-
Written by James -
January 12, 2026
-
4 minutes
Complete IPTV EPG Setup Guide for Accurate TV Schedules
An EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is one of the most important features in any IPTV setup. Without it, users only see channel names—no schedules, no show details, and no upcoming programs.
This IPTV EPG setup guide explains everything you need to know: what EPG is, how it works, how to set it up correctly in popular IPTV players, and how to fix common issues. The guide focuses only on configuration and usability, keeping everything legal and DMCA-compliant.
What Is IPTV EPG?
EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is a digital TV guide that displays:
- Program schedules
- Show names and descriptions
- Start and end times
- Current and upcoming programs
EPG allows users to browse channels easily and know what’s playing now and what’s next, similar to cable or satellite TV guides.
Why EPG Is Important for IPTV Users
A properly configured EPG improves the overall experience by:
- Making navigation faster
- Reducing channel confusion
- Allowing planning and reminders
- Enabling catch-up and recording features (where supported)
Without EPG, IPTV apps feel incomplete and difficult to use.
How IPTV EPG Works (Simple Explanation)
EPG data usually comes in XMLTV format, which includes:
- Channel IDs
- Program titles
- Time schedules
- Descriptions
The IPTV player matches playlist channels with EPG channel IDs to display guide information. If this mapping fails, EPG will not appear.
Common IPTV Players That Support EPG
Most modern IPTV players support EPG, including:
- TiviMate
- IPTV Smarters Pro
- GSE Smart IPTV
- Perfect Player
- Kodi (with IPTV add-on)
Each player handles EPG slightly differently, but the core concept remains the same.
Preparing for IPTV EPG Setup
Before configuring EPG, make sure you have:
- A working IPTV playlist
- An EPG source (URL or embedded data)
- Stable internet connection
- Updated IPTV player
EPG will not load correctly on outdated apps.
IPTV EPG Setup in TiviMate (Step-by-Step)
TiviMate is one of the best players for EPG management.
Step 1: Open TiviMate Settings
- Launch TiviMate
- Go to Settings → EPG
Step 2: Enable EPG
- Turn on EPG Sources
- Enable Auto Update EPG
Step 3: Add EPG Source
- Select EPG Sources → Add Source
- Enter your XMLTV EPG URL
- Save changes
Step 4: Update EPG
- Click Update EPG
- Wait for data to load (may take a few minutes)
Step 5: Assign EPG to Playlist
- Go to Playlists
- Select your playlist
- Assign the EPG source manually if required
IPTV EPG Setup in IPTV Smarters Pro
Step 1: Login to IPTV Smarters Pro
- Open the app
- Login using playlist or API credentials
Step 2: Enable EPG
- Go to Settings → EPG Settings
- Enable Auto Update EPG
Step 3: Refresh Guide
- Return to home screen
- Open Live TV
- Allow EPG to sync automatically
IPTV Smarters Pro usually pulls EPG automatically if supported.
IPTV EPG Setup in GSE Smart IPTV
Step 1: Open GSE Smart IPTV
Step 2: Add EPG Source
- Select Add Remote EPG
- Paste XMLTV URL
- Save configuration
Step 3: Refresh EPG
- Reload playlist
- Wait for data synchronization
Manual Channel-to-EPG Mapping (Advanced)
Sometimes channels don’t match EPG data automatically.
When Manual Mapping Is Needed
- Channel names differ
- Regional variations exist
- EPG data loads but shows “No Information”
How Manual Mapping Works
- Open channel settings
- Assign correct EPG ID
- Save mapping
TiviMate and Perfect Player support manual EPG assignment.
Fixing Common IPTV EPG Problems
EPG Not Showing at All
✔ Check EPG URL
✔ Enable auto-update
✔ Update EPG manually
✔ Restart app
Wrong Program Times
✔ Adjust time offset
✔ Check timezone settings
✔ Set correct region
Some Channels Missing EPG
✔ Use manual EPG mapping
✔ Refresh playlist
✔ Update EPG source
EPG Loading Slowly
✔ Use wired internet
✔ Reduce update frequency
✔ Clear app cache
Best EPG Settings for Smooth Performance
Recommended configuration:
- Update Interval: Every 24 hours
- Time Offset: Auto
- Cache Size: Default or medium
- Keep Old Data: Enabled
This balance ensures accuracy without overloading the app.
IPTV EPG and Catch-Up Features
EPG enables advanced features such as:
- Catch-up TV (if supported)
- Program reminders
- Recording schedules
These features rely heavily on accurate EPG data.
Best Practices for IPTV EPG Management
- Update EPG once daily
- Avoid multiple EPG sources simultaneously
- Keep channel names clean
- Use one EPG per playlist
- Restart app after major updates
These steps prevent conflicts and errors.
Legal & Compliance Notes
- EPG is metadata, not content
- Always use EPG from licensed sources
- Do not redistribute EPG files
- Follow app terms of service
This keeps your setup compliant and safe.
Final Thoughts on IPTV EPG Setup
A properly configured EPG transforms IPTV from a basic channel list into a complete TV experience. This IPTV EPG setup guide covers everything from basic configuration to advanced troubleshooting, ensuring accurate schedules and smooth navigation.
When set up correctly, EPG enhances usability, reduces confusion, and unlocks powerful IPTV features