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Documentation

How to set up GridStreamr.

Connect Xtream or M3U, build Smart Collections, share without exposing your panel login, and configure DVR, EPG and other Premium tools when you need them.

Browse featuresTry Premium
Step 1

Getting started.

Install on phone or TV, sign in, add a source. Three steps below.

Download from App Store or Google Play

Get GridStreamr from the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android. Sign in with Apple, Google, or email to get started.

Choose your Theme

Select between light and dark mode to match your preference. Your theme choice syncs across all your devices automatically.

Configure your @username

Set up your unique username or user tag in the side menu Settings. This identifier is essential for other GridStreamr users to find you and share curated content with you directly.

Add your first playlist

Connect your first playlist by adding an Xtream Codes account or importing an M3U playlist. Free tier includes 1 Xtream account and 1 playlist to get you started.

TV

Sign in on Android TV.

GridStreamr for Android TV uses your phone to complete account sign-in: the TV shows a QR code, and the GridStreamr mobile app on the same account authorizes the TV. Typing passwords with a remote is not required.

qr_code_scanner
01

On your Android TV

  1. Open the GridStreamr app on your Android TV or Google TV device.
  2. From the sign-in screen, note the pairing code and the QR code (they encode the same device ID).
smartphone
02

On your phone

  1. Install GridStreamr on your iPhone or Android phone and sign in with the same GridStreamr account you want on the TV.
  2. Scan the TV's QR code with your phone camera (or open mylists.gridstreamr.com/activate and enter the on-screen code manually).
  3. When the browser redirects into the GridStreamr app, confirm the prompt to authorize this TV. Your TV will create its own session and finish signing in.
Phone not signed in yet?
If the link opens the app before you are logged in, sign in on the phone first, then scan the QR code again or revisit the activation page with the same code so the app can complete authorization.

Don't have GridStreamr TV yet?

Get it on Google Play for Android TV
Auto

Android Auto (AOSP).

GridStreamr for Android Auto runs on aftermarket AOSP car head units (including portrait and Tesla-style screens). Use the same GridStreamr account as on phone and Android TV. This release targets AOSP sideload installs — not phone-projection Android Auto.

download
01

Install on the head unit

  1. Download App: open Download App on the head unit and enter code 2611137.
  2. Any browser: open aftv.news/2611137.
  3. Install the APK and launch GridStreamr Auto.
qr_code_scanner
02

Sign in & sync

  1. Sign in with the same GridStreamr account you use on phone or TV (QR pairing where shown).
  2. Your Smart Collections, Live TV, Movies, Series, Search, parental PIN, and continue watching sync from the cloud.
  3. Subscribe to Premium on your phone — entitlement syncs to the head unit (no in-car purchase).
What you can watch
Live TV with EPG and TimeShift (when your provider exposes archive), Movies, Series, Search, Jellyfin (Premium), and PIN-protected Smart Collections. Switch collections from the home or nav picker just like on Android TV.
Download Android Auto (AOSP) — code 2611137
Step 2

Manage your sources.

Add Xtream panels and M3U URLs; they show up as sources you can mix into Smart Collections.

api
01
Free: 1 | Premium: ∞

Xtream Codes API

Connect via Host URL, username, and password. GridStreamr uses the Xtream API to fetch VOD metadata and real-time XMLTV EPG markers.

link
02
Free: 1 | Premium: ∞

Remote M3U Playlists

Paste a remote M3U8 link or upload local .m3u files. Streams are parsed for group-titles and automatically mapped to EPG channels.

public
03
50,000+ Channels

GridStreamr Global EPG

Exclusively for Smart Collections or reconfiguring existing XTREAM lists, access the new Global EPG source featuring 50,000+ integrated providers. Get real-time personalized alerts for live games and favorite shows.

search
04
Instant feedback

Fast Search

Search across all your connected sources simultaneously. Find the movie or channel you want in seconds, no matter which playlist it's in.

Step 3

Smart Collections.

Pull channels, movies and series from any source into one curated list (Free: 20 entries; Premium: 2,000).

See it in action

Three quick walkthroughs that mirror exactly how Smart Collections behave inside the GridStreamr mobile app. Each one auto-plays while you read.

9:41
signal_cellular_altwifibattery_full

Smart Collections

1

  • Sports Hub

    38Live4Movies0Series
Step 1

Create a Smart Collection

Spin up a fresh collection in three taps. No setup, no syncing, ready instantly.

