IPTV EPG not working? How to fix the TV guide
IPTV EPG not working or showing no information? How to refresh the guide, fix time zones, add the EPG link and match channels in TiviMate and IPTV Smarters.
Quick answer
When the IPTV guide is empty, refresh the EPG in your player settings first. If it still shows "No information", add the EPG link manually (for M3U playlists), check the time zone setting, and give the guide time to download. Some channels simply have no guide data from the broadcaster.
On this page
- What the EPG is
- 1. Refresh the guide
- 2. Add the EPG link (M3U playlists)
- 3. Fix the time zone
- 4. Give it time
- 5. Set an update interval
- 6. Clear the cache
- 7. Some channels have no guide
- EPG on IPTV Trends
- Fixing the guide in each app
- When channels do not match the guide
- Large guides on small devices
- Quick checklist
- Sources and official links
- IPTV EPG not working: questions and answers
What the EPG is
The EPG (electronic programme guide) is a separate data file that tells your player what is on each channel and when. Channels can play perfectly while the guide is empty, because the two come from different sources.
1. Refresh the guide
- TiviMate: Settings, EPG, then Update EPG.
- IPTV Smarters: open the guide section and choose refresh, or reload the profile.
2. Add the EPG link (M3U playlists)
With an Xtream Codes login the guide is included automatically. With an M3U playlist you often need to add a separate EPG link in the player settings. If you have the choice, use Xtream: see M3U vs Xtream Codes.
3. Fix the time zone
If programmes look shifted by a few hours, change the EPG time offset or time zone in the player so it matches where you live.
4. Give it time
The first guide download can take several minutes on large lineups. Leave the app open on the guide page and let it finish.
5. Set an update interval
Set the guide to update every 12 or 24 hours so it never runs out. In TiviMate this is under Settings, EPG, Update interval.
6. Clear the cache
If the guide is stuck on old data, clear the app's cache in the device settings, then reopen the player and refresh the guide.
7. Some channels have no guide
Not every channel publishes guide data, especially small regional or event channels. If only a few channels are empty, that is normal.
EPG on IPTV Trends
IPTV Trends includes a TV guide with every plan, and with an Xtream login it fills in on its own in IPTV Smarters and TiviMate. If it stays empty after a refresh, message @host4k on Telegram with your app and a screenshot.
Fixing the guide in each app
| App | Where to refresh | Time offset |
|---|---|---|
| TiviMate | Settings, EPG, Update EPG | Settings, EPG, EPG time shift |
| IPTV Smarters | Guide section, refresh; or reload the profile | Settings, Time format and EPG timeshift |
| Smart IPTV | Restart the app after the playlist upload | App settings |
| GSE Smart IPTV | EPG manager, update | EPG settings |
When channels do not match the guide
The guide is matched to channels by an ID. If a channel shows the wrong programmes or none, the ID in the playlist and the guide do not match. Some players, such as TiviMate, let you assign a guide channel manually: long-press the channel and choose the EPG source. Otherwise, report the channel to your provider so they can fix the ID.
Large guides on small devices
A guide for thousands of channels over several days is a large file. On streaming sticks with little storage, reduce the number of guide days kept (often a setting called "EPG days") and hide channel groups you never watch, so there is less to download and store.
Quick checklist
- Refresh the guide in the app.
- Add the EPG link if you use an M3U playlist.
- Set the right time zone or offset.
- Wait a few minutes on the first download.
- Set an automatic update interval.
- Clear the app cache if it is stuck.
- Report channels that still show the wrong guide.
Sources and official links
- TiviMate (official site)
- TiviMate on Google Play
- Smart IPTV (official site)
- M3U playlist format (Wikipedia)
IPTV EPG not working: questions and answers
The guide has not downloaded, the EPG link is missing (for M3U), or the channel has no guide data.
Settings, EPG, then Update EPG.
Set the EPG time offset or time zone in your player.
Yes, usually automatically.
