EPG stands for electronic program guide: the grid of channels and times you scroll through to see what is on now, what is next, and what is on later tonight. On cable it comes with the box. On IPTV, your player app downloads it separately from the channel list and matches the two together.
How the IPTV guide works
- Your player signs in with your login details (usually Xtream Codes) and downloads the channel list.
- It then downloads the guide data: a large file listing programs for each channel, usually for the next few days.
- It matches each channel to its guide entries using a channel ID.
- Every few hours it refreshes the guide in the background.
That separation explains most guide problems. The channels can play perfectly while the guide is still downloading, out of date, or not matched.
Why your guide is empty
It is still loading
The first download after you sign in can take a few minutes, especially on a Firestick. Leave the app open on the guide screen for five minutes.
The player has not refreshed
Go to the player’s settings and choose Update EPG or Refresh EPG. In IPTV Smarters Pro it is on the home screen; in TiviMate it is under Settings → EPG.
The guide source is missing
With Xtream Codes, the guide is included automatically. With an M3U link, some players need the guide link (often called an XMLTV URL) added separately. You can find it in your dashboard. More in M3U vs Xtream Codes.
The device is low on storage
Guide files are large. If your Firestick is almost full, the guide may fail to save. Clear the cache of apps you no longer use.
Why the times are wrong
The guide is stored in universal time and converted using your device’s time zone. If programs appear an hour or more early or late:
- Open the device’s Date & time settings.
- Turn on automatic time, or set the correct time zone (Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific, or Atlantic/Newfoundland in Canada).
- Refresh the guide in the player.
Some players also have their own EPG time offset setting. Check that it is set to 0 unless you have a reason to change it.
When one channel has no listings
Some channels, such as event or pop-up channels, do not have guide data, and that is normal. If a regular channel you watch every day suddenly shows No information, let support know. Its guide mapping may have changed.
Getting the most from the guide
- Use favourites so the guide opens on the channels you actually watch.
- Hide categories you never use. A shorter guide loads faster.
- Pick a player with a strong guide. We compare them in the best IPTV player apps.
Want to see how the Gamma IPTV guide looks on your TV? The free trial includes the full guide. You can also read more about Gamma IPTV features.
Frequently asked questions
What does EPG stand for?
Electronic program guide: the on-screen TV guide that lists what is on now, next and later on each channel.
What is an XMLTV link?
XMLTV is a common file format for TV guide data. Some players ask for an XMLTV (EPG) link separately when you sign in with an M3U playlist.
Sources and further reading
How we write and update guides: editorial policy.