IPTV on Chromecast and Google TV devices

“Chromecast” covers two quite different kinds of device, and the difference matters for IPTV. Older Chromecasts (the small dongles with no remote) can only play video that you cast from a phone or computer. The Chromecast with Google TV and its successor, the Google TV Streamer, are full streaming devices with a remote and the Google Play Store, so they can run IPTV player apps directly.

Which one do you have?

Google stopped making Chromecasts in 2024, selling the remaining stock while supplies lasted, and the Google TV Streamer (£99 at its UK launch) took over. Google has said it will keep supporting existing Chromecasts with updates, so there's no need to replace one that works. If you're buying new, the Streamer's extra memory and storage make a real difference with large channel lists.

Google TV devices: install an app

On a Chromecast with Google TV, a Google TV Streamer or a TV with Google TV built in, you can install IPTV players from Google Play, including big-screen favourites like TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro where they're listed.

1. Open the Apps tab and search for an IPTV player.
2. Install it and open it.
3. Sign in with your Xtream Codes login or M3U link.
4. Pin the app to your home screen so it's one click away.

The 4K models support 4K, HDR and HEVC, so they meet the device requirements for 4K Premium. The Google TV Streamer also has a built-in Ethernet port; the Chromecast with Google TV can use Google's Ethernet power adapter, which supplies power and a wired connection through the same USB-C cable.

If the player isn't in Google Play

Google TV can install an app from its developer's official website, but the option is hidden. Only do this for a well-known player, and switch the permission off afterwards:

1. 1

   Turn on developer options

   Go to Settings > System > About and select Android TV OS build seven times, until a message says you're a developer.
2. 2

   Allow one app to install others

   Go to Settings > Apps > Security & restrictions > Unknown sources, and switch it on only for the app you'll use to download, such as Downloader or a file manager.
3. 3

   Install the player, then switch it off

   Download the player from the developer's own website, install it, and turn the Unknown sources permission off again.

Older Chromecasts: cast from your phone

With a remote-less Chromecast, you need an IPTV player on your phone or tablet that supports casting. Start a channel on the phone, tap the cast icon and choose the Chromecast. The phone acts as the remote, and both devices need a good Wi-Fi signal. It works for occasional viewing, but switching channels is slower and some streams won't cast at all. See our Android and iPhone app guides for players with cast support.

Tips for smooth playback

• Use the power adapter supplied with the device; TV USB ports often don't provide enough power.
• Connect over 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet where possible.
• For smoother sport, set Match content frame rate in Settings > Display & Sound > Advanced display settings, where your device offers it.
• Keep storage free: clear a player's cache in Settings > Apps, and check what's using space in Settings > System > Storage.
• Turn on Apps only mode (Settings > Accounts & profiles, then your account) if you don't want Google TV's recommendations cluttering the home screen.

Google TV or Android TV?

Google TV is a newer interface built on Android TV, and IPTV apps work the same on both. Our article Google TV vs Android TV explains what's actually different. For other options, see our IPTV devices guide.