Fix IPTV External Player Not Working
When you try to use an external player like VLC or MX Player with your IPTV app but it doesn't play, opens wrong app, or shows errors, the issue is usually configuration or player installation problems.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ IPTV app says 'no external player found'
- ▸ External player opens but doesn't play video
- ▸ Wrong player opens when trying to use external player
- ▸ External player shows error or crashes
- ▸ Can't find option to select external player
Why This Happens
- ▸ External player not properly installed
- ▸ Player not set as default or correctly configured
- ▸ Android TV version of player needed (not mobile version)
- ▸ IPTV app not configured to use external player
- ▸ Player doesn't support stream format
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Install the Android TV version of VLC or MX Player
Make sure external player is set correctly in IPTV app settings
Try a different external player
Reinstall the external player app
Clear IPTV app cache after configuring external player
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Install VLC correctly
Use Downloader to install VLC from https://get.videolan.org/vlc-android/ - get armv7 or arm64 version
Tip: VLC works best on Fire devices
Configure in TiviMate
TiviMate > Settings > Player > External player > Select VLC or MX Player from list
Tip: Must be separately installed first
Try MX Player Pro
Install MX Player from Downloader. The Pro version has better codec support
Tip: Alternative to VLC
Grant permissions
When external player first opens, grant all permissions it requests
Tip: Storage and media permissions needed
Test playback
After setting external player, play a channel. Player should auto-launch
Tip: First try may prompt to select app
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Install TV version
Install VLC or MX Player from Play Store. Make sure it's the TV version, not mobile
Tip: TV versions work with remote
Set in IPTV app
In your IPTV app: Settings > Player > External player > Choose your installed player
Tip: Configuration varies by app
Default app settings
If wrong player opens: Settings > Apps > Default apps > Check video player defaults
Tip: May need to clear defaults
Update player
Ensure external player is updated to latest version from Play Store
Tip: Old versions may have bugs
Alternative players
Try: VLC, MX Player, Just Player, or Kodi as external player options
Tip: Different players for different needs
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Limited support
Most Smart TV IPTV apps don't support external players due to platform limitations
Tip: Smart TV restriction
Check if available
Look in IPTV app settings for any external player options
Tip: Rare on Smart TVs
Built-in players only
Smart TV IPTV apps typically only use their built-in player
Tip: No workaround available
VLC for Smart TV
If VLC is available for your Smart TV, install it, but it may not integrate with IPTV apps
Tip: Standalone use only
Use Firestick
For full external player support, use Firestick with TiviMate
Tip: External players fully supported
Pro Tips
- ★ VLC is the most reliable external player for IPTV compatibility
- ★ On Firestick, you may need to sideload players - they're not in Amazon app store
- ★ MX Player Pro has hardware acceleration that helps with HD content
- ★ External player is useful when built-in player has issues with specific codecs
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ External player issues are device/app issues, not provider problems
- ▶ Provider cannot help with local player configuration
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best external player for IPTV?
VLC is the most reliable choice - it supports almost all video and audio formats, handles IPTV streams well, and is free. MX Player Pro is also excellent, especially for hardware-accelerated playback. For advanced users, Kodi with IPTV addons provides the most features.
Why use an external player instead of built-in?
External players like VLC often support more video/audio codecs than built-in players. If you're getting black screens, no audio, or codec errors with the built-in player, switching to VLC usually fixes it. External players also offer more playback controls and better subtitle support.