In this article
LG's WebOS is known for being fast and fairly open compared to some competing Smart TV platforms, which makes it a reasonably friendly environment for IPTV. That said, the LG Content Store's approval process means not every IPTV app is officially listed, so most people end up using one of two routes: an approved store app, or a straightforward sideload through a developer-friendly install method. This guide covers both.
Confirming Your WebOS Version
Go to Settings (the gear icon) > All Settings > General > About This TV to see your WebOS version number. LG has shipped WebOS since 2014, and while the interface has stayed broadly consistent, TVs from the past four to five years have noticeably better app support and faster app-switching, which matters if you plan to jump between an IPTV app and other streaming services regularly.
Option 1: Installing from the LG Content Store
Open the LG Content Store from the home screen and search for an IPTV player app. If one is available in your region, install it directly — this is the simplest path and requires no additional setup steps beyond entering your subscription's playlist URL or Xtream Codes login once the app opens.
Option 2: Developer Mode Sideloading
If nothing suitable shows up in the Content Store, LG TVs support a developer mode that lets you install apps outside the official store — a legitimate, LG-supported feature intended for testing apps during development, which the community has adapted for installing additional apps generally.
Enabling Developer Mode
You'll need to register as a developer through LG's free developer portal, then install the "Developer Mode" app from the LG Content Store on the TV itself. Once installed, open it and sign in with your developer account to unlock sideloading on that specific TV.
Installing the IPTV App
With developer mode active, you can install an IPTV app package directly, typically using a small companion tool on a computer connected to the same network as your TV. Once installed, the app behaves exactly like any store-installed app — open it and enter your playlist URL or login credentials to start streaming.
Getting the Best Picture on an LG TV
LG's OLED and QNED models apply strong image processing by default, which can occasionally soften live IPTV streams. Under Settings > Picture > Picture Mode, choosing "Cinema" or a similarly neutral preset generally produces the cleanest result, since it reduces the aggressive sharpening and motion interpolation designed for broadcast TV and movies rather than streamed content.
Tip
Turn off "TruMotion" (LG's motion smoothing feature) if live sports look artificial or overly fluid — it can introduce visible artifacts on compressed streams.
Tip
For 4K playback, a wired connection remains more consistent than Wi-Fi, particularly in larger homes where the TV sits far from the router.
Common LG Installation Issues
The most frequent problem after sideloading is an app icon that appears on the home screen but won't open — this is usually resolved by restarting the TV once after installation, which lets WebOS finish registering the app properly. If channels load but playback stutters constantly, that's almost always a network issue rather than the app or the TV; our guide to fixing IPTV buffering walks through the most likely causes step by step.
Choosing the Right App for WebOS
Since LG's app selection varies by region, it's worth comparing a couple of options before settling on one — VLC is a solid, no-setup fallback if you'd rather skip sideloading entirely (see our VLC setup guide), while a dedicated IPTV app generally offers a nicer remote-friendly interface with an on-screen guide once it's installed. Our roundup of the best IPTV apps for Smart TVs in 2026 compares the most widely used options in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
No. LG's developer mode is an official, built-in feature — it doesn't modify your TV's firmware or void any warranty. It simply unlocks the ability to install apps that aren't listed in the Content Store.
IPTVVLC4K Team
Editorial Team
By June 16, 2026
Never miss an update
Subscribe for streaming tips, setup guides and product news.
Ready to start streaming?
Chat with our team on WhatsApp and we'll have you watching in minutes.