  1. 1

    Tap the + button

    Open the Smart Collections page and tap the mint + in the top right.

  2. 2

    Name your collection

    Pick something memorable, the name is just for you. You can edit it any time.

  3. 3

    Done, start adding entries

    GridStreamr drops the new collection at the top of your list, ready to fill.

9:41
signal_cellular_altwifibattery_full

Live TV

  • sports_soccer

    Sports Live HD

    Premier League · Live

  • newspaper

    News 24

    World Briefing

  • local_movies

    Cinema HD

    Now Showing

  • explore

    Discovery+

    Wild Earth

Step 2

Add entries with a long press

Build your collection from any source. Long-press to multi-select, then add the whole batch in one move.

  1. 1

    Long-press any channel

    Hold a channel in Live TV, Movies or Series and GridStreamr enters multi-select.

  2. 2

    Tap Add to Smart Collection

    The glass bulk-actions bar slides up. Pick the primary action.

  3. 3

    Choose the collection

    Tick one or more Smart Collections, tap Add. GridStreamr confirms with a snackbar.

9:41
signal_cellular_altwifibattery_full

Smart Collections

3

  • Family Hub

    147Live1.2KMovies380Series
    schedule2m ago

  • Sports Hub

    38Live4Movies0Series
Step 3

Share with a friend, securely

Send any Smart Collection to another user with a single @handle. Virtual credentials keep your main login safe.

  1. 1

    Tap the three-dot menu

    GridStreamr opens a small menu with the only action you need here: Manage shares.

  2. 2

    Open Manage Shares

    The shares page slides in. See active shares, expiry windows, and export options.

  3. 3

    Send to an @username

    Type a friend's handle. Virtual credentials keep your main login safe.

add_circle
01

Create your Smart Collection

You can create the Smart Collection first or do that on the go the first time you select entries to add to it.

playlist_add
02

Add entries

Select channels, movies, or series from any connected source to add to your Smart Collection. Use long press on any category, channel, movie, or series to quickly add it. Free allows up to 20 entries per collection; Premium raises the cap to 2,000. From v2.2.4 you can also copy selected entries into another Smart Collection without removing them from the source.

tune
03

Customize & EPG Sync

Rename and reorder channels and categories, update logos and use the 'Manage EPG' option to assign GridStreamr Global EPG sources to your channels, ensuring you always have the most accurate program information.

ios_share
04

Share your collection

Copy secure Xtream credentials and an M3U Plus URL (get.php?type=m3u_plus) for VLC, Kodi, or TiviMate. Pair with the XMLTV EPG URL from Manage Shares. You can also share directly with other GridStreamr users via their @username for one-tap setup.

Entry limits
Free allows up to 20 entries per Smart Collection. Premium raises the cap to 2,000 entries per collection. See Pricing for the full Free vs Premium matrix.
TMDB & OpenSubtitles integrations (Premium)
Connect your own TMDB API key to enrich movies and series in Smart Collections with posters, descriptions and ratings. Set a preferred TMDB metadata language in Settings → General (v2.2.4+). Connect your OpenSubtitles credentials to search and download subtitles directly inside the player. Both are Premium features. See the Integrations & Player Settings section for full step-by-step instructions.
Pro tip
By swiping left on the list entries, you can rename categories and channels in your Smart Collection to make them uniquely yours. The changes only affect your curated collection, not the original source.
Quick add with long press
Long-press any category, channel, movie or series to add it to a Smart Collection without leaving the source list.
Copy between collections (v2.2.4)
Select entries inside a Smart Collection and copy them to another collection without removing them from the source — useful for themed lineups built from an existing curation.
Step 4

Secure & Flexible Sharing.

