Roku is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the US, but it’s one of the trickiest for IPTV. A Roku can’t install IPTV Smarters, TiviMate or other Android apps, and it doesn’t allow sideloading. You can still watch IPTV on Roku, whether you have a Roku TV or a Roku player. Here are the four ways that work, from the quickest to the one that gives you the best experience.
For a quick start, add an M3U player channel from the Roku Channel Store or mirror your phone. For the best experience, plug an inexpensive Fire TV or Google TV stick into a spare HDMI port and use a full IPTV app with a proper TV guide.
Why Roku doesn’t run most IPTV apps
Roku devices run Roku OS, Roku’s own system, not Android. They can only install channels from the Roku Channel Store, so the Android apps most IPTV services recommend, such as TiviMate and Smarters Pro, can’t be installed. Roku’s developer mode doesn’t change that: it only loads test channels built for Roku.
You may see channels with “Smarters” in the name in the Roku Channel Store. The Smarters Pro developer doesn’t list a Roku version on its official website, so treat those channels as third-party M3U players and check the developer name and reviews before you install one.
Way 1: Use an M3U player channel
The Roku Channel Store has a few channels that play IPTV from an M3U link. They’re the quickest way to start, but they’re basic compared with full IPTV apps.
- Press Home on your Roku remote and open Search.
- Search for M3U or IPTV player, choose a channel with good recent reviews and add it to your Roku.
- Open the channel and enter your M3U link. If your provider gave you an Xtream Codes login instead, our Xtream Codes guide shows how to build the M3U link from it.
- Wait for the channel list to load, then pick a channel.
One of the better-known options is IBO Player Pro, which is also popular on Samsung and LG TVs. You add your playlist on its website with the MAC address and device key the channel shows, and you pay an activation fee after the free period.
Expect simpler menus, a limited or missing TV guide and, in some channels, ads or a fee to unlock features. These channels come and go from the store, so check recent reviews first. Never pay a Roku channel for TV channels: the player only plays the subscription you already have.
Way 2: Mirror your Android phone or Windows PC
Most current Roku players and Roku TVs support screen mirroring from Android devices and Windows computers. You play IPTV in an app on your phone or computer, and the Roku shows exactly what’s on that screen.
- On your Roku, go to Settings > System > Screen mirroring and set Screen mirroring mode to Prompt or Always allow.
- On Android, open Quick Settings and tap Smart View, Screen cast or Screen mirroring (the name depends on your phone’s brand), then choose your Roku. On Windows, press the Windows key + K and choose your Roku.
- Open your IPTV app, such as Smarters Pro, and start a channel.
Mirroring ties up your phone, the picture depends on your Wi-Fi, and Google Pixel phones don’t support screen mirroring to Roku. It’s fine for a game or a show, less so for everyday viewing.
Way 3: AirPlay from an iPhone, iPad or Mac
Many Roku TVs and 4K Roku players support Apple AirPlay with up-to-date Roku software.
- On the Roku, open Settings > Apple AirPlay and HomeKit and make sure AirPlay is on. If you don’t see this menu, your Roku doesn’t support AirPlay.
- On your iPhone or iPad, open an IPTV app such as Smarters Pro, IPTVX or UHF and start a channel.
- Open Control Center, tap Screen Mirroring and choose your Roku, or use the AirPlay button inside the app if it has one.
Like screen mirroring, AirPlay keeps your phone busy and relies on Wi-Fi. Roku’s AirPlay help page lists the supported models, and our guide to IPTV on iPhone compares the players.
Way 4: Add a streaming stick (the best option)
The most reliable way to watch IPTV on a Roku TV is to plug a second streaming device into a spare HDMI port. You keep Roku for your other apps and get a full IPTV app with a proper TV guide.
- Fire TV Stick: choose a Fire OS model, such as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, so you can install TiviMate. Our Firestick IPTV guide explains which models to avoid.
- Google TV or Android TV device: install TiviMate or Smarters Pro straight from Google Play.
Switch between the Roku and the stick with your TV’s input button. Our guide to the best IPTV player shows the right app for each device.
Which way should you choose?
| Method | TV guide | Picture | Extra cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M3U player channel | Limited | Good | Free; some charge for features | Trying IPTV on Roku today |
| Screen mirroring | On your phone | Depends on Wi-Fi | None | Android and Windows users, occasional viewing |
| AirPlay | On your phone | Depends on Wi-Fi | None | iPhone and iPad users with a supported Roku |
| Streaming stick | Full guide | Best | A one-time device cost | Watching IPTV every day |
Before you buy anything, test how IPTV plays in your home with a free 24-hour trial. If something doesn’t work, our IPTV troubleshooting guide covers the fixes, and our setup guide covers every other device. New to IPTV? Start with what IPTV is.
IPTV on Roku FAQ
Can you get IPTV on Roku?
Yes, but not with the usual IPTV apps. You can use an M3U player channel from the Roku Channel Store, mirror your phone or computer, use AirPlay on supported models, or plug in a streaming stick for a full IPTV app.
Is IPTV Smarters available on Roku?
The Smarters Pro developer doesn’t list a Roku version. Channels with similar names in the Roku Channel Store come from other developers, so check the developer name and reviews before installing one.
What is the best IPTV app for Roku?
There’s no full-featured IPTV app like TiviMate for Roku. M3U player channels such as IBO Player Pro work for basic viewing; for a cable-style guide, plug in a Fire TV or Google TV stick and use TiviMate or Smarters Pro.
Can you sideload apps on a Roku?
No. A Roku only installs channels from its own store, and developer mode is limited to test channels built for Roku. Android apps can’t be installed.
Can I use an Xtream Codes login on Roku?
Most Roku M3U player channels need an M3U link, but you can build one from your Xtream Codes login. Our Xtream Codes guide shows the format.
Why can’t I mirror my Pixel phone to my Roku?
Google Pixel phones don’t support the screen mirroring standard Roku uses. Use another option from this guide instead, such as a streaming stick.
