IPTV is the best way to get on-demand videos and live TV without signing up for cable. It also allows users to watch videos according to their own schedule, unlike most cable subscription plans.
However, most IPTV players and apps are restricted to smartphones and tablets. Because of this, many users don’t know how they can maximize the service by watching on a larger screen.
If you want to stream IPTV on a smart TV, a Chromecast device is your best bet.
- Windows and Mac users can use Google Chrome or VLC to Chromecast IPTV channels.
- Android and iOS users can download an IPTV app from the Google Play Store and the App Store, respectively, to Chromecast IPTV channels.
Before anything else, we’ll discuss the different IPTV services you can Chromecast to your TV. We’ll also break down the steps in how to cast IPTV on Chromecast for Windows/Mac users and Android/iOS users.
What is IPTV?
Internet Protocol Television or IPTV allows users to access multiple TV channels using their internet connection.
IPTV services are typically more affordable compared to cable subscriptions. Most IPTV services are free but some charge a monthly subscription fee.
Most of these IPTV services are available through IPTV apps and websites:
- Video on Demand (VOD)
- Live Television
- TV on Demand
Fortunately, IPTV users can enjoy these services on a smart TV by using Chromecast.
The process will take longer than Chromecasting streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Youtube because you need to use third-party apps to configure the settings. Once you have it working, you can also cast HBO Max to your TV.
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How to connect IPTV to Chromecast
After setting up Chromecast on your TV and IPTV on your device, you can begin sending content to your Chromecast device over a shared WiFi network.
Set up Chromecast on your TV
Using a Chromecast device is the easiest way to cast content from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. To do this, though, you’ll need a Chromecast device and a Chromecast-compatible smart TV.
We recommend getting the latest Chromecast dongles to avoid any bugs and compatibility issues:
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Chromecast Ultra
For the smart TV, you can use any TV with an HDMI port. To get the best viewing experience, though, we recommend getting a 4K TV if it suits your budget.
Here’s how to set up your Chromecast device to a smart TV:
- Plugin the Chromecast device into an available HDMI port of your TV. Plug the Chromecast device into a power outlet using a USB cord and an adapter.
- Power on the TV and press the source or input button on your remote. Select the HDMI port that your Chromecast is connected to.
- Make sure to connect your TV to the same home network as the device you’re streaming IPTV from. Remember that Chromecast devices have varying WiFi requirements:
- Chromecast with Google TV: supports 2.4G and 5G frequency
- Chromecast Ultra: supports 5G frequency
Setup IPTV for Windows or Mac
There are two ways to Chromecast IPTV from your PC. You can either use Google Chrome’s cast function or you can use VLC media player.
Both options are simple and provide great results, so the best one for you is a matter of preference.
Before you continue with the instructions below, make sure that you’ve connected your Chromecast device and source device to the same WiFi network.
Chromecast IPTV with Google Chrome
Chromecast an IPTV site directly from Google Chrome using the built-in Cast function:
- Download and install Google Chrome for Mac or Windows. If you already have it on your PC, make sure that it’s updated to the latest version.
- Visit your preferred IPTV site on Google Chrome. Play the video you want to stream.
- Click the three-dot menu icon on the upper right corner of the Google Chrome window. Choose Cast from the dropdown menu.
- A list of available Chromecast devices will appear. Select your Chromecast device and choose the Cast tab from the Sources dropdown menu. Your selected tab should successfully appear on your TV.
Chromecast IPTV with VLC Media Player
Alternatively, you can use VLC media player to stream IPTV channels using a Chromecast device. The cast function is only compatible with the latest versions of VLC media player, so check out our article on how to cast VLC media player to Chromecast for more information.
Use VLC Meia player’s built-in Open Network Stream and cast function:
- Download VLC media player for Windows or Mac OS X.
- Click Playback on the menu bar and select Renderer. Choose your Chromecast device. If it doesn’t appear in the options, click Scan.
- Click on Media on the menu bar. Select Open Network Stream.
- Click the Network tab and type the IPTV stream URL under the Network protocol section.
- VLC will now load the IPTV stream. Click Play to start streaming on Chromecast.
If you run into any trouble using VLC, we have a fix for the VLC is unable to open the MRL file Error, which is the most common problem.
Setup Chromecast IPTV App for Android or IOS
There are many official IPTV-supported apps available on the App Store for iOS and the Google Play store for Android.
- To Chromecast IPTV channels from your smartphone or tablet, you need to download one of these apps:
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- VLC Media Player for iOS or Android
- BubbleUPnP
- GSE Smart IPTV
- IPTV Smarters PRO
- IPTV by Alexander Sofronov
- Perfect Player IPTV
- Streamer for Chromecast
- Though the interface is different, most IPTV apps work the same way. On your IPTV app, add an M3U URL or JSON URL depending on the login options from your IPTV provider.
- Create a playlist and configure your login details.
- Choose the TV channel or on-demand video you want to stream and tap the cast or screen mirroring button.
- Choose your Chromecast device and the stream should appear on your TV.
Conclusion
To begin, you’ll need a Chromecast device and a Chromecast-compatible TV. You will also need a compatible device that can access IPTV websites or download the IPTV app.
Make sure that your TV and source device are connected to the same network.
For Mac or Windows users, use Google Chrome or VLC to Chromecast an IPTV URL.
For smartphone and tablet users, use a third-party IPTV app to Chromecast an IPTV URL.