Documentation / Managing Connections

Managing IPTV Connections

StreamSweeper allows you to connect to multiple IPTV sources using either Xtream Codes API or M3U playlist URLs. This guide covers everything you need to know about managing your connections.

Connection Types

Xtream Codes API

Xtream Codes is a popular IPTV management system used by many providers. If your provider uses Xtream Codes, they'll give you three pieces of information:

✓ Benefits of Xtream Codes: Automatic EPG updates, organized categories, and full access to live TV, movies, and series content.

M3U Playlist URL

M3U is a standard playlist format. Your provider may give you a direct URL to an .m3u or .m3u8 file:

📝 Note: M3U playlists may not include EPG data or organized categories, depending on how your provider formats the file.

Adding a Connection

Adding a Xtream Codes Connection

  1. Navigate to Connections → Add Connection
  2. Select Xtream Codes as the connection type
  3. Fill in the connection details:
    • Connection Name: Choose a friendly name (e.g., "Main Provider", "Sports Backup")
    • Portal URL: Enter the full server URL including port number
    • Username: Your Xtream Codes username
    • Password: Your Xtream Codes password
  4. Click Test Connection to verify credentials
  5. If the test succeeds, click Save
⚠️ Common Mistakes:

Adding an M3U Playlist Connection

  1. Navigate to Connections → Add Connection
  2. Select M3U URL as the connection type
  3. Fill in the connection details:
    • Connection Name: Choose a friendly name
    • M3U URL: Paste the complete URL to your playlist file
  4. Click Test Connection
  5. If the test succeeds, click Save

Managing Existing Connections

Editing a Connection

To update connection details:

  1. Go to Connections
  2. Find the connection you want to edit
  3. Click the Edit button (pencil icon)
  4. Update the necessary fields
  5. Click Test Connection to verify changes
  6. Click Save

Refreshing a Connection

StreamSweeper automatically refreshes connection data periodically, but you can manually refresh:

  1. Go to Connections
  2. Find the connection you want to refresh
  3. Click the Refresh button (circular arrow icon)

This will fetch the latest channel list, categories, and EPG data from your provider.

Deleting a Connection

  1. Go to Connections
  2. Find the connection you want to delete
  3. Click the Delete button (trash icon)
  4. Confirm the deletion
⚠️ Warning: Deleting a connection will also delete any M3U playlists that use it as a source. This action cannot be undone.

Connection Limits

All StreamSweeper plans include unlimited connections. You can add as many Xtream Codes or M3U sources as you need.

Security & Encryption

How Your Credentials Are Stored

StreamSweeper takes security seriously:

Best Practices

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Connection Test Fails

If the connection test fails, try these steps:

  1. Verify credentials: Double-check that your URL, username, and password are correct
  2. Check the URL format: Ensure you're using http:// (not https://) if required
  3. Include the port: Most Xtream Codes servers require a port number (e.g., :8080)
  4. Contact your provider: Verify that your subscription is active and the server is online
  5. Test in another app: Try your credentials in another IPTV player to rule out provider issues

Channels Not Loading

If your connection is saved but channels aren't appearing:

EPG Data Missing

If program guide data isn't showing:

Understanding Connection Status

Status Indicators

Each connection shows a status indicator:

Last Updated

The "Last Updated" timestamp shows when StreamSweeper last successfully fetched data from your provider.

Multiple Connections

Why Use Multiple Connections?

Organizing Multiple Connections

Use descriptive names to keep track:

Next Steps

Now that you understand connections, learn how to create custom playlists: