Installation · 6 min read
IPTV on a Samsung or LG Smart TV: how does it work?
Samsung uses Tizen and LG uses webOS: both systems only accept apps from their own store. Installation therefore goes through an officially published player, then the list is added from a web portal — never through a downloaded file.
Why do Samsung and LG behave differently from Android?
An Android TV accepts the installation of an app file; Tizen and webOS do not. On these two systems, only an app approved by the manufacturer can be installed, and it is usually configured from a browser on a computer or phone, by linking the TV's identification number.
The limit: on models older than 2016, the store no longer offers an up-to-date player. An external box then becomes the only reliable route.
What is the procedure on a Samsung running Tizen?
- Open the TV's app store and install the compatible player named alongside your login details.
- Launch it: a unique device code appears on screen. Write it down.
- From a computer or phone, open the player's portal and enter that code.
- Add the server address and your login details in the portal, then confirm.
- Restart the app on the TV: the list appears.
What is the procedure on an LG running webOS?
The principle is the same, with two practical differences: the LG device code is usually longer, and the portal asks you to confirm the region before it accepts the list. Once the list is saved, the programme guide refreshes automatically every time the app opens.
If the portal refuses the code, check that it was copied exactly, with no extra space and no confusion between similar characters such as 0 and O. This copying error explains most failed first attempts on both brands.
| Step | Samsung (Tizen) | LG (webOS) |
|---|---|---|
| Player installation | TV app store | TV app store |
| Configuration | Web portal + device code | Web portal + device code |
| Models too old | Before 2016 | Before 2016 |
| Fallback option | Android box or Fire Stick | Android box or Fire Stick |
What if your TV is too old?
An external box connected over HDMI takes over completely: the TV becomes just a screen, and the brand no longer matters. This costs less than replacing the TV and removes any dependence on the manufacturer's updates. Before buying anything, look up the model year in the TV's settings menu: it tells you whether the store can still offer an up-to-date player. The matching procedure is explained in the Fire Stick setup guide.
Each subscription runs on one TV or device at a time: equipping a second TV takes a second subscription. The plans are listed on the table of lengths and plans.
This article expands on a point summarised on the installation guide for all devices.
Two follow-up questions
These two answers complete the article and do not appear in the general FAQ.
Does the app need reinstalling after a TV update?
Not in most cases. A major Tizen or webOS update can reset the device code: you then simply enter it again in the portal, without redoing the whole configuration.
Can the original remote control everything?
Yes. The player works entirely with the TV remote; only the first entry of the login details is done from a computer or phone through the portal.
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