Share your custom curation with others while keeping your main credentials private.

badge
01

Configure your @username

Set up your unique username or user tag in the side menu Settings. Other users share to your @username; you get a push and can accept the collection.

person_add
02

Direct User Sharing

1. Configure your unique @username in Settings (side menu). 2. Go to your Smart Collection → Manage Shares. 3. Type the recipient's @username. 4. They'll receive a real-time notification and automatic configuration!

notifications_active
03

Real-time notifications

When someone shares a Smart Collection with you, you'll receive an instant push notification. Tap the notification to automatically add the shared collection to your list. You can also configure personalized EPG notifications for your favorite programs!

public
04

Universal Reach - External Players

Your curated Smart Collections work with any external media player that supports XTREAM Codes or M3U Plus. From Manage Shares, copy virtual Xtream credentials and the M3U Plus URL for VLC, Kodi, TiviMate, or any other compatible player.

event_note
05

XMLTV EPG URL for shares

From Manage Shares, open XMLTV details to copy an EPG URL that third-party players can load alongside your shared M3U Plus or Xtream credentials. Pair the guide with your curated lineup without exposing your real provider login.

shield
06

Secure by design

Shares use virtual credentials. Your main line username and password are NEVER exposed to the people you share with.

schedule
07

Flexible time limits

Set shares to expire in 24 hours, 7 days, any custom duration, or keep them forever. You can revoke any share instantly with one tap.

PIN

Parental controls.

Protect sensitive Smart Collections with a 4-digit account PIN on mobile, Android TV and Android Auto (AOSP). PIN preferences sync with your GridStreamr account.

pin
01

Set your PIN

  1. Open Settings → Parental Controls
  2. Create a 4-digit PIN (change or remove it anytime)
  3. Mark which Smart Collections require the PIN before opening
lock
02

How locks behave

  • Protected collections prompt for your PIN when opened
  • Continue Watching hides titles from locked collections until unlocked in the session
  • Forgot PIN? Use Reset PIN and verify your account on mobile
Cross-device
The same PIN gates Smart Collections on Android TV and Android Auto (AOSP) when you switch to a protected collection.
Step 5

Your Media Library.

Live TV with EPG, Movies and Series with resume across devices.

live_tv
01

Live TV & Guide

Browse categories or use the full-screen player. Free: Current/Next info. Premium: Full timeline view of the day's programming. Premium also unlocks TimeShift: browse past programmes and watch them on demand from the player when your Xtream provider exposes a TV archive for that channel.

widgets
02

Home screen widget (mobile)

On iOS and Android, pin live channels from a Smart Collection to your home screen. Open Settings → Home widget to choose the collection, category, and grid or list layout. Tap a channel on the widget to open it in GridStreamr. From v2.2.3 the widget can also show current and next programme from your EPG.

movie
03

Movies & Series

Browse posters, seasons and episodes. Resume watching across synced devices. On Xtream libraries, sort by default order, date added, or rating — preferences are remembered per account and category.

favorite
04

Favorites

Heart your top picks. Favorites grouped at the top of your list for instant access. Highly optimized for fast channel switching.

settings_suggest
05

Advanced Player (Premium)

Select from multiple audio tracks and subtitle languages. HD playback with automatic quality adjustment for patchy networks.

Account Sync
Your Favorites and Continue Watching lists are synced to the cloud. Start a movie on your iPhone and finish it on your Tablet without missing a beat.
TimeShift (Premium)
Browse and play past broadcasts from the live TV player: open the TimeShift sheet, pick a day within your archive window, and watch in the same player with back-to-live when you finish. Availability and how deep the archive goes are set by your IPTV provider—not GridStreamr.
Step 6

EPG Notifications Setup.

Premium users can set push alerts from the mobile app when a matched EPG title is about to start — for example a team or show you flagged.

tune
01

Define Preferences

In the mobile app, navigate to EPG settings to add your favorite sports teams or specific program titles to your notification preferences.

notifications_active
02

Real-Time Alerts

GridStreamr monitors your customized global EPG catalog and will send you a push notification when a matching program is about to start.

Premium Feature
EPG Notification Alerts require an active Premium subscription. The notifications are powered by our massive 50,000+ channel Global EPG catalog to guarantee accuracy.
Step 7
workspace_premium

Premium unlocks this feature

TMDB and OpenSubtitles integrations require an active Premium subscription.

Try Free

Integrations & Player Settings.

