IPTV EPG: How to Load the TV Guide
In this guide
What is an IPTV EPG?
The EPG (electronic program guide) is the TV guide grid: what is on now and next on each channel. With an Xtream Codes or portal login, most apps load it by themselves. With an M3U link, you usually paste a separate EPG URL (an XMLTV file) into the app’s guide settings and let it download.
Where the EPG URL usually goes
| App | Where the EPG goes |
|---|---|
| Axon Player | Loads with Xtream Codes; for M3U, look for the EPG field in the playlist settings |
| OTT Navigator | In the settings of your provider or playlist, under EPG |
| Sparkle TV | Add an XMLTV source in the settings for your playlist |
| Smart IPTV, Set IPTV | On the app’s website, in the playlist form, where the form offers an EPG field |
| MyTVOnline (Formuler) | Loads with portal or Xtream logins; for M3U, look for the EPG field in the connection settings |
Menu names change between app versions; if you cannot find the field, search the app’s settings for “EPG”, “XMLTV” or “TV guide”.
How to load the guide
- Prefer the Xtream Codes login if your app offers it; the guide then comes with it.
- If you use an M3U link, ask your provider for the matching EPG URL.
- Paste it into the app’s EPG or TV guide setting and save.
- Run Update EPG (or restart the app) and wait; large guides take a few minutes.
- Open the guide grid and check a few channels you know.
Fixing a guide that is wrong or empty
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Guide is empty for some channels | Those channels have no guide data or a different ID; it is normal for a few. |
| Shows are 1 or more hours off | Set the app’s EPG time shift / offset, or check the time zone on the TV. |
| Guide stops after a day or two | Turn on automatic EPG updates, or update it by hand. |
| Guide never loads | The EPG URL has a typo or the file is too large for the app; try Xtream Codes instead. |
Questions
What is XMLTV?
The file format most EPG URLs use. Apps that say “XMLTV source” want the same link.
Does catch-up need the EPG?
Yes. You pick past shows from the guide, so catch-up only works on channels with guide data.
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