What Is EPG and Why Do You Need It?
EPG stands for Electronic Program Guide. It is the on-screen TV guide that shows you what is currently playing, what is coming up next, and the full schedule for each channel. Without EPG, you see only channel names — with EPG, you get a familiar grid layout showing program titles, descriptions, times, and genres.
A properly configured EPG transforms the IPTV experience. Instead of flipping through channels blindly, you can browse the schedule, set reminders for upcoming shows, and use catch-up features to watch programs that already aired.
What EPG data includes:
- Program titles and episode names
- Start and end times for each show
- Brief descriptions and genre categories
- Episode numbers for series content
- Program artwork and posters (on supported apps)
Where Does EPG Data Come From?
EPG data is delivered to your IPTV app through an XML or XMLTV file hosted online. Your IPTV provider generates this data and gives you a URL to load it in your player app.
Provider EPG (recommended): Your IPTV service provides an EPG URL matched to your channel list. This is the most reliable option because the channel IDs are pre-mapped to the guide data. SecureOnePlan provides this URL in your welcome email.
Third-party EPG sources: Some users supplement their provider EPG with external sources for better coverage of specific regional channels. These require manual channel-to-EPG mapping in your app.
How EPG loading works:
Initial Download
When you add an EPG URL, your app downloads the XML file. This file can be large (50-200MB) depending on how many channels and days of data it covers.
Parsing and Mapping
The app matches each channel in your playlist to the corresponding EPG entry using channel IDs. Matched channels display program information in the guide.
Automatic Refresh
Most apps refresh EPG data periodically (every 12-24 hours) to keep the guide current. You can also trigger a manual refresh in app settings.
How to Set Up EPG on Popular IPTV Apps
The EPG setup process varies by app. Here is how to configure it on the most popular IPTV players:
TiviMate:
Xtream Codes Method
If you connected via Xtream Codes, EPG loads automatically. Go to Settings > EPG and confirm "EPG Source" is set to your provider. Set the update interval to 12 hours.
M3U Method
Go to Settings > Playlists > select your playlist > EPG. Tap "Add EPG Source" and paste the EPG URL from SecureOnePlan. Tap "Update EPG" to trigger the first download.
IPTV Smarters Pro:
- Xtream Codes: EPG loads automatically during login. No additional setup needed.
- M3U: When adding the playlist, there is a field for "EPG URL." Paste your guide URL there. If you skipped it during setup, go to Settings > EPG and add it.
IBO Player:
- EPG is configured through the web activation portal (iboplayerpro.com). Enter your EPG URL in the corresponding field when activating your device.
Kodi (PVR IPTV Simple Client):
- Go to Add-ons > PVR IPTV Simple Client > Configure > EPG Settings. Set "XMLTV URL" to your EPG link and enable "Cache EPG data."
Fix Common EPG Problems
EPG issues are among the most frequently reported IPTV problems. Here are solutions for the most common ones:
EPG shows "No Information" for all channels:
- Verify the EPG URL is correct and accessible (try opening it in a browser)
- Force a manual EPG update in your app settings
- Wait 5-10 minutes after adding the URL — large EPG files take time to parse
- If using M3U, make sure the EPG URL matches your channel list provider
EPG shows wrong times:
- Check your device timezone settings — they must be set correctly
- In your IPTV app, look for an "EPG Timeshift" or "EPG Offset" setting
- Adjust the offset in 1-hour increments until the times match your local time
- Enable automatic timezone detection on your device if available
EPG works for some channels but not others:
- This happens when channel IDs in the playlist do not match the EPG data
- Some apps (TiviMate, OTT Navigator) let you manually assign EPG sources to individual channels
- Contact SecureOnePlan support with the missing channel names for investigation
EPG stops updating:
- Clear the app cache and force a fresh EPG download
- Check that the auto-update interval is set (recommended: every 12 hours)
- Restart your device and reopen the app
EPG Tips and Tricks for a Better Experience
Once your EPG is working, these tips will help you get the most out of it:
Use the grid view: Most IPTV apps offer both a simple channel list and a grid EPG view. The grid view shows multiple channels and time slots simultaneously, making it much easier to find something to watch.
Set EPG to update overnight: Schedule EPG refreshes during hours when you are not watching. Large EPG updates can briefly slow down the app and interrupt playback.
Use search and filter: Apps like TiviMate let you search the EPG by program name. If you want to find when a specific show or movie is airing, use the search function instead of scrolling through the grid.
Favorite channels appear first: Add your most-watched channels to favorites. In the EPG grid, favorites are usually shown at the top, so you do not need to scroll through hundreds of channels.
Enable catch-up indicators: Channels with catch-up support are usually marked with a special icon in the EPG. This tells you that you can go back and watch programs that already aired — a feature especially useful for sports and live events.