How to set up IPTV on a Samsung or LG smart TV

Samsung and LG make up the bulk of smart TVs in UK homes, and both can play IPTV without a stick or box plugged in. The catch is that neither runs Android, so the best-known IPTV players aren't available. Instead you'll use one of a smaller set of TV-native apps. This guide explains how they work and how to get your ProTVHub UK IPTV login onto the TV.

Which smart TVs can run IPTV?

• Samsung TVs run Tizen. Most models from the last several years can install IPTV player apps from the Samsung app store.
• LG TVs run webOS and can install players from the LG Content Store.
• Sony, Philips, TCL, Hisense and others often run Android TV or Google TV — if yours does, follow our Android TV guide instead, because you'll have access to TiviMate.

Not sure which system your TV uses? Look in Settings → About or check the model number online.

Option 1: Smart IPTV (SIPTV)

Smart IPTV is one of the longest-running IPTV apps for Samsung and LG. It uses a slightly unusual setup: you don't type your login on the TV, you send your playlist to it from a phone or computer.

1. Install Smart IPTV from your TV's app store and open it.
2. Note the MAC address shown on screen — a string like 00:1A:2B:3C:4D:5E.
3. On a phone or computer, open the playlist upload page on the Smart IPTV website.
4. Enter the TV's MAC address and paste your ProTVHub M3U link from your welcome email, then submit.
5. Restart the app on the TV. Your channel list will load.

After a short trial, Smart IPTV asks for a one-off activation fee, paid to its developer rather than to us. Availability can vary by TV model and region.

Option 2: Other TV-native players

Several other players on Samsung and LG app stores accept either an M3U link or Xtream-codes details (server URL, username and password). The steps are broadly the same:

1. Install the player from the TV's app store.
2. Open it and choose to add a playlist or log in.
3. Enter your ProTVHub details — Xtream details if the app supports them, as they load the guide automatically.
4. Wait for channels and listings to download.

Many of these apps also use a MAC-address-and-website step, or charge a small activation fee after a trial. Because the line-up of apps changes, check recent store reviews before paying for one. Our guide to IPTV player apps explains the differences between login types.

Option 3: Add a streaming stick

If you want the smoothest experience, a streaming stick is often better than any TV-native app. A Fire TV Stick or Google TV device plugs into an HDMI port and gives you access to TiviMate and IPTV Smarters, faster menus and more frequent app updates. It also moves the work off the TV's own processor, which on older sets can be slow. See our Firestick guide for the full walkthrough.

Getting the best picture on a smart TV

• Use Ethernet. Most smart TVs have a network port, and a cable is far more stable than the TV's built-in Wi-Fi.
• Turn off motion smoothing (called Auto Motion Plus on Samsung and TruMotion on LG) if fast movement in sport looks unnatural.
• Pick HD over 4K if your broadband is below about 25Mbps. Our internet speed guide explains the numbers.
• Keep the TV's software updated, as updates often improve app performance.

Troubleshooting

The app says the playlist is empty. Check the MAC address you entered on the upload website — a single wrong character sends the playlist to someone else's TV.

Channels play but there's no guide. Some TV apps need a separate EPG link. Ask support for it, or see how the IPTV programme guide works.

Streams stutter. Try a wired connection, lower the quality to HD and restart the TV fully by unplugging it for a minute.