Smart STB is an app that makes a smart TV behave like a MAG set-top box, the kind of box many IPTV services were built around. Instead of a playlist, it loads your provider's portal: a web address that gives you the channels, the TV guide and on-demand content in the familiar MAG layout. This guide explains how it works and how to set it up.
What you need
- A smart TV that offers Smart STB in its app store. It has been available for Samsung, LG, Android TV and other smart TVs, but store listings vary by country and model.
- An IPTV provider that supports MAG portals. It gives you a portal URL and registers your TV's MAC address on its side.
- A Smart STB licence after the free trial (see below).
How Smart STB's two MAC addresses work
In Settings → Device info, the app shows two addresses, and they have different jobs:
| Address | Used for |
|---|---|
| Software MAC | Activating the app itself on the Smart STB website (trial and licence) |
| Virtual MAC | Sent to your IPTV provider, which registers it so the portal accepts your TV |
Set it up step by step
- Install Smart STB from your TV's app store and open it.
- Go to Settings → Device info and note the Software MAC and the Virtual MAC.
- On smart-stb.net, register the TV with its Software MAC. This starts the free 7-day trial of the full version.
- Send the Virtual MAC to your IPTV provider and ask for your portal URL.
- Back on the TV, when the app shows Loading portal, press OK to open the settings, then go to Portal. Enter a name in Name 1 and the portal URL in URL 1.
- Select Save, then Restart portal. The channels and the TV guide load.
You can also change the portal from the Smart STB website, under your licence, with Change Portal URL.
Trial and licence
Every TV gets a free 7-day trial of the full version. After that, Smart STB needs a licence, bought on smart-stb.net for the TV's Software MAC. There are Lite and Full licences, and the price depends on the type and length; check the site for current prices. A trial can't be moved to another TV.
What it does
- Live TV and on-demand content in categories, in the MAG layout
- A TV guide (EPG) for channels that have one
- Channel logos in the list
- Catch-up, where your provider's portal offers it
Fixes for common problems
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Stuck on "Loading portal" | Check the portal URL, including the ending (often /c/), then restart the portal. |
| "STB blocked" or "Your STB is not supported" | The provider hasn't registered your Virtual MAC, or it was entered wrongly. Send it again. |
| The trial or licence isn't recognised | Make sure you used the Software MAC (not the Virtual MAC) on smart-stb.net. |
| Buffering | Use a network cable if the TV has a port, and check your speed: plan on about 15 Mbps per HD stream and 25 Mbps for 4K. |
Questions people ask
What is Smart STB for?
It lets a smart TV open an IPTV provider's MAG portal without a separate set-top box.
Is Smart STB free?
For the first 7 days. After that it needs a licence from smart-stb.net.
Is there an easier option?
If your provider gives you an Xtream Codes login or an M3U link, a player app is quicker to set up and has no licence fee on Android devices: see 1ClickTV Player, or options for Samsung and LG TVs.
