What Is EPG in IPTV?
EPG stands for Electronic Program Guide. It's the interactive TV schedule built into your IPTV player app — showing what's currently playing on each channel, what's coming up next, and the full schedule for days or weeks ahead. It's the IPTV equivalent of the on-screen guide you'd see on cable TV.
With a 14-day EPG, you can scroll through 50,000+ channels and see every show, game, or movie scheduled for the next two weeks — then click any past program to trigger catch-up playback (if your provider supports it).
How IPTV Gets EPG Data
| Method | How It Works | Setup Required |
|---|---|---|
| Xtream Codes API | EPG data is delivered automatically with your channel list | None — auto-loads |
| XMLTV URL | Provider supplies an XMLTV file URL you add manually | Paste URL in EPG settings |
| No EPG | Channels play but no program info shown | Must add XMLTV or switch to Xtream |
Xtream Codes EPG vs XMLTV — Comparison
| Feature | Xtream Codes Auto-EPG | XMLTV URL |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Zero — loads with credentials | Paste URL + tap Get EPG |
| Accuracy | Provider-matched to channels | TVG-ID must match channel list |
| Update frequency | Auto-refresh daily | Manual or scheduled refresh |
| Catch-up integration | Built-in (click past program) | May not link to catch-up |
| Days of data | Up to 14 days | Depends on XMLTV file size |
Troubleshooting: EPG Not Showing
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| EPG blank on all channels | M3U setup, no XMLTV added | Add XMLTV URL in EPG settings, or switch to Xtream |
| EPG downloading slowly | Large 14-day XMLTV file | Wait 5–10 min; 14-day files are large |
| EPG shows on some channels only | TVG-ID mismatch | Contact provider to align IDs |
| EPG times are wrong | Wrong time zone offset | Settings → EPG → Time Offset → set your UTC offset |
| EPG disappeared after update | App cache cleared | Tap Get EPG / refresh EPG source |
Frequently Asked Questions
EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is the on-screen TV schedule in your IPTV app. It shows what's currently on, what's next, and up to 14 days of scheduling for all channels — just like a cable TV guide but for 50,000+ channels.
Via Xtream Codes API — EPG loads automatically with your credentials, no extra setup. Via M3U — you add a separate XMLTV URL in your app's EPG settings. Xtream Codes is preferred as it's instant and always matched to your channels.
The program guide shows the full schedule for all channels for the next 14 days — not just today. Scroll ahead two weeks to see upcoming sports, movies, and shows. Our service provides a full 14-day EPG for all 50,000+ channels.
XMLTV is an XML file format for EPG data containing program schedules identified by TVG-ID codes that match your M3U channel list. Your provider supplies an XMLTV URL alongside M3U credentials — paste it in your app's EPG settings to download the guide.
Most common causes: M3U setup without XMLTV URL (add it in EPG settings), EPG still downloading (wait 5–10 min), TVG-ID mismatch, or expired XMLTV URL. Fastest fix: switch to Xtream Codes API — EPG auto-loads instantly.
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