How to install IPTV on Plex

Are you looking to enhance your Plex media server with IPTV capabilities? With an IPTV subscription, you can unlock a world of live TV channels, on-demand content, and an immersive viewing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing IPTV on Plex. Discover how to seamlessly integrate IPTV into your Plex setup and enjoy a vast array of entertainment options right at your fingertips.

What is Plex IPTV?

Plex IPTV is the integration of IPTV services with the Plex media server, allowing you to watch IPTV channels and content through Plex on various devices. With Plex, you can stream live TV channels, record programs, and enjoy on-demand content, all within the Plex interface that combines both your local media and IPTV services. It’s important to note that Plex itself doesn’t provide IPTV services; you need to use a separate IPTV service or obtain IPTV playlists compatible with Plex. This integration creates a unified media center, offering a comprehensive entertainment experience.

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol television, which is different from the traditional TV model. It’s a live stream of your favorite channels on your device over the Internet. It has two ways, one is a standalone app download to activate IPTV, and the other requires an IPTV player to process IPTV playlists. Users can access unlimited live sports events, PPV, Boxing Streams, new movies, and international channels through the player. By far the most popular IPTV players are Plex, Kodi(Free), and VLC(Free).

Plex Pros and Cons

What Devices Does Plex Work On

Plex is a multifunctional media server platform that runs on many devices. Here are some devices that Plex is compatible with:

• Computers: Plex has dedicated applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. You can install and run Plex on your desktop, laptop, and home server.
• Mobile devices: Plex offers a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. You can access and stream media content on your smartphone and tablet.
• Smart TVS: Plex is supported on many smart TV platforms, including Samsung Smart TVS, LG Smart TVS, SONY Bravia, and Toshiba TVS. Some TVs have a built-in Plex app, while others may you to install the Plex app from the appropriate app store.
• Streaming devices: Plex works with popular streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield TV, and Google Chromecast. You can install the Plex app from your respective app store.
• Consoles: Plex is available on consoles such as Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4. and PlayStation 5, allowing you to stream media on your TV through these devices.
• Set-top boxes: Devices such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV Cube, and NVIDIA Shield TV Pro act as set-top boxes and support Plex streaming content.
• Web browser: Plex also has a web-based interface that can be accessed through a compatible Web browser on a variety of devices. This gives you access to the Plex library without a dedicated application.

It is important to note that the availability and functionality of Plex may vary depending on the specific device and operating system. But, Plex’s cross-platform compatibility ensures that you can enjoy your media library on a variety of devices at home.

Benefits Of Using Plex

1. It is free (there is also a paid version)
2. Works on most devices
3. Remote access, invite family members to join your plex
4. Limit content to other family members
5. Plex supports instant transcoding, which means it can adjust video. and audio quality in real-time to suit the features of the device you’re streaming on.
6. A 30-second preview of TIDAL songs
7. Mobile Apps (Android and iOS)
8. Plex is free to use, but it offers a premium subscription called Plex Pass that allows for live TV. mobile syncing for offline access, DVR, advanced music features, photo tagging, and more.
9. Plex provides an interface with customizable settings and preferences.
10. Watch the trailers before you watch any movie
11. Plex has an active community of users who contribute plugins, themes, and other add-ons to enhance the Plex experience.

Note: Before adding M3U to Plex, we first need to get a subscription plan and information about active M3U links from the IPTV subscription provider. If you have not found the right IPTV service, I suggest you choose an IPTV free trial in our list to get a free M3U URL.

How do I add M3U to Plex?

Plex’s support for M3U playlists may depend on the particular version of Plex you are using. Also, some versions or platforms of Plex may must more plugins or third-party tools to handle M3U playlists. For now, I recommend the more reliable way to enable Plex IPTV: install xTeVe.

This is a free and open-source M3U agent that simulates tuners to package IPTV M3U playlists as regular TV channels that can be streamed over Plex. Below I will show you how to make Plex M3U IPTV work with xTeVe.

Note: To install and use xTeVe, make sure your Plex Media server version is available at 1.11.1.4730 or higher. And you need to customize Plex Pass because Plex Pass provides DVR support.

Install xTeVe – Add M3U to Plex

• 1. Open the device, enter the browser, and search for Plex Media Server.
• 2. Download Plex Media Server and complete the installation.

