The EPG (electronic program guide) is the grid that shows what's on now and next. When it's empty or wrong, IPTV feels much harder to use. Here's how to fix it, from quickest to most advanced. New to the term? Read what EPG is.
Common symptoms
- "No information" on every channel
- Guide data for some channels but not others
- Programs shown an hour or several hours off
- Guide stops after a day or two
Fixes
1. Wait for the first download
After adding a playlist, the guide can take a few minutes to download and process—longer on slower devices.
2. Force an update
- TiviMate: Settings → EPG → Update EPG.
- IPTV Smarters: Main screen → Install EPG / Refresh.
- OTT Navigator: Settings → TV guide → Update.
3. Check your device's time zone
Wrong device time = wrong guide times. Set the correct time zone in system settings.
4. Use the EPG time shift
If everything is off by the same number of hours, use the player's EPG time shift (e.g., TiviMate: Settings → EPG → Time shift).
5. Use the Xtream login instead of M3U
Xtream logins usually provide the guide automatically. With an M3U link, you may need to add a separate EPG (XMLTV) URL.
6. Add the EPG URL manually
If we've sent you an XMLTV link, add it in the player's EPG sources.
7. Free up storage
Guide data takes space. On low-storage devices like older Firesticks, clear cache and remove unused apps. See free up space.
8. Accept that some channels have no guide
Not every channel has EPG data available. If key channels are missing data, tell us which ones.
Quick reference
| Symptom | Most likely fix |
|---|---|
| All empty | Refresh EPG; use Xtream login |
| Times off by hours | Time zone / time shift |
| Some channels empty | No data for those channels—report them |
| Guide stops after 1 day | Increase EPG days in settings; update more often |
Further reading: Electronic program guide (Wikipedia) · TiviMate on Google Play
Frequently asked questions
Does every IPTV channel have a guide?
No. Coverage varies by channel. Major channels usually have data.
How often should the EPG update?
Once a day is enough for most people. Updating too often can slow down small devices.
Can I fix the guide on a MAG box?
Check the time zone in system settings and reload the portal. See MAG setup.
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