Connect your own TMDB and OpenSubtitles accounts to unlock rich metadata and on-demand subtitles, and fine-tune the player to suit your viewing preferences.

movieTMDB, Movie & Series Metadata

key
01

Get your TMDB API key

  1. Create a free account at themoviedb.org
  2. Go to your profile → Settings → API
  3. Request a Developer API key (free)
  4. Copy the API Read Access Token or API Key (v3)
settings
02

Add the key in GridStreamr

  1. Open GridStreamr and tap the side menu
  2. Go to Settings → General
  3. Tap TMDB API Key and paste your key
  4. Optionally set a preferred TMDB metadata language so posters and plots match your locale (v2.2.4+)
  5. Your key and language preference sync securely across all your signed-in devices
auto_awesome
03

Enrich your VOD library with TMDB

Once your API key is saved, GridStreamr enriches movies and series in your Smart Collections with TMDB data, posters, backdrops, descriptions, ratings, cast and crew, and release year. With Premium and a key, unenriched VOD can be auto-enriched as you browse (v2.2.4+). Here is how it works:

  1. Open your Smart Collection and navigate to Movies or Series
  2. GridStreamr matches titles from your playlist against the TMDB database automatically
  3. Matched items show rich posters, descriptions and metadata in the detail view
  4. If a title is not matched automatically, tap the item and use Search on TMDB to manually select the correct match
Premium feature
TMDB enrichment requires an active Premium subscription. GridStreamr is not affiliated with TMDB and does not issue API keys. You are responsible for your key and for complying with TMDB's terms of use.

subtitlesOpenSubtitles, Subtitle Search & Download

key
01

Create an OpenSubtitles account

  1. Create a free account at opensubtitles.com
  2. Note your username and password, that is all you need
settings
02

Add credentials in GridStreamr

  1. Open GridStreamr and tap the side menu
  2. Go to Settings → General
  3. Tap OpenSubtitles and enter your Username and Password
  4. Your credentials sync securely across all your signed-in devices
search
03

Search and download subtitles while playing

  1. Start playing any movie or series episode in the GridStreamr player
  2. Tap the subtitles icon in the player controls
  3. Select Search OpenSubtitles, GridStreamr queries the database using the title and episode info automatically
  4. Pick the subtitle track you want from the results list (language, number of downloads, and rating are shown)
  5. The subtitle downloads and loads instantly without interrupting playback
Premium feature
OpenSubtitles subtitle search requires an active Premium subscription. A free OpenSubtitles account is all you need, just your username and password. You are responsible for complying with OpenSubtitles' terms of use.

scheduleEPG time format

12-hour or 24-hour guide times

Open Settings → General → EPG and choose 12-hour or 24-hour time display. The preference syncs with your account so Live TV, mini-guide, TimeShift and catch-up views stay consistent across devices.

dnsJellyfin library filters (Premium)

Filter by content type

When browsing a Jellyfin library, use the type filter bar to focus on movies, series, or other item types. Available on iOS, Android, Android TV and Android Auto (AOSP) with Premium.

format_sizeSubtitle Appearance

tune
01

Set your subtitle size in Settings

  1. Open the side menu and go to Settings → Subtitles
  2. Tap Subtitle Size
  3. Choose your preferred size, Small, Medium, Large, or Extra Large
  4. This becomes the default size applied to all subtitle tracks across every playback session
Step 8
workspace_premium

Premium unlocks this feature

AI Enrichment requires Premium + in-app credit packs from $0.99.

Try Free

AI Live Channels Enrichment.

Use GridStreamr-hosted AI and in-app AI credit packs to rename Live TV channels, detect language, tag stream quality (SD, HD, FHD, 4K) and content type, and fill missing logos. Changes apply only to your Smart Collection after you review them.

paymentsPremium & AI credits

workspace_premium
01

Get Premium and buy AI credit packs

  1. AI Live Channels Enrichment requires an active Premium subscription
  2. Purchase AI credit packs as in-app add-ons. Entry pricing starts at $0.99 USD for 500 credits (regional and store pricing may vary)
  3. When you run out of credits, the app will prompt you to top up, or you can open the paywall or store entry from the app, follow the on-screen purchase flow in the iOS or Google Play build
  4. Each enrichment run draws down your credit balance on our servers; no third-party AI account or API key is required

auto_awesomeRun channel enrichment

play_circle
02

Enrich your channels with AI

  1. Open any Smart Collection and go to the Live TV channel list
  2. Tap the ⋮ menu (top-right) and select Enrich with AI
  3. GridStreamr sends your channel metadata to GridStreamr-hosted AI; the run uses your AI credits
  4. The model returns standardised names, detected language, stream quality, content type, and discovered logos for each channel
  5. Review the suggestions, approve all at once or cherry-pick individual changes
  6. Confirmed changes apply to your Smart Collection only, your original source is never modified
Premium + credits
AI Live Channels Enrichment requires Premium. Usage is paid with in-app AI credit packs (e.g. from $0.99 for 500 credits); no third-party API keys are required. Pricing may vary by region and store.
Non-destructive by design
Enrichment suggestions are always shown for your review before anything is saved. Your original source playlist is never touched, all changes apply only to your Smart Collection copy.
DVR
workspace_premium

Premium unlocks this feature

Pairing, scheduling and job management require an active Premium subscription.

