Google TV IPTV - Best Apps & Complete Setup Guide 2025
Complete guide to IPTV on Google TV. Discover the best IPTV apps, how to install them, sideloading guides, and optimize your Google TV for streaming.
What is the Best IPTV App for Google TV?
Quick Answer: TiviMate is the best IPTV app for Google TV, offering excellent EPG, recording, and customization. Free alternatives include OTT Navigator and Televizo. For addon-based streaming, Stremio is excellent. Most apps need sideloading as they're not in the limited Google TV Play Store.
TiviMate Premium ($19.99/yr) is the gold standard for IPTV on Google TV.
Google TV (the smart TV platform from Google, found on Chromecast with Google TV and many smart TVs) is an excellent platform for IPTV. While the Play Store on Google TV is limited, you can sideload almost any Android TV IPTV app. This guide covers everything you need for the best IPTV experience on Google TV.
Best IPTV Apps for Google TV
Here are the top IPTV apps for Google TV, ranked by overall experience: 1. **TiviMate** - Best overall, needs sideloading 2. **OTT Navigator** - Best free option, may need sideloading 3. **Stremio** - Best for addon streaming, in Play Store 4. **IPTV Smarters** - Available in Play Store 5. **Televizo** - Free with ads, clean interface 6. **Kodi** - Most powerful but complex setup
Apps Available in Google TV Play Store
IPTV Smarters Pro
Popular player supporting M3U and Xtream Codes. Easy setup with good EPG support.
Stremio
Addon-based media center for movies, TV shows, and live channels. Free with optional Real-Debrid.
VLC
Basic M3U playback without EPG. Good for simple use cases.
Kodi
Full media center with PVR IPTV Simple Client addon for IPTV.
How to Sideload IPTV Apps on Google TV
Enable Developer Mode
Go to Settings > System > About. Click on 'Android TV OS build' 7 times until you see 'You are now a developer'.
Enable Unknown Sources
Go to Settings > Apps > Security & restrictions > Unknown sources. Enable for Downloader (install it first).
Install Downloader
Open Play Store and search for 'Downloader by AFTVnews'. Install it.
Download APK
Open Downloader, enter the URL for your IPTV app APK. Examples: - TiviMate: tivimate.com - OTT Navigator: ott-nav.com
Install the APK
After download completes, click Install. The app will appear in your apps list.
Grant Permissions
Open the sideloaded app and grant any permissions it requests.
Setup TiviMate on Google TV
Sideload TiviMate
Use Downloader to install TiviMate APK from tivimate.com
Add Playlist
Open TiviMate > Add Playlist. Choose M3U playlist or Xtream Codes login.
Enter Credentials
For M3U: paste your M3U URL. For Xtream: enter server URL, username, password.
Configure EPG
If your provider has separate EPG, add it in Settings > EPG > Add EPG source.
Unlock Premium
TiviMate Premium ($19.99/yr) adds recording, multiple playlists, and more. Worth it!
Optimize Google TV for IPTV
Use Ethernet
For best streaming, use a USB-C ethernet adapter. WiFi can cause buffering.
5GHz WiFi
If using WiFi, connect to 5GHz network (not 2.4GHz) for faster speeds.
Clear Cache Regularly
Go to Settings > Apps > See all apps > [IPTV app] > Clear cache to prevent slowdowns.
Disable Ambient Mode
Ambient mode can use resources. Disable in Settings > System > Ambient mode.
Match Frame Rate
Enable Settings > Display > Match content frame rate for smoother video.
Fix Common Google TV IPTV Issues
Buffering
Switch to ethernet, use 5GHz WiFi, increase buffer in app settings, or try VPN if ISP throttling.
App Crashes
Clear app cache, reinstall app, or try older APK version.
No Sound
Check audio output settings. Try changing from Auto to PCM in TV audio settings.
Storage Full
Google TV has limited storage. Remove unused apps, clear cache, or use USB storage expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google TV vs Android TV?
Google TV is the newer interface layer on top of Android TV. It has a content-focused home screen with recommendations. Chromecast with Google TV and many 2021+ smart TVs use Google TV. IPTV apps work the same on both.
Can I install TiviMate on Google TV?
Yes, but you need to sideload it since it's not in the Google TV Play Store. Use the Downloader app to install the APK from tivimate.com. Takes about 5 minutes.
Is Google TV good for IPTV?
Yes, Google TV is excellent for IPTV. It runs Android TV apps smoothly, supports 4K HDR, and you can sideload any IPTV player. Chromecast with Google TV is one of the most popular IPTV devices.
Why can't I find IPTV apps in Google TV Play Store?
Google TV's Play Store is filtered to show only 'TV-optimized' apps. Many IPTV apps aren't officially optimized. Use sideloading to install them manually - they work perfectly.
What's the best free IPTV app for Google TV?
OTT Navigator is the best free IPTV app with full features including EPG and recording. Televizo and IPTV Smarters (free version) are also good free options.
Do I need to pay for TiviMate on Google TV?
TiviMate has a free version with basic features. Premium ($19.99/year) unlocks recording, multiple playlists, catch-up, and more. Most users find Premium worth the cost.
Related Guides
Chromecast IPTV - Complete Guide to Watch IPTV on Chromecast 2025
Complete guide to Chromecast IPTV. Learn the best IPTV apps for Chromecast, how to setup IPTV on Chromecast with Google TV, and casting methods from your phone.
TiviMate Chromecast - How to Watch TiviMate on Chromecast 2025
Learn how to use TiviMate with Chromecast. Complete guide to installing TiviMate on Chromecast with Google TV and casting workarounds for original Chromecast.
Written by
IPTV Guide Team
IPTV & Streaming Specialists