IPTV EPG Guide: What It Is, Setup and Troubleshooting

The Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) is the on-screen TV schedule that makes IPTV feel like a professional television service. As an IPTV Reseller, knowing how to set up the EPG and troubleshoot common issues helps you deliver a polished client experience. This guide covers everything about IPTV EPG.

What Is the IPTV EPG?

The Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) is the on-screen TV listings that overlay your IPTV channel list — showing what is on now, what is coming up, and what aired recently. A well-configured EPG shows programme names, start and end times, and descriptions for every channel. It is the digital equivalent of a TV guide magazine, updated automatically and accessible at the click of a button.

Without an EPG, your IPTV app shows a flat list of channels with no information about what is on — clients have to guess or use a separate TV guide website (see our best IPTV apps). With a good EPG, clients navigate the channel list professionally, discover content they would otherwise miss, and set reminders for upcoming programmes.

How IPTV EPG Works

IPTV EPG data is delivered as an XMLTV feed — a structured XML file that maps programme information to channel identifiers. Your IPTV app downloads this file (typically every 24 hours) and overlays the data on your channel list.

The EPG data source is typically:

• Automatically included in the Xtream Codes API your IPTV app connects to, or
• A separate XMLTV URL that you configure in your IPTV app settings

Most quality IPTV providers include EPG data in their Xtream Codes API — it loads automatically when you add your credentials. The quality and completeness of EPG data varies between suppliers.

Setting Up EPG in TiviMate

1. Open TiviMate → tap the menu icon
2. Go to Settings → EPG
3. Confirm EPG source is set to "From playlist" (if using Xtream Codes, EPG is included automatically)
4. Alternatively, enter a separate XMLTV URL if provided by your supplier
5. Set EPG update frequency (every 24 hours recommended)
6. Tap "Update EPG now" and wait 5–15 minutes for full data load
7. Navigate back to your channel list — programme names should now appear in the EPG bar

Setting Up EPG in IPTV Smarters Pro

In IPTV Smarters Pro connected via Xtream Codes, EPG data loads automatically from the API and requires no manual configuration. If EPG is missing:

1. Go to your playlist settings in IPTV Smarters
2. Find the EPG URL field and enter the XMLTV URL from your supplier
3. Force a playlist refresh
4. Wait 30–60 minutes for EPG data to populate fully

Troubleshooting EPG Issues

EPG and Catch-Up TV

Catch-up TV (the ability to watch content broadcast in the past 7–14 days) integrates directly with the EPG. In TiviMate or IPTV Smarters, navigating backward through the EPG to past broadcasts and clicking a programme initiates catch-up playback — the recording plays from the beginning of that broadcast.

Catch-up TV availability depends on your IPTV supplier. Our platform includes 7-day catch-up on Standard and 14-day on Premium — meaning clients can watch any broadcast from the past week without having recorded it. This is a major client satisfaction driver and a significant differentiator from lower-quality services.

Why EPG Matters for Client Retention

Clients with a working EPG use IPTV more. They browse upcoming sport, discover shows they would otherwise miss, and navigate the channel list with confidence. Clients without EPG or with poor EPG feel like they are using a less-polished service — and are more likely to churn when alternatives present themselves.

A fully-functioning EPG transforms IPTV from a channel list into a TV experience. Include EPG setup in every client onboarding — it is a 5-minute investment that improves satisfaction for the entire subscription duration.

Frequently Asked Questions