IPTV Setup Checklist for New Users

New to IPTV? Work through this checklist from top to bottom and you'll go from unboxing to a tidy, working setup without missing anything. Each step links to a detailed guide if you need more help.

1. Before you subscribe

• Pick your device. Check it can run a compatible player: how to choose a compatible IPTV device.
• Check your connection at the time you usually watch: our connection speed checklist.
• Remember: one stream at a time. Each IPTV Apollo subscription includes one connection — see using IPTV on multiple devices.
• Read the plan terms — duration, renewal, refunds. IPTV Apollo plans are on the pricing page.

2. Prepare the device

• Update the system software.
• Free up storage — remove apps you don't use.
• Set the correct date, time and time zone (affects logins and the guide).
• Connect by Ethernet if possible, or use 5 GHz Wi-Fi near the router.

3. Install a player

• Install from the official app store where possible: how to install IPTV apps.
• Confirm it supports your access method (M3U, Xtream Codes, or both).
• Avoid modified or pre-loaded apps.

Device walkthroughs: Firestick · Android TV · Google TV · all devices

4. Connect your subscription

• Find your access details. IPTV Apollo customers: provided by our team after activation.
• Choose Xtream Codes or M3U: the M3U and Xtream explainer.
• Enter details carefully — copy and paste, check case, include http:// and port if given.
• Verify: channels load, a channel plays, the guide appears.

Detailed steps: how to connect an IPTV player to your subscription.

5. Load the program guide

• Xtream Codes: refresh EPG if it doesn't load automatically.
• M3U: add the EPG URL and update.
• Set updates to daily.
• Fix time offset if programmes look shifted.

Guide: our EPG setup guide.

6. Tune playback

• Decoder: start with hardware decoding.
• Buffer: medium; increase if you see occasional pauses on Wi-Fi.
• Stream format: try the alternative (HLS/MPEG-TS) if a channel misbehaves.
• Audio: set audio delay if lip-sync is off.

Guide: how to configure an IPTV player.

7. Organise

• Add favourites for your main channels.
• Hide groups you never watch.
• Set a parental PIN if children use the device.
• Back up your player settings.

Guide: how to organize channels and favorites.

8. Know where to go if something breaks

• Bookmark IPTV not working: troubleshooting.
• Note your subscription end date — plans with manual renewal simply end. See renewal.
• Save the support page for anything the guides don't solve.

You're done

If every box is ticked, your setup is solid. Enjoy watching — and if you set up a second device later, the multiple devices guide will save you time.