Installing IPTV on Plex: Step-by-Step Guide

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Do you desire to elevate the functionality of your Plex media server to include the dynamic features of IPTV? By subscribing to IPTV services, you open the doors to a realm filled with live TV channels, an extensive library of on-demand content, and an immersive viewing adventure. In this all-encompassing guide, we are here to accompany you on a journey through the intricate process of integrating IPTV into your Plex ecosystem. Uncover the seamless method of fusing IPTV capabilities into your Plex setup, thereby unleashing a diverse universe of entertainment choices right at your disposal.

What is Plex IPTV?

Plex IPTV combines IPTV services with the Plex media server, enabling you to watch IPTV channels and content via Plex on various devices. Through Plex, you can stream live TV channels, record shows, and indulge in on-demand content, all within the Plex interface that seamlessly integrates local media and IPTV services. It’s important to note that Plex itself does not provide IPTV services; you need a separate IPTV service or compatible IPTV playlists to use with Plex. This integration forms a unified media hub, delivering a comprehensive entertainment experience.

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television, a departure from traditional TV methods. It allows you to stream your favorite channels over the internet on your devices. There are two main approaches: one involves downloading standalone applications to activate IPTV, and the other requires an IPTV player to handle IPTV playlists. Users can access an array of live sports events, pay-per-view (PPV) events, boxing streams, new movies, and international channels through these players. Currently, the most popular IPTV players include Plex, Kodi (free), and VLC (free).

Which Devices are Compatible with Plex?

Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.
Mobile Apps: Android, iOS.
Tablets: Android and iPadOS.
Desktop/Laptop computers: macOS, Windows, Linux.
Smart TVs: LG, Samsung, Hisense, VIZIO, and Roku TV.
Streaming Devices: Amazon Alexa. Amazon Fire TV. Android TV.
Gaming Consoles: PlayStation and Xbox.

Advantages and Benefits of Plex

It is free (there is also a paid version)
Works on most devices
Remote access, invite family members to join your plex
Limit content to other family members
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.
A 30-second preview of TIDAL songs
Mobile Apps (Android and iOS)
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.
Plex provides an interface with customizable settings and preferences.
Watch the trailers before you watch any movie
Plex has an active community of users who contribute plugins, themes, and other add-ons to enhance the Plex experience.

How to Watch IPTV on Plex?

Currently, the most reliable method to enable Plex IPTV services is through xTeVe, a free and open-source M3U proxy. It simulates a tuner to package the IPTV M3U playlist into regular television channels that can be streamed on Plex. The following information explains how to make Plex M3U IPTV work through xTeVe.

Note: To use xTeVe, you have to make sure your Plex Media Server version is 1.11.1.4730 or newer and has subscribed to Plex Pass so you can have Live TV & DVR support. Your Plex Client should also have DVR support.

Install xTeVe – Add M3U to Plex

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

Looking for Better IPTV Options 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.

Is Plex Completely Free?

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:

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.
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

Does Plex still work?

Certainly, Plex remains an operational and effective media server platform. It retains its popularity among both individuals and organizations for the purpose of managing, streaming, and retrieving media content. Periodic updates and novel features are consistently rolled out by Plex to elevate user satisfaction and guarantee compatibility with diverse devices and operating systems. Based on information available up until September 2021, Plex is presently under active maintenance and support from its developers. For the latest details regarding Plex’s functionality and accessibility, it is recommended to refer to the official Plex website or engage with their support resources.

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.

Is Plex legal in the 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.

Is Plex worth it in 2023?

If you’re looking for free streaming TV that offers more than just your standard freebies, you may want to check out Plex. Plex is a free, ad-supported streaming TV app that has more than 50,000 on-demand movies and TV shows as well as over 250 live streaming channels.

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.

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.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, the fusion of IPTV with your Plex media server introduces a realm of boundless entertainment prospects. By adhering to the instructions elucidated in this guide, you can effortlessly integrate IPTV onto Plex, relishing the perks of live TV channels and on-demand offerings. Enrich your Plex voyage with an IPTV subscription, delving into a trove of entertainment alternatives. Stay at the forefront in 2023, heightening your media engagement through IPTV on Plex. Unleash an array of streaming opportunities and revel in a tailored and immersive viewing expedition.