ViviMate supports three login formats: Xtream Codes, M3U and MAG Portal. MAG Portal is only for MAG boxes and is covered in the ViviMate MAG box guide. For every other device, the choice is between an M3U playlist link and an Xtream Codes login. They give you access to the same subscription, but they work differently, and the right one depends on your player. For how logins fit into IPTV in general, see the ViviMate IPTV guide.
What an M3U playlist is
An M3U playlist is a plain text file. Each entry lists a channel's name, its group (such as Sports or News) and the web address of its stream. Your ViviMate M3U link points to that file, and the player downloads it and turns it into a channel list.
Because it's just a list, an M3U file doesn't carry the TV guide by itself. Some players read a guide address embedded in the playlist; others need a separate EPG link entered by hand.
What an Xtream Codes login is
An Xtream Codes login has three parts: a server address, a username and a password. Instead of downloading one big list, the player talks to the server and asks for what it needs: live channels, films, series, the guide and your account details.
M3U vs Xtream Codes at a glance
| Feature | M3U playlist | Xtream Codes |
|---|---|---|
| What you enter | One long link | Server, username and password |
| TV guide (EPG) | Sometimes needs a separate EPG link | Usually loads automatically |
| Films and series | Often mixed into one long list | Usually shown in their own sections |
| Subscription expiry date | Not shown | Usually shown in the player's account screen |
| Catch-up | Depends on the player and playlist | Generally the most reliable option |
| Works in | Almost every player, including VLC | Most dedicated IPTV players |
Which should you use?
- Use Xtream Codes whenever your player offers it. You get the guide, organised films and series, and your expiry date with less setup. Players such as TiviMate and IPTV Smarters accept it.
- Use M3U when the player only accepts a playlist link, such as VLC, or Smart TV players that are activated through their website, such as Smart IPTV.
- Use MAG Portal only on a MAG box.
Your setup message contains the details for the format that suits your device. If you change device later and need the other format, ask ViviMate support.
Keep your login details private
Both formats contain your username and password. In an M3U link they're written into the address itself, so the whole link works like a password:
- don't post it in forums, group chats or screenshots;
- only paste it into official player apps and their official websites;
- if you think it has been shared, contact support.
Common mistakes with each format
M3U
- The link was cut short when copied. Long links are easy to truncate, so copy it in full.
- The guide is empty because no EPG link was added. See the EPG guide.
Xtream Codes
- The server address is missing
http://or the port number that follows it. - An extra space crept in at the end of the username or password.
For other login errors, see the ViviMate troubleshooting guide. To choose a player that suits your format, read the ViviMate IPTV player guide.
