M3U / M3U Plus link
If your provider gave you a playlist URL (often ending in .m3u or .m3u8, or a get.php… address), choose “M3U URL”, paste the link and confirm. No separate credentials needed.
.m3u / .m3u8get.phpNo credentials
Help & support
Getting started with Chaipa
Everything you need to get going in minutes: connect your playlist, set the app up to your taste and fix the most common little issues. Still stuck? Email us, we reply.
Get started
From install to first watch
Chaipa is a player: you bring your own (legal) playlist and the app turns it into a library. Here are the steps.
Choose your source
When you open the app, choose M3U URL (a playlist link) or Xtream Codes (a server account + credentials). Both formats are supported natively.
Enter your details
Paste your M3U link, or enter the server address, your username and your Xtream password. Chaipa detects the format and connects.
Let the import run
Chaipa imports your channels, movies and series, and fills in artwork and guide. A progress bar shows how the loading is going.
https://www.chaipa.net/demo.m3u
No playlist yet? Paste this free, legal demo URL (free-to-air channels, Creative-Commons films and public-domain titles) to explore Chaipa right away.
Add a playlist
M3U Plus or Xtream Codes
Depending on what your provider gave you, choose the right method. You can add a 2nd source later from Settings.
Xtream Codes account
If you have a server address, a username and a password, choose “Xtream Codes” and enter them. Double-check the spelling and the server port if the connection fails; some servers use plain HTTP, which is normal.
ServerUsernamePassword
Useful settings
Make Chaipa fit your screen
- Language. Interface in English, French or Spanish — change it anytime in Settings.
- Theme. 4 matte, understated themes (Cinema Amber, Sapphire, Lagoon, Amethyst), designed for screens, including OLED.
- Video player. Switch between VLC (broadest format support) and ExoPlayer (HLS-optimised) if a stream gives you trouble.
- Community guide. A toggle turns the anonymous sharing of guide data on or off. You can also prefer the server's guide over your provider's if the latter is out of sync.
- Audio & subtitle tracks. Choose your preferred language; Chaipa sticks to it when it's available.
Troubleshooting
Fixing common issues
A channel won't play
Try switching the video engine in Settings → Video player (VLC ↔ ExoPlayer): some streams work better with one than the other. Also check that the stream works at your provider and that your connection is stable.
The TV guide is empty or incomplete
Many playlists have no EPG. Chaipa automatically fills the guide via the community where possible. On the free plan, the guide is limited to the now/next programme; the full 7-day guide is part of Chaipa Premium.
Playback freezes or is slow to start (“too many connections”, 509 error)
Most IPTV providers cap the number of simultaneous connections. Close any other playback, wait a few seconds and try again. Chaipa is designed to open only one connection at a time to avoid these blocks.
No sound, or no subtitles
During playback, open the track menu to pick the available audio language or subtitles. If a track is missing, it isn't provided in the original stream.
A poster or logo is missing
Chaipa automatically replaces missing posters and logos with high-quality artwork when it finds it. This can take a moment on first display, while it fetches the right image.
Compatibility
Chaipa runs on Android TV devices on Android 7.0 (API 24) and newer, and handles common streaming formats such as HLS and MPEG-TS. Two video engines (VLC and ExoPlayer) maximise compatibility with stubborn streams.
Contact us
A problem, a question or a suggestion? Email us at chaipa@ciriac.com — describe your device and the issue, and we'll get back to you. See also the FAQ and the Premium page.