How to Fix EPG on IPTV: A Simple Guide for TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro - STRONG 4 IPTV

The Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is an essential feature for IPTV users, providing a detailed schedule of current and upcoming programs on live TV channels. It acts like a digital TV guide, allowing you to navigate channels, view program details, and plan your viewing. However, EPG issues—such as missing data, incorrect schedules, or failure to load—are common frustrations for users of popular IPTV apps like TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to troubleshoot and fix EPG issues on both apps, ensuring a seamless IPTV experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, these solutions are designed to be straightforward and effective.

Understanding EPG and Common Issues

An EPG fetches program data, typically in XML format, from an IPTV provider’s servers and displays it in a user-friendly interface. It enhances the IPTV experience by offering real-time updates, program descriptions, and customizable navigation. However, several issues can disrupt EPG functionality:

No EPG Data: The guide shows “No Information” or fails to load entirely.
Incorrect or Outdated Data: Program schedules don’t match what’s airing.
EPG Not Updating: The guide doesn’t refresh with new data.
Channel Mismatches: EPG data doesn’t align with the correct channels.
App or Server Issues: The IPTV app or provider’s server fails to process EPG data.

These issues can stem from incorrect configurations, network problems, outdated apps, or provider-side limitations. Below, we’ll explore step-by-step solutions for TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro, two of the most popular IPTV players.

Fixing EPG Issues on TiviMate

TiviMate is a feature-rich IPTV player known for its robust EPG support and customizable interface. If you’re experiencing EPG issues, follow these steps to resolve them.

Step 1: Verify the EPG URL

The most common cause of EPG issues is an incorrect or inactive EPG URL. Your IPTV provider typically provides this URL, which links to the EPG data.

Action: Open TiviMate and navigate to Settings > EPG > EPG Sources. Check the listed EPG URL(s). Contact your IPTV provider to confirm the URL is correct and active. If you’re using Xtream Codes API, the EPG should auto-populate, but for M3U playlists, you may need to add the URL manually.
Tip: If the provider’s EPG is incomplete, consider adding a third-party EPG source like https://github.com/iptv-org/epg (ensure compatibility with your channels).

Step 2: Refresh the EPG

Sometimes, the EPG data simply needs a manual refresh to load properly.

Action: Go to Settings > EPG and select Update EPG or Refresh. You can also access the main menu, open the left-side menu, and click Refresh. Allow a few minutes for the data to download.
Tip: Ensure “Auto-update EPG” is enabled to keep the guide current.

Step 3: Assign EPG to Channels

If the EPG data loads but shows “No Information” for specific channels, the channel IDs (tvg-id) may not match the EPG source.

Action: In TiviMate, go to Settings > Playlists > [Your Playlist] > EPG Source. Select the EPG source and manually assign it to each channel. If the provider’s tvg-id differs from the EPG source, you’ll need to map them manually. For example, a channel listed as “TSN 1” in your playlist might be “TSN1 CA” in the EPG.
Tip: Tools like IPTVEditor can simplify channel mapping by generating a custom EPG URL.

Step 4: Check Internet Connection

A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for downloading EPG data.

Action: Test your connection using a tool like Speedtest by Ookla. If the connection is weak, restart your router or switch to a wired connection. Disable any VPN temporarily, as it may interfere with EPG updates.
Tip: Ensure your device has at least 5 Mbps for reliable IPTV streaming and EPG loading.

Read also: Best IPTV Service STRONG4IPTV 2025

Step 5: Clear Cache and Reconfigure

Corrupted cache or misconfigured settings can prevent EPG updates.

Action: Go to Settings > General > Clear Cache. Then, delete the EPG source, force-stop TiviMate, and restart the app. Re-add the EPG source using the XML or compressed XML (.gz) format.
Tip: If issues persist, try an older version of TiviMate (e.g., v3.5), as some users report fewer EPG issues with earlier releases.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall TiviMate

An outdated app version can cause compatibility issues with EPG sources.

Action: Check for updates in the Google Play Store or sideload the latest version (v5.1.6 as of May 2025). If problems continue, uninstall TiviMate, clear residual data, and reinstall it.
Tip: Opt for the premium version ($33.99 lifetime) for advanced EPG features like multi-source support.

Step 7: Contact Your IPTV Provider

If none of the above works, the issue may lie with your provider’s EPG server.

Action: Reach out to your provider for assistance. Ask if their EPG server is operational and if they can provide an alternative URL or troubleshoot channel mismatches.
Tip: Reputable providers like RiseIPTV often offer robust EPG support and quick responses.

