How do I download an M3U playlist file to ITV, iMac, or a compatible app?

How do I download an M3U file to either ITV or iMac or to an app. I was going to download it to play TV but for some reason it is not working right what app can I use or can I download it to ITV or iMac. It’s the way I receive my TV stations




[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 14 Plus, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 10:54 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 6, 2025 11:04 AM

Here’s what ChatGPT has to say about the matter:


To play an M3U file (commonly used for IPTV playlists) on an Apple TV, you'll need to use a third-party app since Apple TV doesn’t natively support M3U playlist files. Here are a few solid options and steps to get it working:


Option 1: Use an IPTV App (easiest way)

Apps like IPTV SmartersGSE SMART IPTV, or iPlayTV are designed to handle M3U files.

🔹 iPlayTV (Recommended – Paid)

  1. Install iPlayTV from the App Store on your Apple TV.
  2. Open the app.
  3. Choose "Add Playlist" → Select M3U URL.
  4. Enter your M3U playlist URL.
  5. Optionally enter EPG (Electronic Program Guide) URL if you have one.
  6. Save and start watching your channels.

🔹 IPTV Smarters Pro

  1. Download IPTV Smarters from the Apple TV App Store.
  2. Choose “Load Your Playlist or File/URL.”
  3. Select M3U URL, and input your playlist credentials.
  4. Click Add User, and it will fetch your channels.


Option 2: Use AirPlay from iPhone/Mac

If you prefer not to install anything directly on Apple TV:

  1. Use an IPTV app like VLC or GSE Smart IPTV on your iPhone/iPad or Mac.
  2. Load the M3U file into the app.
  3. Tap the AirPlay icon to stream to Apple TV.


Optional Tip:

If you have a local .m3u file instead of a URL, you can:

  • Convert it into a hosted URL by uploading it to Dropbox, Google Drive, or your own server, then paste the link into the IPTV app on Apple TV.



1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 6, 2025 11:04 AM in response to Yugpot01

Here’s what ChatGPT has to say about the matter:


To play an M3U file (commonly used for IPTV playlists) on an Apple TV, you'll need to use a third-party app since Apple TV doesn’t natively support M3U playlist files. Here are a few solid options and steps to get it working:


Option 1: Use an IPTV App (easiest way)

Apps like IPTV SmartersGSE SMART IPTV, or iPlayTV are designed to handle M3U files.

🔹 iPlayTV (Recommended – Paid)

  1. Install iPlayTV from the App Store on your Apple TV.
  2. Open the app.
  3. Choose "Add Playlist" → Select M3U URL.
  4. Enter your M3U playlist URL.
  5. Optionally enter EPG (Electronic Program Guide) URL if you have one.
  6. Save and start watching your channels.

🔹 IPTV Smarters Pro

  1. Download IPTV Smarters from the Apple TV App Store.
  2. Choose “Load Your Playlist or File/URL.”
  3. Select M3U URL, and input your playlist credentials.
  4. Click Add User, and it will fetch your channels.


Option 2: Use AirPlay from iPhone/Mac

If you prefer not to install anything directly on Apple TV:

  1. Use an IPTV app like VLC or GSE Smart IPTV on your iPhone/iPad or Mac.
  2. Load the M3U file into the app.
  3. Tap the AirPlay icon to stream to Apple TV.


Optional Tip:

If you have a local .m3u file instead of a URL, you can:

  • Convert it into a hosted URL by uploading it to Dropbox, Google Drive, or your own server, then paste the link into the IPTV app on Apple TV.



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How do I download an M3U playlist file to ITV, iMac, or a compatible app?

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