Setup guide
IPTV on Apple TV, iPhone and iPad: apps and setup
Apple devices have no sideloading, but the App Store carries several capable IPTV players for tvOS, iOS and iPadOS. Most accept your Xtream login directly, so setup is a two-minute job. This guide covers the Apple TV 4K and HD, every iPhone running a current iOS, and the iPad.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Before you start
- Your ZELVIX IPTV Xtream login (server address, username, password) or M3U link.
- An Apple ID signed in on the device to install from the App Store.
- Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K on a current tvOS; iPhone or iPad on a current iOS or iPadOS.
- Wi-Fi on the 5 GHz band, or Ethernet for the Apple TV.
Which player app to use
These players are published in the App Store. Prices are those shown by the developers at the time of writing and may differ by country; Apple handles the payment, not ZELVIX IPTV.
Smarters Player Lite
The App Store edition of the well-known Smarters interface. Xtream login with automatic programme guide, sections for live TV, films and series, and the same account works across your Apple devices.
GSE Smart IPTV Pro
A long-standing player with Xtream and M3U support, picture-in-picture and detailed EPG options. The Apple TV version has not been updated since 2023, so prefer it on iPhone and iPad.
iPlayTV
A tvOS-native player with a clean guide and fast channel switching. Supports Xtream server login and M3U playlists; good if you want a purpose-built Apple TV experience.
Set up Smarters Player Lite on Apple TV, iPhone or iPad
Smarters Player Lite is free, works on every Apple device and loads channels, films, series and the programme guide from a single Xtream login. The steps are the same on tvOS and iOS; only the remote or the touch screen differs.
- Install from the App StoreOpen the App Store on your Apple TV, iPhone or iPad and search for “Smarters Player Lite”. Install it and open it. Accept the terms shown on first launch.
- Add a new userOn the start screen choose Add New User, then Login with Xtream Codes API. Login with M3U URL is also there if you only received a link.
- Enter your ZELVIX IPTV detailsType any name for the profile, then the username, the password and the server address exactly as we sent them, including http:// and the port. On Apple TV, the iPhone keyboard appears automatically if your phone is nearby and makes typing faster. Choose Add User.
- Wait for the downloadThe app downloads live channels, films, series and the programme guide. On the first launch this takes one to two minutes. Then the home screen shows Live TV, Movies and Series.
- Watch and navigateOpen Live TV, pick a category and tap or click a channel. Swipe or scroll for the guide, use the search icon to find a channel by name, and add favourites with the star.
- Optional: remove adsThe free version shows occasional banners. The developer offers a small one-time purchase to remove them, handled by Apple. It is not required to watch.
Other players that work
GSE Smart IPTV Pro on iPhone or iPad
GSE is a paid app with very detailed settings and good EPG handling.
- Buy and install GSE Smart IPTV Pro from the App Store and open it.
- Open the menu, choose Xtream-Codes API, tap the plus sign and enter a name, the server address, your username and password. Tap Login.
- Wait for the channel groups to appear; open EPG settings and choose Force update EPG if the guide is empty.
- For an M3U link instead, choose Remote Playlists, tap the plus sign and paste the link.
iPlayTV on Apple TV
iPlayTV is built only for tvOS and feels like a native TV app.
- Install iPlayTV from the Apple TV App Store and open it.
- Choose Add Playlist, then Xtream Server. Enter a name, the server address, your username and password, and Save.
- The channel list loads with the programme guide. Use the Siri Remote touch surface to scroll the guide and click to play.
If something does not work
Most first-time problems come from one of a handful of causes. Check these before contacting support, and tell us which step you were on if you still need help.
The app says the server cannot be reached
Check the server address for typing errors and make sure it starts with http://. iOS allows these addresses inside IPTV players. If the address is right and the error persists, check the connection on the device and then ask support to confirm your account is active.
Channels load on Wi-Fi but not on mobile data
Some mobile operators throttle or shape video traffic. Try again on Wi-Fi to confirm the service works, then contact your mobile operator if the problem is only on cellular.
The Apple TV picture freezes on 4K channels
Connect the Apple TV by Ethernet, or move to 5 GHz Wi-Fi. In Settings, Video and Audio, set the format to match your TV and switch on Match Content to avoid unnecessary conversion.
The programme guide shows no information
With Xtream login the guide is downloaded automatically but can take a few minutes the first time. Open the app’s EPG settings and refresh. If only some channels lack information, tell support which ones.
Questions about this device
Can I use AirPlay to send IPTV from my iPhone to a TV?
Many players support AirPlay to an Apple TV or an AirPlay-compatible TV. It works for occasional viewing, but installing a player on the TV or Apple TV directly gives a more stable picture.
Which app is best on Apple TV?
Smarters Player Lite is free and complete, so start there. iPlayTV is the most TV-like and worth its one-time price if you watch mainly live channels on the Apple TV.
Is there a way to install IPTV players outside the App Store on iPhone?
We only document App Store installations. The players above are all available there, which also means they update automatically and are reviewed by Apple.
Does ZELVIX IPTV work on an old iPad?
If the iPad can still install the current version of one of the players above from the App Store, yes. Very old iPads that no longer receive App Store updates may not be able to install them.
Can I watch on my iPhone abroad?
The service follows your account, not your location, but some content may be unavailable in some regions and mobile networks abroad can be slow. Use Wi-Fi where possible.
Want us to walk you through it?
Start with a free 24-hour trial and set it up with our support team on WhatsApp or Telegram. We answer around the clock, in English, French and Spanish.
ZELVIX IPTV provides the subscription and the access details for your device. The player apps named in this guide are made by independent developers, are not affiliated with ZELVIX DIGITAL, and their prices, store availability and menus can change at any time. Use the service only in a way that is lawful where you live.