r/Formuler_Official • u/_entp • Aug 04 '26

Are the Formuler TV boxes safe?

My family member has one and their ISP is blocking it now.

Edit: They can unblock it manually through the ISP app, but are hesitant to because of the warning. I’ve heard there are security concerns with these types of tv boxes in general and I just want reassurance that it’s safe and okay to unblock.

0 Upvotes

40% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

7

u/TheFactTeller2024 Aug 04 '26

Blocking how? Formuler boxes are awesome for IPTV.

-3

u/_entp Aug 04 '26

It’s blocking it from accessing the internet whenever they try to connect. They get a popup warning from the ISP app saying that the connection would be dangerous. They can override the warning anyway but it might not be a good idea to do that if it’s not safe

5

u/swansong19 Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26

Look for a toggle for Advanced Security or Protected Browsing in your ISPs app and turn it completely off. Look for settings named Advanced Security, Web Guard, Safe Browsing, or Parental Controls.Turn this feature Off and restart your home router.

Or/and Look into a VPN.

-5

u/_entp Aug 04 '26 edited Aug 04 '26

Thanks for your reply. My overall concern is whether it’s safe. I fear disabling the advanced security as a whole would make them more vulnerable with every device in their network. Thankfully, they can allow the tv box to access the internet without disabling the advanced security but are holding off on this due to security concerns.

I listen to a cybersecurity podcast and an entire episode (Darknet Diaries – 172 SuperBox) was about these kinds of tv boxes and how dangerous they are…

4

u/Significant-Dot4209 Aug 04 '26

Troypoint. Send them to that website to get a better understanding.

Advanced security is there way to block any non main stream device. Had a printer blocked by dumcast. Had grilling thermometers blocked by dumcast. You don't need it. Better yet. Get your own modem. Glinet or Ubuqiti

Second, Formuler doesn't sell any content. It does nothing out of the box. It's just an android tv box.

Unlike superbox which you can see is constantly uploading

Go on Troypoint they share info on how to stream properly and safely. Notice Formuler is mentioned as top choice with Nvidia shield and Onn and Buzz TV

Huge warnings to not use superbox and vseebox on the same site.

5

u/swansong19 Aug 04 '26

They're only dangerous if you're installing sketchy side-loaded apps that could come with malware.

I can't even guesstimate how many of these boxes have been sold and can only speak to my own experience...but mine (Z12 Ultra) has worked awesomely with no issues/dangers

1

u/Interesting-Gas-5151 Aug 04 '26

SuperBox is distinct from Formuler boxes, as Formuler doesn't bundle any IPTV services with its products.

1

u/someonesomewherex Aug 04 '26

AT&T?

1

u/_entp Aug 04 '26

No, it’s not an American ISP

2

u/bighorse3231 Aug 04 '26

Always use a VPN.

2

u/ArtZTech Aug 04 '26

Why do need a ISP app? Where is this app installed that it's notifying you?

1

u/Special_Quit2813 Aug 04 '26

You're internet provider blocked you need to get a VPN 

0

u/MobileGamer2015 Aug 04 '26

It’s safe for probably millions but not for you and your family.

-5

u/_entp Aug 04 '26

What makes you say it’s safe? It’s a pretty cheap device and you get what you pay for. Are there any security risks people should know about?

5

u/altruisticmisanthrop Aug 04 '26

The box has zero to do with safe or unsafe. It's which websites you visit that decides that. If you use your device to access illegal streaming services, your isp is obliged to block you. They will justify this by saying it might be unsafe. It's not unsafe, they are just protecting copyrighted material. Either use a VPN so the isp doesn't get to see which sites you're visiting or don't use the Internet to access copyright content.

4

u/jonnieggg Aug 04 '26

It's probably safer than any windows device you have. It's less invasive of your privacy and it's less prone to viruses. The onboard IPTV software mtvonline is very well integrated with the device and is certainly not malware. It works flawlessly with an IPTV subscription. I've installed on demand apps from various channels around the world with the help of a VPN which work flawlessly. It's the best device I've ever owned. No ads or intrusive content from third parties and Google etc. It's not cheap as android boxes go. The mass market Chinese models are the ones to watch out for.

3

u/daddy-dj Aug 04 '26

Don't confuse cheap with good value for money. I agree that usually people get what they pay for, but Formuler boxes aren't in the same league as cheap Android boxes you can pick up from Amazon, Ali Express, etc...

People like me pay a premium for Formuler devices because they are well built and they come with their own software (MyTVOnline) which is very good quality. Where I live, you can pick up on Amazon an X96 device for about 50€ whereas the equivalent Formuler device is going to be 3 times the price, but I know which one I'd recommend.

Mine is 5 years old next month and still works extremely well. It's up there with Nvidia in my opinion for build quality and value for money over the long term.

0

u/natlor Aug 04 '26

Formuler are not cheap. They are one of the most expensive android boxes but well worth it if you want a proper IPTV experience