Android’s file-access rules can prevent an app from seeing a playlist even when a file manager shows it. Use the application’s supported file picker and explicitly select the file or folder when requested. A file visibility problem is separate from whether the playlist’s contents and provider account are valid. The picker grants access to a selected document or location under the operating system's rules. An old filesystem path and a valid provider account do not automatically confer that access on a newly installed application.
Use the system picker
The system may grant access only to the document you select. Typing an old filesystem path copied from another device can fail because that location is inaccessible to the app. Start from the player's Import or local-file action and follow the system document selector it opens. Choose the actual file rather than copying a path from a file manager into an unrelated URL field. If the location is not offered, check the player's documented storage support and whether the removable drive or downloads folder is currently available to the system.
Choose a durable location
A file in a temporary download or removable drive may disappear later. Keep a private recoverable copy and understand whether the app imports its contents or continues reading the original file. Ask whether the player copies the playlist into its own data or retains access to the selected original. If it reads the original, renaming, moving or removing that file can break later refreshes. Store account-bearing playlists privately, preserve a recoverable copy and avoid public file-sharing links merely to work around a picker that has not yet been configured correctly.
Retest the correct stage
First establish that the application can open the file. Only then investigate playlist syntax or provider responses. Changing account credentials before file selection works conflates two separate stages. After selection succeeds, check whether the player parses a channel list. An unreadable file, an invalid playlist and a channel that later refuses playback are separate failure stages. Keep the original error wording and test the smallest relevant action. Repeatedly changing storage permissions after the playlist already loads cannot establish whether an expired stream URL or provider account is responsible.
A practical sequence
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An example to work through
A playlist visible in Downloads may still need an explicit picker selection before a player is allowed to read it. Select it through the player's supported import action and check that channels are parsed. If the list loads but playback fails, investigate the source or account rather than repeating the file-selection process.
Questions about this topic
Does a file manager’s access automatically apply to the player?
No. Each application can have its own access permissions.
Will moving a file to the desktop of a different device help?
No. The TV app needs access to a location on its own device or a supported network source.