• 3. Open the xTeve file and run xTeve. Now, a window will appear, please single “allow access”. xTeve will continue to run, as shown in the following figure.

• 4. Locate the Web Interface line and copy the link.
• 5. Now, go to your browser again and paste and search for the copied link.

Configure xTeve – Add M3U to Plex

• 1. Go to the xTeve configuration page.
• 2. Enter the number of tuners required and the number of parallel connections that can be established with the provider). Then click Next.

• 3. In the EPG Source section, select “XMPG” from the drop-down menu bar. Click” Next ‘.

• 4. Enter the M3U link from the IPTV provider and click ‘Next’.

• 5. Enter the XMLTV file. If there is no XMLTV file, click Next.

Note: The M3U playlist and XMLTV file URL should be available from your OTV IPTV provider.

• 6. You have now configured the xTeve. Channel to load the Whoosh on your device.

Note: Plex can only handle a maximum of 480 channels. If you have more than that number of channels, you won’t be able to stream any content on Plex. Therefore, you must use filters to get only the channels you need.

• 7. On the xTeve menu, select “Filter playlist” and click “New”.

• 8. Select FLITER and select M3U: Group Title. Then click “Next”.

• 9. In the Group text box, enter related information.

• 10. Click Save and the system will filter the channel.
• 11. Now go to “Mapping”. You should see all filtered channels displayed in the list.

Note: If the red color appears, the channel information is incomplete. This channel is not available at Plex, in which case you need to map it to the EPG channel. All you need to do is right-click, click on one of the unavailable channels, and you can start mapping. After the mapping is complete, you can click Save.

How to add IPTV to Plex?

After configuring xTeve, you can now add IPTV to your Plex, be sure to follow the steps below.

• 1. Open Plex IPTV application.
• 2. On the menu bar of the home screen, tap the Settings icon.
• 3. Next please roll the mouse to the administration section and select Live TV and DVR.

• 4. Click the Set Plex DVR button, which Plex will detect your tuner. If the tuner cannot be detected, enter its network address on a single machine. And enter * your IP address *: 34400. The single machine “CONNECT”.

• 5. Select “Continue”. A filtered channel will be displayed on the screen. Click “Continue”.

• 6. Enter the language English, XMLTV Guide Enter http://* your IP address *:34400/xmltv/xteve.xml. Then click Continue.

• 7. Now you will see a list of all available 2 channels. Check that the channel matches the XMLTV guide data. Then click continue.

• 8. You have now added IPTV to Plex.

Can you play IPTV on Plex?

After IPTV is configured on Plex, you can continue to access content for watching and playing IPTV.

• 1. When your load reaches 100%, please select the “View Guide” button.

• 2. This is the screen that will display input IPTV service for all the channels.
• 3. Now you can play IPTV on Plex.

How to access Plex channels and VOD

Plex Media Player has a good collection of channels and VOD. Without choosing to buy an IPTV subscription. It offers 80+ TV channels for you to watch. If you want to see all more channel content. Then you need to buy a Plex Pass subscription. To start.

• 1. Launch the Plex Media Player application.
• 2. Log in to the Plex Pass account
• 3. After login, you will see all the channels and on-demand content about Plex IPTV will appear on your home page.

Where To Find The IPTV Plugin In Plex

Before doing this, you need to start Plex and go to the Channels section inside the Plex. At this point, you will see a plug-in called IPTV.

Note: If you don’t see the plugin, make sure you have unzipped the folder and put the file in the right section of the previous step. Follow my steps next!

• 1. Before entering IPTV, click “IPTV Settings”.
• 2. Put the M3U link you obtained from the IPTV service provider into the customer area on the website.
• 3. Look at the image below and fill in the associated file name and URL link in XMLTV.

• 4. Remember to leave everything at its default values, then slide to the bottom and click the Save button.

Are there better alternatives for IPTV than Plex?

There are several alternatives to Plex that offer similar media servers and streaming capabilities. Here are some popular alternatives worth considering:

IPTV Smart Purple Player

IPTV Smart Purple Player is a robust IPTV player that offers extensive features and supports both Xtream Codes API and M3U playlists. It provides a built-in player for seamless playback and is compatible with external media players as well. The player includes Electronic Program Guide (EPG) support for live TV channels and features a Video-On-Demand (VOD) library. Additionally, it allows for easy casting from other devices. The player offers parental control options for each category, ensuring a safe viewing experience. With IPTV Smart Purple Player, you can enjoy high-quality 4K content effortlessly. It is available for download on both Google Play Store and the App Store.

