What Is an EPG? Your IPTV TV Guide Explained

EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide. It is the grid that shows what is on now and next, with times, titles and descriptions. Good players also use it for catch-up on selected channels and for reminders.

Where the guide comes from

The guide data is a separate file, usually in XMLTV format. With an Xtream Codes login the player normally fetches it automatically. With a plain M3U playlist you may need to paste an EPG URL yourself. The difference is explained in M3U vs Xtream Codes.

How to add or refresh the EPG

1. Open the player settings and find EPG, TV guide or XMLTV.
2. If you use Xtream Codes, make sure the provider EPG is enabled.
3. If you use M3U, paste the XMLTV link your provider gave you.
4. Run Update EPG and wait. Large guides can take a few minutes.
5. Open the guide and check a few channels.

Fixing common guide problems

• The guide is empty. The EPG link is missing or has not finished loading. Update it and wait.
• Times are an hour or more off. Set the correct time zone or the EPG time offset in the player.
• Some channels have no guide. Channel names may not match the guide data. Use the app option to map channels to guide entries.
• The guide is slow. Limit the EPG to the channel groups you watch, if the app allows it.
• Old data. Schedule a daily update.

Why a good EPG matters for sport

Fixtures move for television, and the guide is how you find the match without scrolling through hundreds of channels. If you follow football, read about Premier League kick-off times; for American sport see NFL on IPTV. Our EPG and catch-up feature page has more detail.

Set-up steps for your device: Android TV and Google TV, Firestick.