Most programme-guide problems fall into three groups. Empty guide: refresh the EPG, and with an M3U playlist make sure the EPG link is added. Wrong times: fix the device time zone and the EPG offset in your player. Some channels blank: there's no data for those channels or their IDs don't match — the channel still plays, only listings are missing.
Diagnose in 30 seconds
| Symptom | Most likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Whole guide empty | Not downloaded, or no EPG link (M3U) | Update EPG; add the XMLTV link |
| Guide was fine, now empty | Stale cache or expired login | Clear EPG cache; check account status |
| Times off by whole hours | Time zone / offset | Set time zone; adjust EPG offset |
| Times off by 30 minutes | Half-hour time zone (e.g. India — see Indian channels on IPTV) | Set the exact time zone |
| Some channels blank | No data or ID mismatch | Ask provider; leave as is |
| Old listings | Update interval too long | Update now; shorten interval |
Fix 1: Update the guide
- TiviMate: Settings → EPG → Update EPG.
- IPTV Smarters: reload or install the EPG from Live TV / settings.
- Kodi: PVR settings → Clear data, then restart.
Fix 2: Add or correct the EPG link (M3U users)
With an M3U playlist the guide usually needs a separate XMLTV link — see how to add an EPG URL. With an Xtream Codes login, the guide loads automatically.
Fix 3: Time zone and offset
- Set the device's date, time and time zone correctly.
- In the player, adjust the EPG time shift/offset by whole hours until listings match what's on.
- Check again after daylight-saving changes.
Fix 4: Channel ID mismatches
Each channel in a playlist has an ID that should match an entry in the EPG file. If a few channels never show listings, the provider's data doesn't cover them or the IDs differ. Some apps (TiviMate, Kodi) let you manually assign a guide channel; otherwise report it to your provider.
Fix 5: Speed up a slow guide
- Hide channel groups you don't watch — see IPTV playlist management.
- Reduce EPG days kept, if your app allows.
- Free up storage on the device.
New to guides? Read what an EPG is. Other problems are covered in the troubleshooting guide.
