An EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is the on-screen TV guide in your IPTV app: a grid or list showing what's on each channel now, next and later. Your provider supplies the guide data — usually as an XMLTV file — and your player matches it to each channel. With an Xtream Codes login the guide loads automatically; with an M3U playlist you often add a separate EPG link.
What does an EPG show?
- Now and next — the programme on air and the one after.
- A timeline — usually several days ahead, sometimes days behind for catch-up.
- Programme details — title, description, start and end time, sometimes category.
- Quick navigation — pick a programme in the grid to tune straight to it.
Where EPG data comes from
Providers collect listings for their channels and publish them as a data file. The most common format is XMLTV, which lists channels by an ID and programmes by channel, start time and stop time. Your app downloads this file and lines it up with the channels in your playlist.
| Login type | How the guide loads |
|---|---|
| Xtream Codes | Automatically from the same server |
| M3U playlist | From a separate EPG (XMLTV) link you add in settings |
| MAG portal | Built into the portal |
Why EPG matters
The guide turns a long channel list into something you can browse like normal TV. It also powers features such as catch-up (choose a past programme to replay — see IPTV catch-up), reminders and recording in apps that support them.
Why listings go missing or look wrong
| Symptom | Common cause |
|---|---|
| Whole guide empty | Guide not downloaded yet, or EPG link missing (M3U) |
| Some channels blank | No data for that channel, or the channel ID doesn't match |
| Times an hour or more out | Time zone or EPG offset setting |
| Old listings | Guide not refreshed recently |
Most of these are fixed in the app's settings: refresh the guide, add the EPG link, or set the time offset. Step-by-step fixes are in the troubleshooting guide.
Tips for a better guide
- Hide channel groups you don't watch — the guide loads faster and is easier to scroll.
- Set your time zone correctly on the device.
- Refresh the EPG after first setup and after clock changes.
- Use favourites so your main channels sit at the top.
For the full list of IPTV terms, see the IPTV glossary, or start with the setup guide.
