Why is my IPTV EPG not working?

EPG issues are usually caused by: (1) The EPG hasn't loaded yet — allow 2–5 minutes after setup. (2) The EPG URL is wrong or expired — contact your provider. (3) The wrong time zone is set — check your device's time zone settings. (4) Channels aren't mapped to EPG data — some channels may not have EPG available.

How do I set up EPG in TiviMate?

In TiviMate, go to Settings → EPG. If using an Xtream Codes subscription, the EPG loads automatically. For M3U playlists, you may need to enter an XMLTV EPG URL. After entering the URL, tap Refresh EPG and wait 2–5 minutes for the full guide to load.

XMLTV is the standard format for EPG data files. It's an XML-based format that contains channel information and program schedules. IPTV providers supply an XMLTV URL that your IPTV player (like TiviMate) downloads and uses to build the TV guide display.

What is an EPG? Electronic Program Guide Explained (2026)

An EPG — Electronic Program Guide — is the TV schedule embedded in your IPTV player. It's what lets you see what's playing right now, what's on next, and browse a 7-day program schedule for all your channels — just like the guide you see on cable TV.

Without an EPG, IPTV is just a list of channels. With a good EPG (like the one in TiviMate), it becomes a complete cable TV replacement with a beautiful, browsable guide covering thousands of channels.

How Does an IPTV EPG Work?

The EPG data is provided by your IPTV service in XMLTV format — a standardized XML file containing channel names, program titles, descriptions, and start/end times.

1Your IPTV provider maintains an EPG server that contains program schedules for all channels.
2Your IPTV player (TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, etc.) connects to this server periodically — usually every 24 hours.
3The player downloads the XMLTV data file and parses it into a visual TV guide.
4TiviMate displays this as a scrollable grid showing channels and their schedules.
5When you select a program in the guide, you can watch it live, set a reminder, or access catch-up TV if available.

Types of EPG in IPTV

XMLTV EPG

The most common type. Your IPTV provider supplies a URL to an XMLTV file. TiviMate downloads this file and builds the program guide. Used by most IPTV services.

Use when: When your provider gives you an XMLTV URL

Xtream Codes EPG

When using an Xtream Codes API connection, the EPG data is delivered automatically from the provider's server without needing a separate URL. Most reliable option.

Use when: When using Xtream Codes login (recommended)

External EPG Sources

Third-party EPG services like EPG.best or WebGrab+Plus provide program guides for channels your provider doesn't cover. Useful for local channels.

Use when: For channels without built-in EPG data

Setting Up EPG in TiviMate

TiviMate has the best EPG implementation of any IPTV player. Here's how to get it working:

If using Xtream Codes (easiest)

The EPG loads automatically. After adding your playlist, go to TV Guide in TiviMate. If the guide is empty, go to Settings → EPG → Refresh EPG and wait 2–5 minutes.

If using M3U Playlist

1. Go to Settings (gear icon) in TiviMate.
2. Tap 'EPG' then 'Add EPG Source'.
3. Enter the XMLTV URL from your provider (your Tivimate XMLTV URL is in your setup email/WhatsApp message).
4. Tap 'Add' then 'Refresh EPG'.
5. Wait 2–5 minutes for the full guide to load.

EPG Features in TiviMate

7-Day TV Guide

Browse the full week's schedule across all channels in a traditional grid view.

Now & Next

See what's currently airing and what comes next on any channel at a glance.

Program Info

Tap any program for a full description, genre, rating, and cast information.

Reminders

Set reminders for upcoming shows and TiviMate will alert you before they start.

Catch-Up TV

Watch programs that already aired (typically last 7 days) directly from the EPG.

Search across all channels' schedules to find when a specific program is on.

Common EPG Problems & Fixes

❓ EPG shows no programs (blank guide)

Go to TiviMate Settings → EPG → Refresh EPG. If using M3U, make sure you've added an XMLTV URL. The refresh can take 2–5 minutes.

❓ EPG shows wrong times

Check your device's time zone setting. Go to Android/Fire OS settings and make sure the time zone matches your location. Also check TiviMate Settings → EPG → Time offset.

❓ Some channels have no EPG data

Not all channels have EPG coverage. Local channels especially may lack data. You can hide channels without EPG or use an external EPG source for better coverage.

❓ EPG stopped working after it was fine

The EPG URL may have changed. Contact your IPTV provider for the updated XMLTV URL, or if using Xtream Codes, try removing and re-adding your playlist.

For persistent EPG issues, see our detailed guide: IPTV EPG Not Working — Complete Fix Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EPG in IPTV?

An EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is the digital TV schedule for your IPTV channels. It shows what's playing now and what's coming next, usually covering 7 days.

Why is my EPG not working?

Common causes: EPG hasn't finished loading (wait 5 min), wrong time zone, expired EPG URL, or your provider's server is temporarily down. See our EPG troubleshooting guide.

How do I fix EPG in TiviMate?

Go to Settings → EPG → Refresh EPG. For M3U playlists, make sure you've added an XMLTV URL. Check your device time zone is correct.

Does Tivimate's service include EPG?

Yes. Tivimate's IPTV service includes a full 7-day EPG for all channels. When you connect with Xtream Codes API, the EPG loads automatically with no extra setup needed.

Stream Everything with Tivimate

50,000+ live channels · NFL · NBA · MLB · 4K UHD · No contract · From $14.99/month

Start Free Trial — No Credit Card View Plans from $14.99