IPTV TV Guide (EPG) and Catch-Up Explained
⚡ Quick Answer
What the IPTV TV guide is, how catch-up works, and how to fix a guide that is empty or shows the wrong times.
What is an EPG?
EPG stands for electronic programme guide — the TV guide grid that shows what is on now and later. In IPTV apps it loads alongside your channels, so you can scroll through the week ahead and pick a programme.
How the guide gets into your app
With an Xtream Codes login, the guide is fetched automatically. With an M3U link, some apps need a separate guide link (often called an XMLTV or EPG URL), which we include in your welcome message. Our own app loads everything when you sign in.
What is catch-up?
Catch-up lets you go back in the guide and watch programmes that have already been shown, usually for up to 7 days on major UK channels. Channels that support it are marked with a clock or archive icon in most apps.
Using catch-up
- Open the TV guide and choose a channel with the catch-up icon.
- Scroll left (back in time) to the programme you missed.
- Select it and press play. You can pause and skip as normal.
Fixing common guide problems
The guide is empty
- Refresh the EPG in the app's settings.
- If you use M3U, check the guide link is added.
- Give it a few minutes — the first load can be slow.
The times are wrong
- Set your device's time zone to the UK (or your local time zone abroad).
- Some apps have an "EPG time shift" setting — set it to 0 for UK channels.
Only some channels have a guide
A few smaller international channels do not publish guide data. Major UK channels should always have it; if one is missing, tell our WhatsApp team.
Recording vs catch-up
Catch-up is stored by the provider for a few days. Recording saves a copy on your own device and needs an app that supports it, such as TiviMate Premium, plus storage.
Try the guide and catch-up on your own TV with our free 6-hour trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does EPG mean on IPTV?
Electronic programme guide — the TV guide showing what is on now and later.
How long is catch-up available?
Up to 7 days on major UK channels.
Why is my IPTV guide empty?
Refresh the EPG in settings, and if you use an M3U link, make sure the guide link is added.
Why are the guide times wrong?
Your device time zone is probably not set to the UK, or an EPG time shift is set in the app.
James has spent over 8 years reviewing streaming technology, IPTV services, and cord-cutting solutions for UK audiences. He specialises in device compatibility, network optimisation, and helping readers get the most from their streaming subscriptions.
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