It is a stream relay
When you choose TellyRelay, the app talks to the relay over HTTPS. The relay requests the stream from your provider and passes it back to your device.
THE ICING / YOUR OWN PROVIDER
A different route when your network gets in the way.
TellyRelay is a managed relay for your own authorised provider. It gives the app a different route, matches the same channel across your sources, can fall back to the next source and buffers on the relay side. It is not a guaranteed bypass, not a VPN and not a content service.
No channels or subscription included. You still need your own authorised provider.What it is, and what it is not
It is not a content source
It has no channels, playlist or subscription of its own. Everything you watch comes from the provider account you already pay for and are authorised to use.
It is not a VPN
It does not route all your device traffic, hide your IP address or make you anonymous. It relays the TV stream, not your whole internet connection.
Why not just a VPN or a self-hosted proxy?
A VPN routes all your traffic. A self-hosted proxy is powerful, but you have to run it. TellyRelay is the middle ground: a managed relay that only handles your TV streams, with channel matching and fallback built in.
| TellyRelay | VPN | Self-hosted proxy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope | Your TV streams | All device traffic | Your TV streams |
| Setup | Managed, no server | App or router setup | Server, container and updates |
| Channel matching | Yes | No | Yes |
| Next-source fallback | Yes | No | Yes |
| Relay-side buffering | Yes | No | Yes |
| Content included | No | No | No |
| Who runs it | TellyRelay | You or the VPN provider | You |
This is a practical comparison, not a claim that a VPN or proxy has no use. A VPN is better if you need all device traffic protected. A self-hosted proxy is better if you want full control. TellyRelay is for people who want the TV-specific part handled for them.
The route
Your phone or TVHTTPS / TellyRelayYour own provider
Channel matching, fallback and buffering. TellyRelay matches the same channel across your provider sources. If one source stops working, it can try the next source attached to that channel, so you are not sent back to a list of duplicates. It also buffers and reconnects on the relay side, which can make a working stream feel smoother. It cannot fix an overloaded provider or a dead source.
Direct playback remains an option. If your device can reach your provider reliably, direct is usually the simplest route. TellyRelay exists for the cases where the direct path is awkward or unreliable.
When it can help
- Your ISP blocks, filters or restricts access to your provider.
- Your workplace, school, hotel or local network makes the provider difficult to reach.
- The direct connection is unstable and the relay path is more reliable.
- Your provider has more than one source for the same channel and the first one is unreliable.
- You want HTTPS between your device and the relay, rather than the device contacting the provider directly.
- The provider works, but the route to it from the device does not.
When it cannot help
- The provider is overloaded, offline or serving a broken stream.
- Your provider account has reached its connection limit.
- Your ISP or network blocks the relay as well as the provider.
- The restriction is on the provider side, not the route to it.
- You need a general VPN, IP masking or access to content you are not entitled to watch.
If direct playback works, keep using direct. TellyRelay is not there to add a hop for the sake of it.
If direct playback works, keep using direct. TellyRelay is not there to add a hop for the sake of it.
Credentials, privacy and encryption
The relay has to use your provider credentials to request the stream you ask for. It runs in an isolated engine, separate from the account website. Access records and aggregate operational statistics are used to manage the alpha, and restrictions may apply to abusive or unlawful use.
The device-to-relay connection uses HTTPS. The relay-to-provider connection depends on what your provider supports. If the provider only offers HTTP, that leg is not encrypted. TellyRelay cannot change what the provider exposes.
This is not a promise of anonymity or a guarantee that every network restriction can be bypassed. It is a different route for a stream you are authorised to watch.
How to use it
Add your provider first.
Set up your M3U or Xtream connection and confirm that it works directly. If direct already works reliably, you may not need the relay.
Add the relay to your account.
TellyRelay is a separate £20 annual entitlement. It does not replace your Solo, Duo or Family plan, and it does not include content.
Choose the relay route.
In the app or account settings, enable the relay for the provider connection. Keep direct playback available so you can compare.
Test on the device that had the problem.
Try the same channel on the same network. If the direct route was fine, switch back. If the relay is better, keep it for that connection.
Price and renewal
TellyRelay is £20 for 12 months, paid once as a separate service. Start with one free month; no card is required and there is no automatic charge. It does not renew automatically. It is not a subscription to channels and it does not change your provider's connection limit.
Your TellyboxTV device allowance and your provider's simultaneous connection limit still apply. A relay does not create extra provider connections.
TellyRelay questions
Is TellyRelay a VPN?
No. It relays the TV streams you ask it to relay. It does not route all device traffic, hide your IP address or provide general anonymity.
Does TellyRelay include channels or a subscription?
No. It is an add-on for a provider connection you already have. It does not supply channels, playlists, films or a provider subscription.
Will TellyRelay fix buffering?
Sometimes it can improve an unreliable route, but it cannot fix an overloaded provider, a dead stream or a network that also blocks the relay. If direct playback works well, keep using direct.
Is the connection encrypted?
The device-to-relay connection uses HTTPS. The relay-to-provider leg depends on what the provider supports; a provider that only offers HTTP does not provide encryption on that leg.
Can TellyRelay help if my ISP blocks IPTV?
It can help when the block is on the route between your device and your provider. The relay gives the app a different path. It may not help if your ISP also blocks the relay, or if the problem is at the provider. It is not a guaranteed bypass.
Does TellyRelay try another source if one fails?
It can. TellyRelay matches the same channel across your provider sources. If one source stops working, it can try the next source attached to that channel.
How much does TellyRelay cost?
It is a separate £20 one-off payment for 12 months after a free one-month trial. It does not renew automatically and does not include content.
Can I use TellyRelay on more than one device?
It is a separate relay entitlement for your account, and your normal plan device allowance and provider connection limits still apply. Check the current account page for the exact limits.
Try the direct route first.
Add your provider, test the channel that was causing trouble, and only add TellyRelay if the direct route is the problem. That is the honest way to decide.
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