Open an M3U or M3U8 playlist on Windows

Before you start

An M3U playlist is a text list of stream addresses. M3U8 is its UTF-8 form. You need either the complete playlist URL or a .m3u or .m3u8 file, plus an internet connection for the streams. A provider's website or a screenshot of a channel list is not a playlist.

If you only have a server address, username and password for Xtream, choose Xtream Codes instead. The Help page explains that route. Do not turn those details into a guessed playlist URL.

You can follow this guide with the one user playlist available in the no-expiry Free version, alongside the optional licensed demo. Optional lifetime Pro expands the playlist features; it does not include a provider subscription. See the Free and Pro features.

Add a playlist link

1. Open TulipTv. On first launch, use the playlist form. If you have already set up the app, open Settings, then Lists, and choose Add Playlist.
2. Select M3U URL. Paste the complete link into the M3U URL field, including any query parameters supplied by your provider. Do not paste a provider's sign-in webpage instead.
3. Give it a name if you want. Playlist name (optional) can stay empty.
4. Choose Add Playlist. When it is saved, go to Home and open Live TV to browse the channels.

If Free already holds your user playlist, check its existing entry in Settings, Lists before adding another. Adding further user playlists is a Pro feature.

Add a playlist file instead

1. In the same playlist form, select M3U File.
2. Select your .m3u or .m3u8 file, or drop it onto the file area. The selected filename appears in the form.
3. Optionally name the playlist, then choose Add Playlist.

TulipTv checks the file for channels before saving it. An empty file, an unreadable file or a file with no usable channel entries is refused with feedback. Saving a playlist file does not download its videos for offline viewing.

Renaming an HTML download to .m3u does not turn it into a playlist. If a provider changes its stream addresses, ask for a current playlist rather than repeatedly importing an old file.

When a playlist does not work

The link is rejected or channels do not load

Check the complete HTTP or HTTPS playlist address and your connection. A missing token or a provider login page can prevent loading. Ask your provider to confirm the subscription and the current playlist link; do not publish the link while asking for help.

The file has no channels or a line has no stream address

A channel entry needs its stream address after its #EXTINF line. TulipTv can point out a broken line when a file yields no channels. Obtain a complete playlist from the provider if the file is truncated or is a different kind of M3U8 manifest. A filename extension alone does not establish the file's contents.

Channels appear, but one will not play

Try another channel and use Retry when offered. A listed channel can still be unavailable or restricted by the provider. Close playback in another player if your subscription limits simultaneous streams. A working channel list does not prove every stream is online.

The guide, audio language or subtitles are missing

These are separate from importing the channel list. Programme data needs a guide source, and language choices depend on tracks present in the stream. The guide, audio and subtitle help covers the relevant settings.

Keep your provider details private

A playlist URL may contain a username, password or access token. Enter the actual details in the app, not in this website's contact form. Keep complete playlist links, files and account details out of public posts, support messages and screenshots. Describe the error and app version instead, with private values removed.

When moving from another player, enter your provider's compatible details again. TulipTv does not import the other app's purchases, backups, settings or favorites. Provider device and simultaneous-stream limits still apply.