Home › FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about setting up and running ZippyCast — the empty-shell IPTV media player for browsers, Windows, Mac and Android TV.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

What is ZippyCast?

ZippyCast is a fast, modern empty-shell IPTV media player. It is a player only — it does not include, sell, or host any channels, movies, series, or playlists. You connect your own legally obtained Xtream Codes or Stalker Portal credentials from a provider of your choice, and ZippyCast gives you a beautiful interface to watch them in.

Does ZippyCast provide any TV channels or content?

No. We never provide, host, resell, or lease any content. Everything you see in the player comes from the third-party service whose credentials you entered. You are responsible for the content you add, and any subscription or quality-of-service questions belong with your provider — see our Terms of Service for details.

How do I connect my playlist?

Click Connect Playlist (or add a profile in Settings) and enter the three details your IPTV provider gave you: the server URL, your username, and your password. ZippyCast talks to the server using the standard Xtream Codes API and loads your Live TV, Movies, and Series automatically. Stalker Portal users enter a portal URL and MAC address instead.

What's included in the Free tier?

Free accounts get the full player experience for a single playlist profile: Live TV with the EPG guide supplied by your IPTV provider, Movies and Series browsing and playback, search, and watch history on your device. Connecting a third-party XMLTV guide is a Premium feature. You can also personalize the app with accent theme colors from Settings — free for everyone.

Can I watch two channels at the same time?

Yes — Multiview is a Premium feature. Open a live channel, tap the multiview button, and pick a second channel; the two streams play side by side (stacked on phones). Tap a screen to give it the audio, and use the on-screen controls for full-screen. Each screen has its own play/pause, volume, and quality badges.

Can I change the app's colors?

Yes. In Settings you can pick an accent theme color for the whole app. Choose from seven color themes — available on every plan.

What does Premium add?

• Multiview — watch two live channels side by side at the same time.
• Third-party EPG — connect an external XMLTV or XMLTV.GZ guide source.
• Unlimited playlist profiles — switch between multiple providers or family setups.
• Unlimited favorites — favorite channels, movies, and series.
• Custom sorting, category & channel hiding — tidy up huge playlists.
• Parental controls — lock categories and channels behind a 4-digit PIN.
• Program reminders — get notified when a show in the TV Guide is about to start.
• Local DVR recording — record live TV directly to your device's storage for later playback.
• Smart watch-progress sync — resume where you left off across devices.

How much does Premium cost?

Premium is a $16.99 one-time lifetime license (best value) or a $7.99/year subscription. Checkout is handled securely by Stripe, and coupon codes can be applied on the checkout screen.

Is Premium a content subscription?

No. Premium unlocks features of the player software only. It does not include any channels or media — you still need your own provider credentials.

How does the TV Guide (EPG) work?

If your provider publishes EPG data, ZippyCast loads it automatically on every plan and shows a full programme timeline. Premium users can instead connect a third-party XMLTV or XMLTV.GZ guide under Settings > Content & Guide. Tap any programme for details; on upcoming shows, Premium users can set a Remind Me alert and the player will notify them just before it starts — even when ZippyCast is closed.

Can I use a third-party EPG guide?

Yes, with Premium. Open Settings > Content & Guide, choose External XMLTV guide, enter your XMLTV or XMLTV.GZ URL, and test it before saving. The setting is stored per playlist profile and can fall back to your provider guide if the external source fails.

Free accounts continue using the EPG supplied by their IPTV provider. If Premium expires, your saved third-party EPG details are retained, but ZippyCast uses the provider guide until Premium is restored.

What video formats are supported?

Live streams (HLS / MPEG-TS) and most MP4/MKV video-on-demand files play directly in the browser. Some MKV/AVI files are remuxed on the fly so they can play. If a particular file can't be played in the browser, the player offers an Open in VLC fallback so you can still watch it.

Does my IPTV provider need to use HTTPS?

Yes, but only for the Web Player. Due to browser security restrictions on the web, ZippyCast's Web Player only works with IPTV providers that use secure HTTPS connections. Unsecured HTTP connections are fully supported in our downloadable desktop and TV apps. Before connecting in your browser, confirm with your provider that their server URL starts with https:// and not http://.

Why is a stream buffering or not loading?

Streams travel directly from your provider to your device — ZippyCast does not relay them. Buffering, missing channels, or downtime are almost always provider-side issues. Try another channel to confirm, check your connection, and contact your provider if it persists. We are not responsible for third-party quality of service.

Which devices can I use?

ZippyCast runs entirely in your browser, so it works almost everywhere with no install needed — desktop and laptop web browsers (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox), the browser built into most smart TVs and TV boxes, and all mobile phones and tablets on Android and iOS. Native apps are also available for Windows, Mac, and Android TV.

For Firestick, Google TV, and Android TV: install the native app with the Downloader app using shortcode 1463451.

How many devices can I sign in to simultaneously?

You can sign in to your ZippyCast account on up to 10 devices at the same time. A login on an 11th device is blocked until you log out of an active device, remove a session using the My Devices panel in Settings, or wait for an idle session to expire.

How do parental controls work?

Premium users can set a 4-digit PIN in Settings, then lock specific categories (for example adult content) or individual channels. Locked items require the PIN before they open, and hidden items disappear from browsing entirely.

How do I change my password or delete my account?

Open Settings from your avatar in the top-right. You can change your password, upload an avatar, log out, or permanently delete your account from there.

I bought Premium — where is it?

Premium activates on your ZippyCast account immediately after checkout. If it doesn't show, sign out and back in. Still stuck? Contact us at contactus@zippycast.tv.

How do I get support?

For anything player-related, email contactus@zippycast.tv. For content, billing, or stream-quality issues with your IPTV provider, please contact that provider directly.