Try Free

Home DVR setup.

GridStreamr DVR records live TV, movies and series to storage you own — a Mac, Windows PC, Linux host or Docker. Files stay private; the phone app (Premium) pairs over Wi‑Fi or controls jobs remotely with Cloud Relay. Download installers and Docker images from gridstreamr.com/download/dvr.

laptop_macmacOS & Windows

Recommended path: use the prebuilt installer. No separate FFmpeg install. Apple silicon · Intel Mac · Windows x64

download
01

Download the installer

Get the package for your machine from the DVR download page — Apple silicon or Intel .pkg on macOS, or the x64 Setup .exe on Windows. Each installer bundles the DVR service, browser dashboard, and a pinned FFmpeg.

install_desktop
02

Run the installer

The installer registers an auto-start background service (launchd on macOS, Windows Service on Windows) bound for LAN access on port 8787. On Windows, tick the firewall checkbox so phones on your network can reach the DVR. On macOS, allow the incoming-connections prompt the first time.

web
03

Open the dashboard

macOS: /Applications/GridStreamr DVR.app. Windows: Start Menu → GridStreamr DVR Dashboard. Or browse to http://127.0.0.1:8787. Closing the browser never stops recordings — the service keeps running.

link
04

Pair from the app

In GridStreamr (Premium): Settings → DVR → LAN → Find on Wi‑Fi, or enter http://<computer-lan-ip>:8787. Enter the one-time pairing code shown in the dashboard, then pick storage and schedule jobs from the app or dashboard.

Storage on desktop
In the dashboard → Storage, set the default recording location. Use a local folder, external disk, or a network share already mounted by the OS. On Windows, use a UNC path (\\server\share) — mapped drive letters are not visible to the background service.

terminalLinux

On Linux, Docker (below) is the simplest path for most hosts. To run the binary as a systemd service from a source build:

build
01

Build the service

  1. Install Go 1.26+, Node 20+ and FFmpeg
  2. Build the dashboard and embed it, then compile the Go service (make -C gridstreamr-dvr-service build)
  3. For LAN/phone access, bind 0.0.0.0:8787 (not loopback-only)
settings_suggest
02

Install as systemd

  1. From the repo: sudo ./packaging/linux/install.sh
  2. Unit installs the binary under /usr/local/bin and data under /var/lib/gridstreamr-dvr
  3. Open http://127.0.0.1:8787, pair from the app, then adjust bind address in the unit if phones need LAN access
Prefer Docker on Linux?
Prebuilt images on Docker Hub avoid a local Go/Node toolchain. Use the Docker section below for compose on Ubuntu, Debian, or any Docker host.

deployed_codeDocker

Pick the image for your CPU: gridstreamr/gridstreamr-dvr-amd64:latest (Intel/AMD) or gridstreamr/gridstreamr-dvr-arm64:latest (ARM). Check with uname -m.

folder
01

Persist data & recordings

  1. Create host folders for SQLite/device data and video files (e.g. .../data and .../recordings)
  2. Mount them to /data and /recordings in the container
  3. Set TZ to your timezone so schedules match wall-clock time
play_circle
02

Run with compose

  1. Publish port 8787 and set GRIDSTREAMR_BIND_ADDRESS=0.0.0.0:8787
  2. Paste the sample compose from the DVR download page or use the snippet below, then docker compose up -d
  3. Open http://<host-lan-ip>:8787 and pair with Premium
services:
  gridstreamr-dvr:
    image: gridstreamr/gridstreamr-dvr-amd64:latest
    # ARM: gridstreamr/gridstreamr-dvr-arm64:latest
    container_name: gridstreamr-dvr
    restart: unless-stopped
    environment:
      GRIDSTREAMR_BIND_ADDRESS: "0.0.0.0:8787"
      GRIDSTREAMR_DATABASE_PATH: "/data/dvr.db"
      GRIDSTREAMR_RECORDINGS_PATH: "/recordings"
      TZ: "Asia/Dubai"
    ports:
      - "8787:8787"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/data
      - ./recordings:/recordings
mDNS on Docker
Docker's default bridge often does not forward mDNS, so Find on Wi‑Fi may fail. Enter http://<lan-ip>:8787 manually, use network_mode: host where appropriate, or link Cloud Relay for remote job control.