TiviMate IPTV Player

TiviMate IPTV Player is a top-tier IPTV player specifically optimized for large screens. It offers a rich array of features that enhance your viewing experience, such as an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for easy channel navigation, a catchup facility to access missed content, and support for multiple playlists. The player also allows for customization, enabling you to personalize its interface to your liking. TiviMate IPTV Player is conveniently available for download on the Google Play Store, making it an ideal choice for streaming on Android Smart TVs and Firestick devices.

XCIPTV Player

XCIPTV Player stands out as a robust IPTV player that incorporates two built-in media players, ExoPlayer and VLC Player. With its wide-ranging format support, including Xtream Code API and M3U URL, it caters to diverse streaming preferences. The user-friendly interface makes it a top choice for IPTV enthusiasts, ensuring a seamless streaming experience. Notably, XCIPTV Player is readily available on reputable application stores for popular streaming devices like Android and iOS, and it offers compatibility with various other platforms as well.

Kodi

Kodi is a versatile media center software that transforms your device into a powerful media hub. It supports a wide range of media formats, has extensive customization options, and offers add-ons for additional functionality.

Emby

Emby is a feature-rich media server platform that allows you to organize, stream, and access your media collection. It offers robust server-client architecture, media transcoding, support for multiple devices, and cross-platform compatibility.

Jellyfin

Jellyfin is an open-source media server that provides a customizable and self-hosted streaming solution. It offers features like media organization, transcoding, client apps for various devices, and support for plugins and extensions.

Plex: Free vs Paid

Plex offers both free and paid versions, each with its own set of features and limitations. Here’s an overview of the differences between Plex’s free and paid options:

1. Free Version:
   • Media Organization: The free version allows you to organize your media library with metadata, posters, and descriptions.
   • Streaming: You can stream your media collection to various devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices.
   • Live TV: The free version supports live TV streaming and DVR functionality if you have a compatible tuner and antenna.
   • Podcasts: You can listen to podcasts within Plex using the free version.
   • Music: Enjoy your music collection and create playlists with the free version.
2. Plex Pass (Paid Version):
   • Mobile Sync: With Plex Pass, you can sync your media to your mobile devices for offline playback.
   • Parental Controls: Plex Pass allows you to set up parental controls to restrict access to certain content.
   • Movie Trailers and Extras: Access movie trailers, interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and other bonus content.
   • Multiple Users: Plex Pass allows you to create managed user accounts with personalized recommendations and watched statuses.
   • Hardware Acceleration: Plex Pass unlocks hardware transcoding, which can improve streaming performance on compatible devices.
   • Premium Music Features: Enjoy advanced music features, including lyrics, mood playlists, and more.
   • Early Access to New Features: Plex Pass subscribers get early access to new features and enhancements.

The Plex Pass is available as a subscription service, and the pricing varies based on the subscription duration (monthly, annual, or lifetime).

It’s important to note that while the free version of Plex offers many essential features, the Plex Pass subscription enhances the user experience with additional functionalities and perks. The choice between the free and paid versions depends on your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ

Why is my Plex IPTV Plugin Not working?

If your Plex IPTV plugin is not working, here are some simple troubleshooting steps to try:
1. Check compatibility: Ensure that the IPTV plugin you’re using is compatible with your version of Plex.

2. Verify installation: Make sure the plugin is installed correctly according to the provided instructions.
3. Restart Plex server: Restart your Plex media server to resolve any temporary issues or conflicts.
4. Update the plugin: Check for any available updates for the IPTV plugin and install them if necessary.

5. Review plugin settings: Double-check the plugin settings within Plex and ensure they are configured correctly.
6. Check internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and functioning properly.
7. Confirm IPTV provider status: Verify that your IPTV provider is operational as service issues can affect the plugin.

8. Seek support: Reach out to the plugin developer or consult community forums for assistance and guidance.
If the issue persists, consider contacting the plugin developer or Plex support for further assistance tailored to your specific situation.

