Setting up the EPG is usually a matter of a few minutes. The short answer: the EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is the on-screen programme guide. You load it by entering the EPG source (an XMLTV URL), which your provider normally supplies, into your IPTV app and then refreshing the data. This guide works through the setup and common errors.
Key takeaways
– The EPG shows, per channel, what is on now and what is next.
– You need an EPG source as an XMLTV URL, usually from the provider.
– In apps such as IPTV Simple Client, TiviMate or Smart IPTV you enter the URL.
– Loading the EPG data often takes 1 to 3 minutes.
– Wrong times are almost always the time zone or an EPG offset.
What is the EPG and what is it for?
Let us look briefly at the basics. The EPG is the programme guide that adds information to your plain channel list: what is on now, what is next, and often a preview for up to seven days. Without an EPG you only see channel names; with it you see the full programme.
Illustrative image
How the EPG fits into the bigger picture of channel list and sorting is covered in the overview of IPTV channel list and EPG.
Step by step: set up the EPG
Work through the points in order. In most apps you enter the EPG URL in the settings, start an update and map the data to the channels.
- Find the EPG source: use the XMLTV URL recommended by the provider.
- Enter the URL: add it under EPG or programme guide in the app (for example IPTV Simple Client, TiviMate, Smart IPTV).
- Load the data: start the EPG update and wait 1 to 3 minutes.
- Check the mapping: if the programmes match the channel, the mapping is right.
- Check the time zone: set device, app and EPG to the same time zone.
Where do I get the EPG URL?
This is the most common hurdle. The matching EPG URL is usually supplied by your IPTV provider, often together with the channel list or in the customer area. With a reputable provider the EPG is already built in, so you do not have to search for anything manually.
Avoid dubious third-party sources, whose channel identifiers often do not match your list. At IPTVBase the EPG is part of the service, and support helps around the clock with setup. You can check in advance with our IPTV test.
Why does the EPG show wrong programmes or times?
This is usually quick to fix. Wrong times are almost always the time zone or an EPG offset; wrong or missing programmes are stale cached data or a mapping error between channel and EPG. The channel itself is rarely to blame.
Here is how to fix it: align the time zone of device, app and EPG, clear the app cache, reload the EPG data and check the channel mapping. If channels are still missing afterwards, see missing channels on IPTV.
From our support experience: for one customer the playlist stayed stuck on loading and the EPG did not fill. The cause was DNS resolution delays on the provider’s default DNS. After switching to 1.1.1.1 and restarting the TV and router, the list and EPG loaded immediately.
Checklist: set up and check the EPG
- Are you using the EPG URL recommended by the provider?
- Did you start an EPG update after entering it?
- Are device, app and EPG on the same time zone?
- Do the programmes match the correct channel?
Frequently asked questions
What is the EPG on IPTV?
The on-screen programme guide that shows, per channel, what is on now and what is next, often for up to seven days. It adds the programme to your plain channel list.
How do I set up the EPG?
You enter the EPG URL (XMLTV) in your app, start an update and check the mapping to the channels. In apps such as IPTV Simple Client, TiviMate or Smart IPTV this is done in the settings.
Where do I get the EPG URL?
Usually from your IPTV provider, often together with the channel list or in the customer area. With a reputable provider the EPG is already built in.
Why does the EPG show wrong times?
Almost always because of the time zone or an EPG offset. Set device, app and EPG to the same time zone and reload the data.
How do I refresh the EPG?
Through the EPG update, update guide or refresh function in your app. Loading often takes 1 to 3 minutes; if it fails, clearing the app cache first helps.
Conclusion
The EPG turns a plain channel list into a real programme guide. You only need the right XMLTV URL, usually from the provider, an EPG update and the correct time zone. With a reputable provider the EPG is already built in, and support helps with setup.
What a subscription at IPTVBase costs is on our IPTV pricing page.
Sources
– iptv-anbieter.info, EPG introduction, retrieved 2026-06-17, https://www.iptv-anbieter.info/epg/epg-einfuehrung.html
– TiviBridge, fixing the IPTV EPG, retrieved 2026-06-17, https://bridge-tv.com/de/blog/iptv-epg-funktioniert-nicht/
– IPTVBase, internal channel and service data sheet (EPG, 24/7 support), as of 2026-06-17.
Tags: IPTV EPG setup, EPG URL, XMLTV, programme guide, IPTV Simple Client, EPG errors