cloudCloud Relay & uninstall

Away from home

In the app: Settings → DVR → Cloud → Link a DVR, copy the code, then paste it on the dashboard under GridStreamr Cloud Relay. The machine only makes an outbound secure connection — no port forwarding. Watching or downloading video still needs LAN or your own public URL.

Uninstall desktop

macOS: sudo gridstreamr-dvr-uninstall (add --purge to delete recordings and the DB). Windows: Settings → Apps → GridStreamr DVR → Uninstall. Recordings are kept unless you purge.

downloadDownload DVR installersworkspace_premiumStart Premium trial
HowTo

HowTo Videos.

Short videos: add a source, build a Smart Collection, share it.

play_arrow1:42
How-To1:42

Smart Collection Creation and Edit

Add channels, movies and series to a Smart Collection, then rename and reorder the list.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
play_arrow1:33
How-To1:33

Configure Smart Collection Shares

Master the art of sharing your curated playlists securely with other GridStreamr users and any other apps like TiviMate or IBOPlayer without sharing your main account credentials.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
play_arrow2:00
How-To2:00

How to Add Your First Xtream Codes Source

Step-by-step guide to connecting your IPTV provider via Xtream Codes in GridStreamr, from the panel URL to watching live TV in seconds.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
play_arrow2:00
How-To2:00

Using TimeShift to Catch Up on Live TV

How to use the Premium TimeShift feature to watch programmes you missed, scrub through TV archives, and jump back to live, when your Xtream provider supports it.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
play_arrow2:00
How-To2:00

Setting Up TMDB for Richer Movie and Series Metadata

Learn how to connect your free TMDB API key to GridStreamr so your Smart Collections get posters, descriptions and ratings for every movie and series.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
play_arrow3:00
How-To3:00

How to Connect Your Jellyfin Server to GridStreamr

Step-by-step guide to adding your self-hosted Jellyfin server in GridStreamr Settings, browsing your movie and series library, playing content with full subtitle and audio track support, and resuming playback across devices.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
play_arrow2:30
How-To2:30

Watching Multiple Streams at Once with MultiView

Learn how to open MultiView from the live TV player, add up to four streams, tap to focus a pane, and rearrange your layout — perfect for sports, news and multi-camera setups.

Watch tutorialarrow_forward
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

01

Do my friends need GridStreamr to view shared playlists?

No. Sharing via @username is the quickest path inside GridStreamr, but you can also copy an M3U Plus URL or Xtream credentials from your Smart Collection share token. Those work in VLC, Kodi, TiviMate and similar players without installing our app.

02

Is sharing my playlist secure?

Completely. When you share a playlist, GridStreamr creates 'virtual credentials' (a unique Share Code and a secure Token) for the recipient. These act as an Xtream Codes username and password, masking your actual IPTV service details. Your original host, username, and password are NEVER shared or exposed. You also have total control: set expiration dates, limit access to specific content, or revoke shares instantly at any time.

03

How do I configure EPG for my Smart Collection?

In your Smart Collection settings, go to 'Manage EPG'. From there, you can select the new 'GridStreamr Global EPG' source, which provides data for hundreds of channels worldwide. This ensures your curated list always has a complete and accurate program guide, separate from your original source.

04

How do I get an XMLTV URL for a shared Smart Collection?

Open the Smart Collection → Manage Shares → XMLTV details. Copy the EPG URL and paste it into any third-party player that supports XMLTV alongside your shared M3U Plus or Xtream credentials.

05

How do I set up parental controls?

Open Settings → Parental Controls and set a 4-digit account PIN. Mark individual Smart Collections as requiring the PIN before they can be opened. Continue Watching hides titles from locked collections until you unlock them in the current session. If you forget your PIN, use Reset PIN and verify your GridStreamr account.

06

How do I install GridStreamr on Android Auto (AOSP)?

