A full IPTV lineup can contain thousands of channels across dozens of countries. Three habits make it manageable: hide the groups you never watch, build a favourites list of your everyday channels, and sort or renumber what's left. It also makes the app and programme guide faster, especially on streaming sticks.
1. Hide groups you don't watch
- TiviMate: choose groups when adding the playlist, or later under playlist settings → manage groups.
- IPTV Smarters: use category options in Live TV to hide or lock categories.
- Kodi: use channel groups in TV → Channels.
Fewer groups means a smaller guide and quicker loading — see fix a slow EPG.
2. Build favourites
- Open a channel you watch often.
- Long-press (or open the channel menu) and choose Add to favourites.
- Repeat for your top 10–20 channels.
- Put the Favourites group first in the list.
3. Sort and renumber
Many players let you sort channels alphabetically or by provider order, and some let you renumber channels so your main ones are 1, 2, 3 — like a traditional TV. TiviMate is particularly strong here.
4. Multiple playlists or users
If different people want different setups, or you're testing a second login:
- IPTV Smarters: add another user with the same or another login.
- TiviMate Premium: add multiple playlists.
Remember only your plan's number of screens can play at once — see multiple devices.
5. Keep it fresh
- Refresh the playlist when your provider adds channels.
- Re-check favourites after a provider changes channel names.
- Back up settings where the app offers it before reinstalling.
Useful extras
- Parental PINs on adult or late-night groups — see IPTV parental controls.
- Recently watched lists for quick switching.
Setting up for the first time? Follow the IPTV setup checklist and the setup guide.
