How to Watch IPTV on iPhone and iPad (the Right Apps and Settings)

The best IPTV apps for iPhone and iPad are UHF and IPTVX. Both are on the App Store, both handle M3U playlists and Xtream Codes logins, and both have a proper TV guide, catch-up, AirPlay and picture-in-picture. Install one, add your service's playlist or login, and you're watching in five minutes. VLC is a free fallback for quick tests.

Which app to install

Get UHF from Short Wavelength Applications (App Store) or IPTVX from Bending X (App Store). Check the developer name: searching for "TiviMate" or "IPTV Smarters" on the App Store turns up lookalike apps from unrelated developers. The background is in what happened to IPTV Smarters Pro.

Setting it up

1. Install UHF or IPTVX and open it.
2. Add a new source or playlist.
3. Choose Xtream if your service gave you a server, username and password; choose M3U if it gave you one link. Copy and paste from the service's email rather than typing.
4. Let it load. Xtream logins usually bring the guide automatically; for M3U, add the guide (EPG) link if your service provides one.
5. Favourite the channels you watch.

Not sure which type you have? See M3U vs Xtream Codes.

Watching on the TV

AirPlay: tap the AirPlay button in the player and pick your Apple TV or AirPlay-compatible TV. Many Samsung, LG and Roku TVs support AirPlay too.

Chromecast: UHF supports casting to Chromecast and Google TV devices, according to its App Store description.

Casting is handy, but if you watch on the big screen most evenings, running the player on the TV device itself is steadier. See IPTV on Apple TV, or players for every device.

Picture-in-picture

Both UHF and IPTVX support picture-in-picture, so the match can keep playing in a small window while you reply to messages. Start playback, then swipe up to go home and the video shrinks into a floating window. If it doesn't, check Settings > General > Picture in Picture is turned on.

Saving mobile data

Live TV uses a lot of data: roughly 1 to 3 GB an hour in HD, and much more in 4K. On mobile data:

• Pick lower-quality versions of channels where your service offers them.
• Check Settings > Mobile Service (or Cellular) to see how much the app has used.
• If your plan has a cap, stick to Wi-Fi for long viewing.

Low Data Mode and streaming quality

iOS has a Low Data Mode that makes apps use less mobile data, which can lower video quality. If streams look soft on mobile data, check Settings > Mobile Service > Mobile Data Options > Data Mode (called Cellular on US iPhones). Standard mode gives full quality; Low Data Mode saves data. Switch it depending on your plan.

iPad and Mac

UHF and IPTVX run on iPad with the same features, and the bigger screen suits the guide well. Both are also available on Macs with Apple Silicon (M1 or later), so a purchase can carry across your devices. See IPTV players for Windows and Mac.

Common problems on iPhone

• Works on Wi-Fi, not on mobile data: some mobile networks limit certain video traffic, and courts in several countries order networks to block servers used by unlicensed services. Try another network to test.
• "Too many connections": your login is already in use on other devices. Close the app elsewhere; most services allow one or two streams at once.
• App crashes after an iOS update: update the app. If the developer has stopped updating it, switch players.
• Picture-in-picture doesn't start: make sure it's on in Settings > General > Picture in Picture, and start playback before swiping home.

Free live TV on iPhone

You don't need a playlist for plenty of live TV. Pluto TV, Tubi, The Roku Channel and Plex are free on the App Store, legal, and work over Wi-Fi or mobile data. See the best free live TV apps.

If it buffers

On Wi-Fi, move closer to the router or use its 5 GHz network. On mobile data, signal strength matters more than your plan's advertised speed. If every channel buffers at the same time each evening, the service is overloaded; our buffering guide helps you tell which it is.