Skip to content
FlickXPlayer
Help centre

Xtream Codes or M3U: which should you use?

The difference between the two playlist formats and when to pick each one.

FlickX supports both formats. Many providers offer both, so it helps to know the difference.

M3U link

One web link to a text file that lists every channel or video. It works with almost any source, including media servers and network TV tuners.

  • Works with home media servers, tuners and many services.
  • Simple: one URL, nothing else.
  • Films and series usually arrive as one long list, without posters or episode details.
  • No TV guide or catch-up in FlickX: those need an Xtream Codes login.

Xtream Codes login

A server address, a username and a password. The player asks the server for live channels, films and series separately, with categories, posters, descriptions and the TV guide built in.

  • Films and series get posters, plot, seasons and episodes.
  • The TV guide comes with the login.
  • Catch-up (watching programmes that already aired) works when your provider offers it.

Which one to choose

If your source offers an Xtream Codes login, use it: you get a richer library, the TV guide and catch-up. Use an M3U link for media servers, tuners and sources that only offer a playlist. You can add both kinds to the same device. See Adding a playlist.