By Great IPTV Editorial Team, Setup & customer support. Written and checked by the Great IPTV support staff who help customers install the service on Firesticks, smart TVs and phones every day. Steps are re-checked on real devices whenever the player apps change their menus.
Short answer: use Xtream Codes whenever your app offers it — it's a server URL, username and password that load channels, movies, series and the TV guide in one go. Use the M3U link only for apps that accept nothing else, such as VLC, Kodi or Smart IPTV. Use the MAG portal only on MAG boxes and Formuler's portal mode, where your box's MAC address is the login.
The three login types at a glance
| Xtream Codes | M3U playlist | MAG portal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What you enter | Server URL + username + password | One long link (+ EPG link) | Portal URL; MAC address registered |
| Loads the TV guide | Automatically | Needs a separate EPG link | Automatically |
| Movies & series | Organized by category | Long lists in many apps | Organized |
| Speed on small devices | Fast (loads on demand) | Slow with big playlists | Fast |
| Typical apps | TiviMate, Smarters, XCIPTV, IBO | VLC, Kodi, Smart IPTV | MAG 322/424/524, Formuler |
Your Great IPTV welcome email includes all three, so you can use whichever your device needs.
Xtream Codes: the default choice
An Xtream Codes login has three parts:
- Server URL — starts with
http://, then a host name, then a colon and a port number, for examplehttp://example.host:8080 - Username
- Password
The app talks to the server and downloads the channel categories, the on-demand library and the guide as it needs them. Because it loads in pieces, it's fast even on a Firestick Lite, and because the guide comes with it, you don't have to manage a separate EPG link.
Common mistakes:
- Leaving out
http://or the port number. - Adding extra text after the port, such as
/get.php— the app adds what it needs itself. - Autocapitalized first letters on TV keyboards. Usernames and passwords are case-sensitive.
- A space at the end of a pasted username.
M3U playlist: the universal fallback
An M3U is a single long link that returns a text file listing every channel and its stream address. Almost any media player can open one, which is why it's useful on apps like VLC and Kodi.
The downsides grow with the size of the lineup. With tens of thousands of channels and titles, the playlist file is large, so it loads slowly and uses a lot of memory on TVs and sticks. The guide isn't included: you add a separate EPG (XMLTV) link, also in your email. And on-demand content often appears as very long lists rather than a library.
Use M3U when: the app has no Xtream option (VLC, Kodi's PVR IPTV Simple Client, Smart IPTV), or for a quick test on a computer.
Tip: copy the link in one piece. M3U links are long and contain your username and password; a missing character at the end is the most common reason they fail.
MAG portal: for MAG boxes and Formuler
MAG set-top boxes don't use usernames. Instead, the provider registers the MAC address printed under your box (it starts with 00:1A:79), and you type the portal URL into the box's settings: Settings → System settings → Servers → Portals. Restart, and the portal loads with channels, guide and on-demand content.
Formuler boxes support a similar portal mode in the MyTVOnline app, and can also use Xtream Codes.
Common mistakes:
- The MAC address on your account doesn't match the box — read it from the sticker or the box's System information screen and send it to support.
- A missing slash at the end of the portal URL.
- Wi-Fi dongles on MAG boxes: use Ethernet.
Our MAG box guide covers every screen.
Which login for which device
| Device | Use |
|---|---|
| Firestick, Android TV, Google TV, Shield | Xtream Codes in TiviMate or Smarters |
| Samsung / LG TV | Xtream or M3U, added on the player's website |
| Apple TV, iPhone, iPad | Xtream Codes in IPTV Smarters |
| Windows / Mac | Xtream in Smarters, or M3U in VLC |
| Kodi | M3U + EPG in PVR IPTV Simple Client |
| MAG box | MAG portal |
| Formuler | Xtream Codes or MAG-style portal |
| Enigma2 | Xtream details in a playlist plugin |
Security: treat every login like a password
All three formats contain your account access. Don't post your M3U link or Xtream details online, don't type them into unofficial "builds" or add-ons, and don't share them outside your household — sharing can push you over your connection limit and lock you out mid-game. If you think your login has leaked, ask support for a new password.
Troubleshooting a failed login
When a login doesn't work, the error message usually points to the cause. Work through this table before contacting support — most problems are solved in a minute.
| What the app says | Most likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "Invalid username or password" | Typo or autocapitalization | Re-type both; check capitals and trailing spaces |
| "Invalid server" / "Can't connect" | URL without http:// or port | Enter the URL exactly as in the email |
| Login works, no channels | Groups hidden or playlist still loading | Wait two minutes, then refresh the playlist |
| M3U shows only a few items | Link copied incompletely | Copy the full link again in one piece |
| "STB blocked" on MAG | MAC address not registered | Send the MAC from the sticker to support |
| "Max connections reached" | Too many devices playing at once | Stop a stream elsewhere or add a connection |
If two different apps fail with the same details, the login itself may be the problem — for example an expired trial. Message support with your order ID and a photo of the error.
Where to find your details
Your welcome email has a section for each login type. Look for three lines labeled server, username and password for Xtream Codes; a single long link beginning with http for M3U, plus a second link for the guide; and a portal address for MAG boxes. Keep the email somewhere safe — you'll need it again when you add a new device or reinstall an app. If you can't find it, check your spam or promotions folder, then ask support to resend it.
Useful links
- MAG box setup, Formuler setup, Enigma2 setup
- Kodi guide — M3U with PVR IPTV Simple Client
- VLC media player — open an M3U on a computer
- Official Kodi download
- Infomir (MAG manufacturer) and Formuler
FAQ
Can I use Xtream on one device and M3U on another? Yes. They're different ways to reach the same account. Only the number of streams playing at once is limited.
Why does my M3U load slowly? Because the whole lineup downloads in one file. Switch to Xtream Codes if your app supports it.
Do I need the EPG link with Xtream Codes? No — the guide loads automatically. You only need it with M3U.
Need your login details resent? Contact us with your order ID.