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October 12, 2026 · 5 min readRead
In short: An Xtream Codes login uses three details, a server address, a username and a password, and loads live TV, movies, series and the TV guide on its own. An M3U playlist is a single link that lists the channels and works in almost any player, but may need a second link for the guide. If your app supports Xtream Codes, use it.
What an Xtream Codes login is
"Xtream Codes" is the name of a login method that most IPTV apps support. Instead of one long link, you enter three details:
- Server URL: the address of the service, sometimes with a port number at the end, like
:8080. - Username
- Password
The app then talks to the server and asks for everything it needs: live channel categories, movies, series, and usually the TV guide. When your provider adds or fixes a channel, it appears in your app without you doing anything.
What an M3U playlist is
An M3U playlist is a text file, usually given to you as a single link. It lists each channel with its name, its group, sometimes its logo, and the address of its stream. The app reads the list and shows the channels.
Playlists are simple and very widely supported, which is their big advantage. A computer media player can open one directly. Their limits are that movies and series may be missing or harder to browse, and some apps need a separate guide link to show the TV guide.
Side by side
| Xtream Codes login | M3U playlist | |
|---|---|---|
| What you enter | Server, username, password | One link |
| Live TV | Yes, by category | Yes, by group |
| Movies and series | Yes, with posters and seasons | Depends on the app and playlist |
| TV guide | Usually automatic | Sometimes needs a second link |
| Updates | Automatic | On refresh or reload |
| App support | Most IPTV apps | Almost every player |
A third way: device address (MAC)
Some devices and apps, like MAG boxes, do not use a username at all. They identify themselves with their MAC address, a unique code printed on the box or shown in its settings. You send that code to your provider, who links it to your subscription, and the device loads everything on its own. If you have a MAG box, our setup guide covers it.
Which one should you choose?
- Use Xtream Codes if your app offers it. It is easier to type on a TV remote, it loads movies, series and the guide, and it stays up to date by itself.
- Use the M3U link if your app only accepts playlists, or if you want to watch on a computer media player.
- Use the MAC address on MAG boxes and apps that ask for it.
You do not have to pick one forever. The same subscription can usually be opened either way, as long as you stay within the number of screens of your plan.
Common login errors, and the fix
- "Invalid login" or "authorization failed": check for a space at the end of the username or password, and for letters typed in the wrong case. Passwords are case-sensitive.
- The app cannot reach the server: check that the server URL starts with
http://orhttps://exactly as you received it, and that the port number is included. - It worked yesterday and stopped today: check whether your plan or trial has ended, and whether another screen is already using your last connection.
Keep your login private
An M3U link contains your username and password inside it. Anyone who has the link can use your subscription and take one of your screens. Do not post it in forums or group chats, and do not share screenshots that show it. If you think it leaked, ask your provider for a new password.
When you order from Boreal IPTV, we send the login type that fits your device, with the setup steps for it. Not sure which app to use? Ask us before you install anything.
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