codes is a method of accessing IPTV streams with account details instead of a playlist URL. Three fields are entered into the player: server address, username and password. The advantage of this method is that the channel list and the guide are created automatically by the player.
In this article we explain the Xtream Codes setup step by step, how the fields are filled in and the common mistakes made during setup.
What is Xtream Codes and what is it for?
Xtream Codes makes it possible to access the broadcast catalogue on the server with a standard query structure. The user does not download a single playlist file; the player fetches the channel list, the categories and the guide itself over the given address. Its comparison with M3U is covered in the M3U vs Xtream Codes article.
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Field structure: server address, username and password.
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Playlist: the channel list is created by the player.
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Guide: programme information is received over the same connection.
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Update: changes appear when the playlist is refreshed.
Preparation before setup
For the setup the access details must be correctly at hand. The details are usually sent in three lines; not taking the spaces at the beginning and end while copying is the most common mistake.
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Server: it is usually in the form of a domain name or an IP address.
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Port: if it is present at the end of the address it must be written completely.
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Username and password: they are case sensitive.
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Connection: internet access must be available during the setup.
Step 1: Choose the login method in the player
Most players ask for the login method on first start: whether to connect with a playlist URL or with account details. If the setup will be made with Xtream Codes details, account login should be selected. A wrong selection results in "empty playlist" or "login failed".
| Step | What to do | Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The login method is selected | Is account login marked |
| 2 | The server address is entered | Are the address and the port complete |
| 3 | The username and password are entered | Was the letter case observed |
| 4 | The connection is tested | Was the login accepted |
| 5 | The playlist is checked | Are the categories and channels visible |
Step 2: Enter the details correctly
There are three rules in filling in the fields: writing the address completely, not skipping the port number and paying attention to the letter case in passwords. When one of these three points is wrong the player rejects the login; however, the error message often does not state the cause.
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Server: the domain name or IP address is entered together with the port if present.
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Password: upper and lower case and special characters must be preserved.
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Space: no space should be left at the beginning or end of the address.
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Saving: the playlist is fetched after the details are saved.
Step 3: Load the playlist
When the login is accepted the player fetches the channel list and the categories from the server. The first load may take a few seconds depending on the number of channels and the internet speed. If the loading is not completed, the connection and the details are checked again; the detailed steps are in the playlist not loading article.
Common mistakes made
Almost all setup problems are caused by the mistakes below. Reviewing this list before setup makes it possible to get a result on the first attempt.
| Mistake | Result | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong source selection | The login is rejected, the playlist stays empty | Select the account login method |
| Missing port | The server cannot be reached | Enter the address together with the port information |
| Extra space | The login fails | Clear the field and write it again |
| Wrong password | Authorisation is rejected | Enter the password with the correct letter case |
| Old playlist | Channels appear to be missing | Refresh the playlist |
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Check order: first the identity details, then the network, and finally the player settings.
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Saving: do not forget to save after verifying the details.
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Refresh: if the playlist is not updating, clear the player cache.
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Note: field names may be labelled differently according to the device version.
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The distinction regarding the playlist structure and the file format is covered in the what is M3U article.
Post-setup checklist
The checks made after logging in are important for verifying that the setup works in the same way on all devices.
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Categories: are the channel groups visible?
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Channel switching: is the switching time acceptable?
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Guide: is the programme information arriving?
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Second device: can the login be made on another device with the same details?
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The simultaneous viewing limit is explained in the one device or multiple devices article.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose Xtream Codes or M3U?
If the player supports account login, the account method is more practical; the playlist URL method provides wider compatibility. The distinction is in the M3U vs Xtream Codes article.
I have lost my login details, what should I do?
Technical support the details can be requested again.
Can I watch on two devices with the same details?
The setup can be made; simultaneous viewing depends on the scope of the subscription.
Are the details safe on the device?
The details are stored in the player settings. When sharing the device, it should be remembered that these settings are visible.
Sources
Official sources have been consulted for the technical statements in this article: ITU-T Y.1901 – Requirements for the support of IPTV services. These sources explain how broadcast technology generally works; for service scope and device support, see the relevant package and support pages.
Tags:
M3U Setup: How to Add an IPTV Playlist URL
