An electronic program guide (EPG) is the on-screen TV guide of an IPTV player. It shows what is on now, what is next, and a short description of each program. This article explains where EPG data comes from, how it is matched to channels, and how to fix the usual problems, whichever IPTV player you use.

Key Takeaways

  • An EPG is separate data, not part of the video stream. It comes from your IPTV provider or from an XMLTV file.
  • Guide entries are matched to channels by an ID, usually called tvg-id in M3U playlists. A wrong or missing ID is the most common reason for an empty guide.
  • Not every IPTV player has an EPG. IPTV Player & Live TV does not show one, so pick an app built around the guide if you need it.

What is an EPG?

EPG stands for electronic program guide. In an IPTV app it is a list or grid that shows, for each channel, the current and upcoming programs with start and end times. Depending on the data source it can also show descriptions, categories, ratings and episode information.

The guide is not delivered with the video. The video stream and the guide data are two separate things, which is why a channel can play perfectly while its guide is empty.

Where EPG data comes from

  • Your Xtream Codes provider: Xtream accounts normally expose guide data for you. The app downloads the full guide from an xmltv.php address for your account, or asks for the now and next programs of a single channel.
  • An M3U playlist with a guide link: some M3U files start with a header such as #EXTM3U url-tvg="..." or x-tvg-url="..." that points to an XMLTV file. Many free lists do not include this link.
  • An XMLTV file you add yourself: XMLTV is a standard XML format for TV listings. Some players let you enter an XMLTV address manually.

If a playlist has no guide link and you cannot add one, the player has nothing to show, however good the app is.

How channels are matched to the guide

Each channel in a playlist can carry an ID (tvg-id in M3U, epg_channel_id in Xtream). The guide file uses the same IDs. When both match, the app shows the right program under the right channel. When the IDs differ, are missing, or point to a channel the guide does not cover, that channel shows no data. Some players try to match by channel name as a fallback.

Which IPTV apps have an EPG?

Several players are built around the guide. TiviMate, for example, is widely reviewed for its guide on Android TV, according to HungaryIPTV. Check each app's Google Play listing for its current features.

IPTV Player & Live TV does not have an EPG. It is a light player for live streams, with playlists, favorites, search and the free Open World TV list. If you want a program grid, compare options in our best IPTV players for Android guide, or see the apps compared in our Android TV guide.

How to fix common EPG problems

  • No guide data at all: check that the playlist or your provider supplies a guide address, and that the address opens in a browser. Re-enter an Xtream login if the account changed.
  • Guide for some channels only: the IDs probably do not match. Ask your provider for an updated playlist, or use a guide file that uses the same IDs.
  • Wrong times: check the time zone setting of the app and of the device. Guide times are often stored in UTC and converted for display.
  • Outdated programs: refresh the guide, or shorten the update interval if the app offers one.
  • Slow guide with very big lists: a full guide for thousands of channels is a large file. Use a smaller guide file that covers only your channels, if your app allows it.

Frequently asked questions

What does EPG mean in IPTV?

EPG means electronic program guide: the on-screen schedule that shows the current and upcoming programs of each channel.

Why is my IPTV guide empty?

Usually the playlist has no guide address, the guide does not cover the channel, or the channel ID does not match the guide data. The video can still play normally.

What is XMLTV?

XMLTV is a standard XML file format for TV listings. IPTV players use it to load program data for channels.

What is tvg-id?

It is the channel ID inside an M3U playlist. The guide uses the same ID to place the right programs on the right channel.

Does IPTV Player & Live TV have an EPG?

No. The app plays live streams and does not show a program guide. Use an app built around the guide if you need one.