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A Stalker portal, also called a MAC portal, is an IPTV login that identifies you by your device's MAC address rather than a username and password. You send your service the MAC address, it authorises that device, and you enter a portal URL on the device. The portal then supplies the channel list, guide and menus. The name comes from Stalker middleware, the server software behind it.
How it works
- Your device has a MAC address, a hardware identifier (MAG boxes' usually start 00:1A:79).
- You give it to your service, which adds it to its system.
- You type the portal URL into your device.
- The device connects, the portal recognises the MAC, and loads your service.
How it compares
| Stalker / MAC portal | Xtream Codes | M3U | |
|---|---|---|---|
| You enter | Portal URL | Server, username, password | Playlist link |
| Tied to | One device's MAC address | Your login | Your link |
| Guide | Supplied by the portal | Usually included | Often separate |
| Player support | MAG boxes, Formuler, TiviMate | Most players | Almost every player |
More on the other two in M3U vs Xtream Codes.
Which devices use portals
- MAG boxes by Infomir are built around them; setup is in how to set up a MAG box.
- Formuler boxes support MAC-ID portals in MyTVOnline alongside Xtream and M3U; Formuler's help says to give your service the MAC ID starting 00:1A (Formuler Helpdesk). See Formuler setup.
- TiviMate supports Stalker portals, per its store listing.
Pros and cons
Pros: nothing to type except a URL; the portal provides a consistent interface; the login can't be copied into another app as easily as a username and password.
Cons: tied to one device, so replacing the box means asking the service to change the MAC; fewer players support it; and if the MAC is registered wrongly, nothing works.
What happens when you change devices
Because a Stalker portal is tied to one device's MAC address, replacing your box means asking the service to switch the registered MAC to the new device. Until they do, the new box shows an authorisation error. Plan for that before swapping hardware, especially before a big match. With Xtream Codes or M3U, you'd simply type the same login into the new device.
Can I use a portal on Android TV?
Yes, with a player that supports it. TiviMate lists Stalker portal support on Google Play; the service may ask for a MAC address, which the player displays or lets you set. Formuler boxes support MAC-ID portals in MyTVOnline. Compare the setup routes in Formuler setup and adding a playlist to TiviMate.
Common portal errors
| Error | Usual meaning |
|---|---|
| STB blocked / not authorised | MAC not registered, or subscription expired |
| Portal not available | Wrong URL, server down, or blocked by your internet provider |
| Loading forever | Network problem or overloaded server |
Step-by-step fixes for MAG boxes are in how to set up a MAG box.
Are portals more secure?
A MAC-bound portal is harder to share than a username and password, which is why some services prefer it. It isn't a security feature for you, though: your viewing is tied to your device, and the service still keeps its customer records.
Which should you ask your service for?
If you use a MAG box, a portal. On anything else (Android TV, Google TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, phones), ask for Xtream Codes: it works in the most players and moves between devices easily. M3U is the fallback for simple players like VLC; see M3U vs Xtream Codes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Registering the wrong MAC address.
- Swapping devices before asking the service to update the MAC.
- Using shared "MAC code" lists.
A caution about "MAC codes"
You'll see lists of portal URLs and MAC addresses shared online, offering free access. Those are either someone else's paid accounts or unlicensed services, and using them is both unreliable and infringing. See Is IPTV legal?
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Stalker portal?
- An IPTV login method based on Stalker middleware, where the service authorises your device's MAC address and you enter a portal URL. The portal supplies channels, guide and menus.
- What is a MAC portal?
- Another name for the same thing: a portal that identifies your device by its MAC address instead of a username and password.
- Which devices support Stalker portals?
- MAG boxes by Infomir are built for them. Formuler's MyTVOnline and TiviMate on Android TV also support Stalker portals.
- Is a Stalker portal better than Xtream Codes?
- Not generally. Xtream Codes works in far more players. Portals are mainly used by MAG boxes and some set-top boxes, and tie the service to one device's MAC address.
- Where do I find my device's MAC address for a portal?
- On MAG and Formuler boxes, on the sticker and in the device's information screen. Formuler's help says to give the MAC ID beginning 00:1A. In apps like TiviMate, the player shows or generates the MAC to use.
- Can two devices share one portal subscription?
- Not usually. A portal subscription is tied to one MAC address, so each device needs its own registration.
- Is a Stalker portal legal?
- The technology is legal and used by licensed operators. Legality depends on whether the service has the rights to its channels.
- Can TiviMate use a MAC portal?
- Yes. TiviMate lists Stalker portal support.
- What does STB mean?
- Set-top box. Errors like STB blocked refer to your device's authorisation on the portal.
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IPTVTips is written and maintained by a small editorial team. We check every guide against official documentation from app developers, device makers and broadcasters, and we update articles when menus, prices or availability change. We only cover legal uses of IPTV.
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