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IPTV EPG not loading? How to fix the TV guide

Updated 2 min read

The EPG is the electronic programme guide: the grid of what's on now and next. When it's empty, the app either hasn't downloaded it yet, doesn't have the guide link (common with M3U playlists), or is matching the wrong channels. Updating the guide, adding the EPG link and fixing the time shift solve most cases.

TV showing a programme-guide grid of coloured blocks, with a hand holding a remote

An empty or wrong TV guide makes IPTV feel broken, even when every channel plays. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it in the main apps.

Why the guide goes missing

  • It hasn’t downloaded yet. After the first login, the guide can take a minute or two to appear.
  • No guide link. An M3U playlist often carries channels only; the guide comes from a separate XMLTV link. With an Xtream Codes login it’s usually included. Our Xtream Codes vs M3U guide explains the difference.
  • Out-of-date data. If the app hasn’t refreshed in days, the grid empties.
  • Wrong time zone. Programmes appear shifted by an hour or more.

Fix it in your app

  1. TiviMate

    Open Settings → EPG and choose Update EPG. Switch on updating at app start. With an M3U playlist, add the EPG link in the playlist’s settings. More in our TiviMate guide.

  2. IPTV Smarters Pro

    In the Live TV section, use the option to refresh or install the EPG, then wait a minute. In Settings, check the EPG time shift. See our Smarters guide.

  3. IBO Player and other smart TV apps

    Reload the playlist from the app settings. If you added the playlist on the website as M3U, add the EPG link there too.

Fix wrong programme times

Check the device’s time zone first (Settings → Date & time on most devices). If it’s correct and the guide is still shifted, adjust the EPG time shift in the app by the number of hours it’s out. Around the clock changes in spring and autumn, a quick update of the guide usually puts things right.

If channels themselves won’t play, see IPTV not working. Setting up on a Firestick? The guide steps are the same. Plans: UK, US, Canada.

Quick answers

Why are my guide times an hour out?
Usually a time-zone or daylight-saving mismatch. Check your device's time zone first, then adjust the EPG time shift in the app settings.
Why do some channels have a guide and others don't?
The guide is matched to channels by an ID. Channels without a match show “no information”. Message us the channel names and we’ll check.
How often does the guide update?
Most apps download a few days of guide data at a time. Switch on automatic updates so it never runs out.