Quick answer
An IPTV EPG (electronic programme guide) is the on-screen TV guide that shows what's on now and next for each channel. Guide data comes from an XMLTV source: with Xtream Codes logins, most apps load it automatically; with M3U playlists, you may need to add an EPG URL. Missing listings are usually caused by guide data not being downloaded yet, mismatched channel IDs or time-zone offsets.
Key takeaways
- The EPG is the TV guide inside your IPTV app.
- Guide data is published in the XMLTV format and matched to channels by ID.
- Xtream Codes usually loads the guide automatically; M3U may need an EPG link.
- Time-zone offsets are the most common cause of listings being shifted.
| Stands for | Electronic Programme Guide |
|---|---|
| Shows | Current and upcoming programmes, times and descriptions |
| Data format | XMLTV |
| Xtream Codes | Usually loads automatically |
| M3U | May need a separate EPG URL |
What does the EPG show?
- Now playing — the programme currently on each channel
- Up next — what's coming on later
- Schedules — a timetable for each channel over the coming hours or days
- Programme details — titles, start and end times, short descriptions
- Catch-up markers — where the channel and app support replay
How does IPTV guide data work?
Guide data is published as an XMLTV file listing programmes with channel IDs and start and end times. Your app matches those IDs to the channels in your list — for M3U playlists, via the tvg-id attribute. When IDs match, the guide fills in; when they don't, the channel shows "No information". See IPTV M3U explained for how playlists carry those IDs.
How do you add or refresh the EPG in popular apps?
| App | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| IPTV Smarters | Settings → Install EPG |
| TiviMate | Settings → EPG → Add EPG source / Update EPG |
| XCIPTV | Settings → EPG, including timeshift |
| IBO Player | Playlist settings on the official website |
EPG troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Guide is completely empty | Cause: Guide not downloaded yet | Fix: Refresh the EPG and wait a few minutes |
| Some channels show no info | Cause: Channel ID doesn't match guide data | Fix: Normal for some channels; ask support about main channels |
| Times are shifted | Cause: Time-zone offset or daylight-saving change | Fix: Adjust the EPG timeshift in app settings |
| Guide stops after a day | Cause: Short guide window | Fix: Enable automatic EPG updates |
Common EPG mistakes
- Expecting an M3U playlist to include the guide automatically.
- Forgetting to adjust timeshift after clocks change for daylight saving.
- Adding several EPG sources that conflict with each other.
Frequently asked questions
Does XCodes IPTV include an EPG?
Yes. A real-time TV guide is included on every plan and loads automatically with Xtream Codes logins in most apps.
Why does my EPG show the wrong time?
Your app's time zone doesn't match the guide data. Use the EPG timeshift option to correct it.
What is XMLTV?
XMLTV is the standard file format for IPTV programme-guide data.
How often does the EPG update?
It depends on the app's settings. Enable automatic updates or refresh daily.
Why do only some channels have guide data?
Guide data is matched by channel ID. Channels without a matching entry show no information.
Conclusion
The EPG turns a channel list into a browsable TV guide. Most issues come down to the guide not being loaded yet, mismatched IDs or time-zone offsets — all fixable in your app's settings.
Related guides
- IPTV M3U PlaylistsIPTV M3U playlists explained: the file structure, how players read them, M3U vs Xtream Codes, the EPG link, security tips, common errors and how to load one.Read more
- Xtream Codes ExplainedXtream Codes explained: the Xtream Codes API login, server URL, username and password format, why most IPTV apps prefer it to M3U, and how to fix login errors.Read more
- TiviMateAdd XCodes IPTV to TiviMate on Fire TV or Android TV. Step-by-step Xtream Codes and M3U setup, EPG configuration and TiviMate troubleshooting.Read more
- FeaturesExplore what XCodes IPTV includes: live TV channels, live sports, on-demand movies and series, a program guide, and flexible Xtream Codes or M3U access.Read more