File Extension Database

Open STRM File

A file with the .strm extension identifies a Stream file mostly used by Kodi, a free and open-source media center. The STRM files contain a URL to a particular media file on the Internet that can be streamed when the STRM file is opened in the compatible media player. Importantly, these are not media files themselves but references to different types of audio and video files, for instance, MP3, MP4, or M3U files.

Kodi and Kodi Addons

Kodi is a popular open-source media player and entertainment center, which can open and stream STRM files. Used extensively for home entertainment, this software supports most audio and video file formats and helps manage media content library efficiently. STRM files created for Kodi are typically intended to point to an internet stream like a radio station or video source.

While the base setup of Kodi is superb, additional components called addons can be installed to provide extra functionality. One such addon is the Internet Video and Audio Streams addon that can help handle STRM files and stream the content inside.

Creating and Using STRM Files

Creating an STRM file is simple and straightforward, all you need is a text editor and the appropriate URL. You can open any text editor, input the URL of the media file you want to stream, and save it with a .strm extension. Importantly, you need to save it in the correct location according to the particular device and platform you are using Kodi on. Here is an official guide on how to do it.

Other Software

Although Kodi is a prominent software using STRM files, other media-related applications also utilize this format. Some of these include VLC Media Player, a highly-versatile cross-platform software that can decode streams referenced by STRM files, and MX Player which is an advanced hardware-accelerated media player used on Android devices.

STRM File Important Information

While STRM files are straightforward and simple in usage, they have a serious drawback of often referring to piracy or unlicensed content online. Using such files could infringe copyright laws, and the end-user may end up facing legal consequences. Always check the reliability and legality of the source. Lastly, unfortunately, .strm files do not support all types of streams (e.g., encrypted streams) and all websites.

How Can I Open STRM File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open STRM file is to find a STRM file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a STRM file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open STRM file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as STRM file opener then try to search online for "STRM viewer", "application to open STRM file" or "open STRM file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open STRM file

How Can I Open STRM File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a STRM file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a STRM file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with STRM file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as STRM file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open STRM file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open STRM file then try to search for "STRM viewer", "application to open STRM file" or "read STRM file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read STRM file

How Can I Open STRM File on Android

If you downloaded a STRM file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded STRM file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "STRM".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "STRM viewer", "STRM file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open STRM File on iPhone or iPad

To open STRM File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the STRM file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "STRM". This way you can find apps which can open STRM files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "STRM viewer" or "STRM file" online in your favorite search engine.

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