TiviMate is one of the best IPTV players for TVs and set-top boxes running Android TV and Google TV. Its interface is modeled on modern cable and satellite receivers, so it’s genuinely easy to use with a regular remote. It has no channels built in: you need a subscription with a provider and the provider’s login details.
For an even more detailed walkthrough with screenshots of every step, see the help section of Arlekino.TV: step-by-step guide to setting up TiviMate.
Important: the app is designed strictly for TVs and set-top boxes. It has no touch controls, so you won’t be able to use it on a smartphone or tablet.
Player Features
- Smooth interface designed for big screens and remote control navigation
- Playlists in Xtream Codes API, M3U/M3U8, and Stalker Portal formats
- Full TV guide with a program grid and search
- Program archives and recording, including scheduled recording
- Auto frame rate to prevent judder
- Multi-view with up to 9 channels at once, plus picture-in-picture
- Multiple playlists and EPG sources at the same time
Step 1. Installing the App
From Google Play
- Open Google Play on your set-top box or TV
- Search for TiviMate IPTV Player
- Select “Install”
For Devices Without Google Play, Such as the Fire TV Stick
Get the APK link only from the official TiviMate website: builds from third-party sites are sometimes modified, and you’ll be entering your subscription username and password into the player.
- Install the Downloader app from the app store
- In the URL field, enter the direct link to the official APK file
- Allow installation from unknown sources and complete the installation
- Turn off unknown sources again. It’s safer that way
Step 2. Adding a Playlist
On first launch, TiviMate will prompt you to add a playlist.
Xtream Codes (preferred)
- Choose “Xtream Codes” as the connection type
- Enter the server address, username, and password from your provider
- Select “Next”: channels, logos, the TV guide, and archives will load automatically
- Name the playlist and select “Done”
Via an M3U Link
- Choose “M3U playlist” as the connection type
- Select “Enter URL” and enter the direct link to the M3U file
- Select “Next” and wait for the list to be processed
Step 3. TV Guide (EPG)
With Xtream Codes, the TV guide usually loads on its own. If it doesn’t appear:
- Hold “Left” or “Back” on the remote to open the side menu, then select “Settings”
- Go to the “EPG” section
- Open “EPG sources” → “Add EPG source”
- Paste the link to the XMLTV file (.xml or .gz) from your provider or a third-party EPG service
- Select “Update EPG”
Step 4. Key Settings
- Decoder. “Playback” → “Decoder”. Hardware decoding is the default. If video freezes or AC3/AAC audio drops out, switch to software decoding or use an external player such as VLC or MX Player
- Auto frame rate. “Playback” → “Auto frame rate”: turn on the toggle, and the video frame rate will sync with the screen refresh rate
- Recording. “Recording” → “Recordings folder”: choose internal storage, a USB drive, an SSD, or a network drive. Reliable recording requires a stable connection
- Groups and channels. In the TV guide, hold “OK” on a channel or category to hide categories you don’t need, add a channel to favorites, change the order, or rename it
Free Version vs. Premium
The free version is fine for trying out the player, but most of the key features are in Premium.
| Feature | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Playlists | One | Unlimited |
| Watching channels | Yes | Yes |
| Program archives (catch-up) | No | Yes |
| Recording | No | Yes |
| Auto frame rate | No | Yes |
| Multi-view and search | No | Yes |
| Favorites and sorting | No | Yes |
| Parental controls | No | Yes |
Premium is available as an annual subscription or a lifetime purchase, covering up to five devices per account. Payment and device management are handled through the TiviMate Companion app from Google Play on an Android smartphone, or directly in the player’s interface on Android TV if a Google account is linked.
The player is only half the story: the channels come from the provider. If you don’t have a subscription yet, check out our IPTV service rankings with prices, channel counts, and terms. Guides for other players are in the app setup section.