# M3U Player for Apple TV, iPhone, iPad & Mac — VoxaTV

Source: https://voxatv.app/m3u-player/

Last updated: 23 October 2026

VoxaTV plays your own M3U and M3U8 playlists on Apple TV, iPhone, iPad and Mac. Add a playlist URL, or import a local playlist file on Mac, iPhone or iPad, to browse the live TV, movies and other media supplied by your source. VoxaTV does not include channels or sell IPTV subscriptions.

[Download VoxaTV on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/au/app/voxatv/id6811088081). Free includes one saved playlist, browsing, search, programme guides and playback from the start.

## What is an M3U playlist?

An M3U playlist is a text list of media locations. It can also contain channel names, groups, artwork links and guide identifiers. M3U8 uses UTF-8 text encoding. The playlist points to media; it does not itself contain the video or grant access to it.

An IPTV catalogue and an HLS stream can both use the `.m3u8` extension. A catalogue lists the channels or videos you browse; an HLS manifest describes one stream’s renditions or segments. For playlist setup, use your source’s catalogue URL or file. Renaming a single HLS stream does not turn it into a channel catalogue.

## How to add an M3U playlist in VoxaTV

- Obtain your playlist URL or file from a source you have permission to use.

- Open **Settings → Playlists → Add playlist** and give it a recognizable name.

- Choose **M3U URL** and paste the complete playlist URL. For a local file on Mac, iPhone or iPad, choose **M3U file** and select your `.m3u` or `.m3u8` file. On Apple TV, add a playlist URL; there is no local file picker.

- If your source supplies a separate XMLTV address, enter it in **Guide URL**. Otherwise, leave it blank to use the playlist’s guide URL when provided.

- Choose **Save playlist**. Mac and Apple TV also offer **Test connection** before saving. Select the playlist as your active source and browse its content.

VoxaTV browses and searches the active playlist only. Premium lets you save multiple playlists and switch between them. If you have a server address, username and password instead of a playlist link, follow the [Xtream Codes setup guide](https://voxatv.app/xtream-codes-player/).

## How do I add an XMLTV programme guide?

Guide schedules require XMLTV data from your source and matching channel identifiers. Adding a guide URL cannot create schedules for channels that have no matching data. Refresh the guide when your source updates it. Playlist settings offer separate catalogue and guide refresh intervals; automatic checks service the active playlist while VoxaTV is open.

## Why is an M3U playlist empty or not playing?

- **Import fails:** check the complete URL, internet connection and any account expiry. A web login page or expired download link is not a usable playlist.

- **Content is missing:** check the active playlist and refresh its catalogue. Categories and artwork depend on the metadata supplied by your source.

- **Channels appear but do not play:** ask your source whether the stream is available and whether your account permits another connection. Successful import does not guarantee stream compatibility.

- **Seasons or episodes are missing:** ordinary M3U names are not enough to establish a show’s episode order. Structured shows require structured source data.

Local playlist import is not an offline video download. Streams still need to be reachable. Keep private playlist URLs out of screenshots and support messages because they can contain account credentials.

## What else can I do with my playlist?

Explore the [IPTV player features](https://voxatv.app/features/) for playback controls, supported subtitles and audio tracks, iCloud Sync and device differences. The [Free and Premium comparison](https://voxatv.app/features/#premium) explains saved-position resume, Favorites, profiles and other paid features. Stream format, guide data and playback quality depend on your source, device and playback engine.

For more help, visit [IPTV player support](https://voxatv.app/support/).