Fixing EPG Issues on IPTV Smarters Pro

IPTV Smarters Pro is a user-friendly app compatible with a wide range of devices, including Android, iOS, Firestick, and Smart TVs. Here’s how to address EPG issues in this app.

Step 1: Verify EPG URL and Credentials

Like TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro requires a valid EPG URL, especially for M3U playlists.

Action: Open the app, go to Settings > EPG (or TV Guide), and check the EPG URL. If using Xtream Codes API, the EPG should load automatically after entering your server URL, username, and password. For M3U, manually add the EPG URL provided by your IPTV service.
Tip: Double-check login credentials, as incorrect details can prevent EPG loading.

Step 2: Refresh EPG Data

Manually refreshing the EPG can resolve temporary glitches.

Action: Navigate to Settings > EPG > Refresh. Wait for the app to download the data. If the guide remains empty, ensure the URL is set as the default source, as IPTV Smarters Pro may only download from one URL at a time.
Tip: Enable automatic updates in the EPG settings to avoid manual refreshes.

Step 3: Ensure Proper Channel Mapping

Mismatched channel IDs can cause EPG data to appear blank or incorrect.

Action: If the EPG loads but shows no data for certain channels, verify that the channel names in your playlist match the EPG source. You may need to edit the playlist or use an external editor like IPTVEditor to align tvg-ids.
Tip: Adding a single, reliable EPG source reduces conflicts compared to multiple sources.

Step 4: Check Internet and Clear Cache

A weak internet connection or corrupted cache can disrupt EPG functionality.

Action: Confirm your internet speed is adequate (5 Mbps or higher). Go to your device’s settings, locate IPTV Smarters Pro, and select Clear Cache and Clear Data. Reopen the app and log in again.
Tip: Restart your router if connectivity issues persist.

Step 5: Update or Reinstall the App

Using an outdated version of IPTV Smarters Pro can lead to EPG issues.

Action: Update to the latest version (v3.1.5 as of May 2025) via the official website or app store. If problems continue, uninstall the app, download the APK from https://www.iptvsmarters.com/smarters.apk, and reinstall it.
Tip: Sideloading may be required for Firestick, as the app isn’t available on the Amazon Store.

Step 6: Test Alternative EPG Sources

If the provider’s EPG is unreliable, try a third-party source.

Action: Add a free EPG source like https://epg.best or https://iptv-org.github.io/epg/guide.xml. Go to Settings > Install EPG and input the URL. Test if the guide populates correctly.
Tip: Ensure the third-party EPG covers your channels to avoid mismatches.

Step 7: Contact Support

Persistent issues may indicate a problem with the IPTV provider’s EPG server.

Action: Contact your provider to verify server status and request assistance. If the issue is app-specific, reach out to IPTV Smarters developers via their official website.
Tip: Use a VPN like ExpressVPN to bypass geo-restrictions or server blocks, but disable it during troubleshooting to rule out interference.

General Tips for Both Apps

Use a Single EPG Source: Multiple sources can cause data conflicts. Stick to one reliable URL unless necessary.
Regularly Update Apps: Developers release updates to fix bugs and improve EPG compatibility.
Monitor Provider Status: Some providers experience server downtime, affecting EPG delivery. Check their support channels for updates.
Backup Configurations: Before resetting or reinstalling, back up your playlist and EPG settings to avoid reconfiguration.
Consider Alternative Players: If issues persist, try other IPTV players like GSE Smart IPTV or IPTV Expert, which may handle EPG data more reliably.

Advanced Troubleshooting

For tech-savvy users, consider these advanced solutions:

Use EPG Grabbers: Tools like WebGrab+Plus or custom scripts from https://github.com/iptv-org/epg can fetch EPG data from various sources and create a custom XML file.
Host Your Own EPG: Set up a local server to host EPG data, ensuring consistent access. Refer to the iptv-org/epg GitHub repository for setup instructions.
Check XMLTV Format: Ensure the EPG URL provides data in XMLTV or JTV format, as these are compatible with most IPTV players.

Legal Considerations

Using an EPG is legal as long as your IPTV service is legitimate and complies with copyright laws. Always choose licensed providers and verify their credentials. Using a VPN can enhance privacy and access geo-restricted EPGs, but ensure it doesn’t interfere with data loading.

Conclusion

Fixing EPG issues on TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro is achievable with the right steps. By verifying URLs, refreshing data, mapping channels, and maintaining a stable connection, you can restore your EPG’s functionality. Regular app updates and provider communication are key to preventing future issues. With these solutions, you’ll enjoy a seamless IPTV experience, complete with a fully functional program guide to enhance your viewing. For further assistance, explore community forums like Reddit’s r/TiviMate or contact your IPTV provider for tailored support.

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