A MAG box is a set-top box made for IPTV. Instead of installing an app, you connect it to your IPTV provider’s portal, which is linked to the box’s MAC address, and the portal gives you the menus, channels and TV guide. The result feels like a cable box: one remote and no apps to manage. This guide explains what a MAG box is, which models are current and how to set one up step by step.
- Made by: Infomir
- Current models: MAG540w3 and MAG544w3 (Linux, 4K, built-in Wi-Fi), plus the MAG555 (Google TV)
- How IPTV works on it: a portal URL from your provider, linked to the box’s MAC address
- Where to enter it: System settings > Servers > Portals
What is a MAG box?
MAG boxes are IPTV set-top boxes from Infomir. You plug one into your TV’s HDMI port and your internet connection, and it loads a portal: a menu system run by your IPTV provider that holds your live channels, TV guide and on-demand library. Many of these portals run on the Ministra TV platform, Infomir’s software for providers, formerly known as Stalker Middleware.
Because the portal recognizes your box by its MAC address, there’s no username or password to type. Your provider links the MAC address to your plan, and the box connects every time it starts. The trade-off is flexibility: the Linux models don’t have an app store, so you can’t install players such as TiviMate on them.
Which MAG box should you get?
Infomir’s current lineup is small. Here’s how the models compare:
| Model | System | 4K | Wi-Fi | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAG540w3 | Linux | Yes, with HEVC | Built in | Uses your provider’s portal |
| MAG544w3 | Linux | Yes | Built in | Uses your provider’s portal |
| MAG540 and MAG544 | Linux | Yes | No, Ethernet only | The same boxes without Wi-Fi |
| MAG555 | Google TV | Yes, with HEVC | Built in | Install apps such as TiviMate from Google Play instead of using a portal |
Older models such as the MAG254, MAG322 and MAG524 are no longer in Infomir’s current lineup, but many still work with IPTV portals and use the same menus described below. Whichever model you choose, check that your provider supports MAG portals before you buy.
How to set up IPTV on a MAG box
1. Connect the box
Connect the box to your TV with an HDMI cable and plug in the power. For the steadiest picture, connect it to your router with an Ethernet cable. On a w3 model you can use Wi-Fi instead: open System settings > Network and choose Wireless (Wi-Fi).
2. Find the MAC address
The MAC address is printed on the sticker on the box and shown in System settings > Device info. On MAG boxes it starts with 00:1A:79.
3. Send the MAC address to your provider
Your provider links the MAC address to your plan and sends you a portal URL. SubscribeIPTV customers can send it through our contact form from the email address they used to order, and we reply with the portal URL.
4. Enter the portal URL
- Open the box’s settings: restart it and press Menu on the remote while “Loading portal…” is on screen, then choose System settings. On a new box with no portal yet, open Settings from the box’s own home menu instead.
- Go to Servers > Portals.
- Type a name in Portal 1 name, such as your provider’s name, and the address in Portal 1 URL, exactly as your provider sent it.
- Save your changes.
5. Restart and start watching
Choose System settings > Reboot device, or unplug the box for a few seconds. When it starts, the portal loads with your channels, TV guide and on-demand library.
Tips for the portal URL
- Copy it exactly. Portal URLs often end in a path such as
/c/, and a missing slash or a typo is the most common reason a portal won’t load. - Add a backup as Portal 2. If your provider gives you a second address, enter it as Portal 2. Infomir’s multiportal mode, under More in the Portals screen, lets you add more portals and choose one when the box starts.
- One box, one MAC address. The portal is tied to the box’s MAC address, so if you replace the box, send your provider the new MAC address.
Fix common MAG box problems
Stuck on “Loading portal…”
The box can’t reach the portal. Check your connection in System settings > Network info, then check the portal URL for typos and restart your router and the box. If a “Page loading error” screen appears, choose Try again. If it keeps failing with the correct URL, the portal itself may be down, so contact your provider.
“STB is blocked”
This message comes from your provider’s portal: it recognizes the box but has blocked access to the service. Usually the MAC address isn’t linked to an active plan yet, or the plan has expired. Send your provider the MAC address from Device info and ask them to check your account.
The TV guide is empty
On a MAG box, the guide comes from the portal. Restart the box and give the guide a few minutes to load, and contact your provider if it’s still missing. Our EPG guide explains how IPTV guides work.
Channels buffer or freeze
Use an Ethernet cable if you can, restart your router and test your speed: you need at least 10 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. Our buffering guide has more fixes.
Keep the software up to date
Infomir releases software updates for its boxes. You can check for one in System settings > Software update, and some providers also update boxes through their portal.
For anything else, our IPTV not working guide walks through every common cause.
MAG box or streaming stick?
Comparing every option? Our guide to the best IPTV box ranks the top streaming boxes for IPTV.
| MAG box | Fire TV or Google TV stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | A portal URL linked to the MAC address | A player app with an Xtream Codes or M3U login |
| Apps | None on the Linux models | Netflix, YouTube and IPTV players such as TiviMate |
| Connection | Ethernet built in, plus Wi-Fi on w3 models | Wi-Fi, with an optional Ethernet adapter |
| Best for | A simple, cable-box style setup | One device for IPTV and all your other apps |
Already have a stick? Our guide to IPTV on Firestick walks you through it. TiviMate can also sign in with a Stalker Portal login, the same kind of login a MAG box uses, if your provider offers one. For other devices, see our setup guide. Ready to watch? See the plans for our IPTV service, or test it first with a free 24-hour trial.
MAG box FAQ
What is a MAG box?
A MAG box is an IPTV set-top box made by Infomir. It connects to your provider’s portal, which is linked to the box’s MAC address, and shows your channels, TV guide and on-demand library.
Where do I find the MAC address on a MAG box?
It’s printed on the sticker on the box and shown in System settings > Device info. MAG MAC addresses start with 00:1A:79.
How do I add a portal URL to a MAG box?
Press Menu on the remote while “Loading portal…” is on screen, open System settings > Servers > Portals, enter the address in Portal 1 URL exactly as your provider sent it, save and restart the box.
Why does my MAG box say “STB is blocked”?
Your provider’s portal has blocked the box, usually because its MAC address isn’t linked to an active plan. Send your provider the MAC address and ask them to check your account.
Can I install TiviMate on a MAG box?
Not on the Linux models, such as the MAG540w3 and MAG544w3, because they don’t have an app store. The MAG555 runs Google TV, so you can install TiviMate from Google Play on it.
Which MAG box is best for IPTV?
For a portal-based setup, the MAG540w3 or MAG544w3, which both support 4K and have built-in Wi-Fi. If you’d rather use apps, the Google TV-based MAG555 or any Fire TV or Google TV device is more flexible.
Do I need a MAG box for IPTV?
No. Any device that runs an IPTV player works, including a Firestick, a smart TV, a phone or a computer. A MAG box is one option for a simple, cable-box style setup.
