Frequently asked questions

• What is Universal Player?

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  Universal Player is a media player for Android phones, tablets, Android TV and Google TV. You connect your own compatible TV and media sources, and it gives you live TV, a programme guide, catch-up, movies and series in one player.

• Does Universal Player include TV channels?

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  No. Universal Player does not include any channels, movies, series or playlists. It plays what your own sources provide, and shows nothing until you add one.

• Does Universal Player sell IPTV subscriptions?

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  No. Universal Player does not sell or resell subscriptions, provider accounts or access to content, and it does not recommend or list providers.

• Where do I get a source?

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  A source is something you already have access to: a playlist or account from a TV provider you subscribe to, or a server you run yourself. Only use sources you are authorised to access.

• What source types are supported?

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  M3U and M3U8 playlists, Xtream-compatible accounts and XMLTV programme guides. Personal media servers such as Jellyfin, Plex and Emby are planned but not supported yet.

• Does Universal Player work on Google TV?

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  Yes. There is a dedicated app for Android TV and Google TV, designed for the remote control. The app is not published in a store yet; see the launch section on the homepage.

• Does Universal Player work on tablets?

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  Yes. On Android tablets the app uses a phone-style layout in narrow windows and, in landscape, the same layout as the TV app, operated by touch.

• Does it support catch-up?

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  Yes, where your source offers an archive for a channel. Universal Player only shows catch-up for channels whose source says an archive is available, and replays programmes from that archive.

• Does it support movies and series?

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  Yes, for Xtream-compatible sources that provide them: a poster library with details, resume, seasons, episodes and Continue watching.

• Why won't a particular stream play?

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  Playback depends on the stream itself, your source and your device. A provider may refuse or end a stream, a format may not be supported, or the device may not have a decoder for a codec. The app says which of these it found; the support page explains what to try.

• Does Universal Player store my password?

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  Yes, on your device only, so the app can connect to your source. Server addresses, usernames and passwords are stored encrypted with the device's secure key storage. They are never sent to Universal Player and are not included in device backups.

• Do I need an account?

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  No. There is no Universal Player account. Everything you set up stays on your device.

• Does Universal Player use HTTP connections?

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  Only if you allow it. Some sources only work over unencrypted HTTP; the app warns you and asks for permission for that source alone before connecting. Sources on HTTPS are used as they are.

Not answered here? See Support.