Does Plex still work?

Yes, Plex is still an active and functional media server platform. It continues to be widely used by individuals and organizations for organizing, streaming, and accessing media content. Plex regularly releases updates and new features to enhance the user experience and ensure compatibility with various devices and operating systems. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Plex is actively supported and maintained by its developers. It’s advisable to visit the official Plex website or consult their support channels for the most up-to-date information on Plex’s functionality and availability.

How do I add a VOD to Plex?

1. Prepare your media: Ensure that your VOD content is in a compatible format and organized in a dedicated folder on your computer or NAS device.
2. Access Plex Media Server: Open the Plex web interface by launching your

3. preferred web browser and entering the URL “https://app.plex.tv/desktop” or by accessing Plex from your local network IP address (e.g., http://localhost:32400/web).

4. Sign in to your Plex account: Enter your Plex account credentials to log in. If you don’t have an account, create one by following the on-screen instructions.
5. Open the Plex library: Click on the “Libraries” option in the left sidebar and select the library type that suits your VOD content (e.g., “Movies” for films or “TV Shows” for series).
6. Add a library: If you haven’t set up a library for your VOD content yet, click on the “+” icon next to “Libraries” and select the appropriate library type.
7. Configure library settings: Give your library a name and choose the language for metadata, then click “Next”.

8. Choose the folder: Click on the “Add folders” button and browse your computer or NAS device to select the folder where your VOD content is stored. Click “Add” when you’ve selected the correct folder.
9. Confirm folder selection: Review the folder selected and click “Add Library” to finalize the library setup.
10. Analyze and scan for media: Plex will begin scanning the selected folder for VOD content. It will automatically gather metadata, such as titles, descriptions, and cover art, to enhance the browsing experience.
11. Access your VOD content: Once the scanning process is complete, you can access your VOD content within the Plex library you set up. You can stream it to various devices connected to your Plex account.

Is Plex free?

Plex can also be said to be free, free can only view 80+ channels. You can get a Plex Pass Premium subscription for a fee and activate one of the apps for just $5 a time. You can get 300+ channel content and PVR workers.

How is Plex different from Netflix?

Netflix takes care of all the work involved in managing and curating a collection of TV shows and movies for a subscription fee. In contrast, Plex puts you in charge of finding and organizing the content you want to watch. While Netflix offers a Basic plan starting at $6.99 with ads, it does not provide access to its entire library. On the other hand, Plex offers its own ad-supported TV show and movie library completely free of charge.

How Much Does Plex Cost?

Plex has both a free version and a paid subscription called Plex Pass. The free version provides basic features, while Plex Pass offers additional benefits. Plex Pass can be purchased on a monthly, annual, or lifetime basis, with pricing ranging from $4.99 per month to a one-time payment of $119.99. It’s worth noting that the free version of Plex is still functional and the paid subscription is optional for those who want extra features.

What is the cost of a Plex Pass Subscription?

Plex Pass monthly plan costs $4.99/month, $39.99/year, and $119.99 for a lifetime.

Is Plex legal in UK?

Plex is a legally recognized media server platform in various countries including the UK, USA, Germany, Canada, Australia, and others. The legality of using Plex depends on the source of the content you stream. If you acquire the material legally, such as by purchasing a movie or obtaining it through authorized means, it is perfectly legal to watch it on Plex using your device, regardless of your location.

What is XTeve?

xTeve is an open-source IPTV proxy server that allows you to integrate IPTV channels into media streaming applications like Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin. It acts as a bridge between IPTV providers and these media servers, providing a unified interface to access IPTV channels alongside your local media library. With xTeve, you can transform IPTV channels into a compatible format for smooth streaming and accurate channel information. It simplifies the management of IPTV services and enhances your media streaming experience. Please note that xTeve is a separate software that needs to be set up and configured independently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, integrating IPTV into your Plex media server opens up a whole new dimension of entertainment possibilities. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install IPTV on Plex and enjoy the benefits of live TV channels and on-demand content. Enhance your Plex experience with an IPTV subscription and access a wealth of entertainment options. Stay ahead of the curve in 2023 and elevate your media consumption with IPTV on Plex. Unlock a world of streaming possibilities and enjoy a personalized and immersive viewing experience.