ChannelDeck support
A little help getting settled.
Start with your own M3U playlist, then make the library yours. Here are the answers to the common setup questions.
Getting started
Does ChannelDeck include TV channels?
No. ChannelDeck is a player for sources you are authorized to use. It does not sell subscriptions or provide access to television services.
How do I add a playlist?
On iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, open Settings → Add playlist. On Mac, choose Add Playlist. Give it a name and enter its HTTP or HTTPS M3U address. ChannelDeck can use an XMLTV guide from your playlist, or you can enter one separately.
Can I try it without a provider account?
Our public demo M3U uses licensed Big Buck Bunny footage with fictional channel names. Copy that link into the playlist field. These are finite videos, not television services. On iPhone, iPad or Apple TV, choose Playlist / custom URL and leave the guide URL blank. See the complete demo instructions.
Where is the Apple TV download?
Download ChannelDeck for Apple TV on the App Store. The Mac DMG installs only the Mac app.
How do I install the Mac preview?
Download the signed DMG from the notarized preview release, open it and drag ChannelDeck into Applications. It requires an Apple silicon Mac and macOS 15 or later. Confirm the normal first-open prompt.
Guide & playback
Why is my guide empty or showing the wrong programme?
Guide coverage depends on your source. Check that the guide is current and the channel has a matching entry. For Open-EPG, review uncertain matches in the guide settings. Automatic mode is the default on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV; Mac starts with Playlist / custom URL. Fictional demo videos have no live schedule.
How much can I rewind?
iPhone, iPad and Apple TV retain up to five or ten minutes, depending on your setting and available storage. Mac playback can offer a five-minute rolling window. History contains only media received since tuning; it cannot recover earlier broadcasts. On Apple TV, switching, stopping or leaving the app clears it.
Can I watch while the iPhone or iPad guide loads?
Yes. Your channels become available after the playlist is parsed. Guide downloads and matching continue in the background. Open Guide when it is ready. Tap the calendar beside the date to choose a date and time, or use Now to return to the current time. A guide entry opens the channel live; it does not retrieve an earlier broadcast.
How do I use Picture in Picture on iPhone or iPad?
Start a supported video stream, show the player controls and tap Picture in Picture. The floating video lets you browse the guide or use another app. PiP availability depends on your device and stream. If it closes immediately, retry the channel and send us the time it happened, your device and OS version, and any error text. Keep private source addresses out of your message.
Does the iPhone and iPad purchase include Apple TV or Mac?
The iPhone and iPad version is one separate purchase. The Apple TV app and Mac version are separate products. On iPhone and iPad, Settings → Appearance lets you choose System, Light or Dark.
Where are the Apple TV controls?
Click the Siri Remote centre button to show controls. Use Timeline to choose a point in retained history. Go Live returns to the newest live media. Swipe right for the channel drawer. Mini player keeps playing while you browse inside ChannelDeck.
What if a channel will not play?
Check the source address, provider access and network connection. Retry, then try another channel to see whether the issue is source-specific. Some formats, codecs or restricted streams are unsupported. If the problem continues, contact us with the error text and your device details, without credentials.
Can I report a bug publicly?
Yes, through GitHub issues. Issues are public, so use email for anything private and never post provider credentials.