GridStreamr for Android Auto runs on aftermarket AOSP head units. On the head unit, open Download App and enter code 2611137. From any browser, open aftv.news/2611137. Sign in with the same GridStreamr account you use on phone or TV. Subscribe to Premium on your phone — entitlement syncs to the head unit.

07

How do I use the home screen live-channels widget?

On iOS or Android, open Settings → Home widget, pick a Smart Collection and optional category, then choose grid or list layout. Add the GridStreamr widget from your home screen widget picker. Tap a channel to open live TV in the app. Available from v2.2.2; EPG now/next appears from v2.2.3.

08

How do I use TMDB with Smart Collections?

GridStreamr supports integration with The Movie Database (TMDB) as a Premium feature for movies and series in Smart Collections. Create a free TMDB account, generate an API key in your TMDB account settings (profile → Settings → API), then open GridStreamr Settings → General and paste your key. Optionally set a preferred TMDB metadata language in the same settings. With Premium and a key, GridStreamr automatically matches playlist titles and can auto-enrich unenriched movies and series. If a title is not matched automatically, tap the item and use Search on TMDB to pick the correct entry manually. GridStreamr does not supply TMDB API keys; you are responsible for your key and for compliance with TMDB’s terms.

09

How do I copy entries between Smart Collections?

Open a Smart Collection, select the channels, movies or series you want to duplicate, then choose Copy to another collection. Entries are added to the destination without removing them from the source. Available from v2.2.4 on mobile.

10

How do I search and download subtitles?

GridStreamr integrates with OpenSubtitles as a Premium feature. Create a free account at opensubtitles.com, then open GridStreamr Settings → General, tap OpenSubtitles and enter your username and password. While a video is playing, tap the subtitles icon in the player controls and select Search OpenSubtitles. Pick your preferred language and track from the results, it downloads and loads instantly without interrupting playback. You are responsible for your account and for compliance with OpenSubtitles’ terms.

11

How do I use AI Live Channels Enrichment?

AI Live Channels Enrichment is a Premium feature powered by GridStreamr-hosted AI. Purchase AI credit packs in the app (add-on packs from $0.99 for 500 credits; regional pricing may vary). Open any Smart Collection, go to the Live TV channel list, tap the ⋮ menu and select Enrich with AI. Enrichment uses credits and returns standardised names, detected language, stream quality, content type, and channel logos. You review suggestions before anything is applied, your original source playlist is never modified.

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What is the difference between free and premium?

Free includes 1 Xtream account, 1 regular playlist, and 1 Smart Collection with up to 20 entries and current/next EPG info. Premium adds unlimited sources, up to 2,000 entries per Smart Collection, full-day EPG timelines, M3U file exports, Custom EPG Configuration, TMDB enrichment, OpenSubtitles subtitle search, AI Live Channels Enrichment (via optional in-app AI credit packs), multi-audio and subtitle controls, TimeShift when your Xtream provider exposes archive, and home DVR on Mac, Windows, Linux or Docker.

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How do I set up GridStreamr DVR?

Home DVR is a Premium feature. Install on macOS or Windows from gridstreamr.com/download/dvr, run Docker on Linux, or build the Linux binary and install the systemd unit. Open the dashboard at http://127.0.0.1:8787, pair from Settings → DVR in the app with the one-time code, then choose storage and schedule recordings. See the Home DVR setup section on this page for platform steps.

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How does TimeShift work?

TimeShift is a Premium feature available from v2.0.6. When a live Xtream channel exposes a TV archive window from your provider's panel, tap TimeShift in the player controls to browse past programmes grouped by day, start any show from its beginning, scrub within it, then use Back to Live to return to real time. If archive is not exposed for a channel, that control stays hidden. Archive window length varies by provider—GridStreamr does not supply content or lengthen it.

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How does 'Continue Watching' work?

The app maintains a 'Resume' list across all your devices. When you stop a movie or series on one device, it appears at the top of your list on your others. The list helps you quickly find and restart your recent media.

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Can I use GridStreamr on my TV or in the car?

Yes. Android TV signs in via QR code from your phone (see Android TV login on this page). Android Auto (AOSP) runs on aftermarket head units — install with Download App code 2611137 or aftv.news/2611137. A native tvOS app is in development.

Get started

Download GridStreamr free

Free on App Store and Google Play. Add a source, build a Smart Collection, then try Premium in-app for full-day EPG, AI enrichment, TimeShift, and home DVR. 7-day trial, no card required.

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