This article is part of our guide What Is an EPG? Electronic Programme Guides Explained.
If your player shows channels but no programme information, it probably needs an EPG source. With Xtream Codes logins, guide data often loads automatically. With M3U playlists, you usually add an EPG URL yourself. This guide shows the general steps; menu names vary between players.
Before you start
- Make sure your playlist is already added and working.
- Have the guide address ready, if your provider supplied one. It often ends in
.xmlor.xml.gz(a compressed XML file). - Copy and paste the URL to avoid typing errors.
New to guides? Start with what is an EPG?.
Step-by-step
- Open your player's Settings.
- Look for a section called EPG, TV Guide, Program Guide or XMLTV. In some players it is part of the playlist settings instead.
- Choose Add EPG source or EPG URL.
- Paste the URL and save.
- If the player offers it, link the EPG source to your playlist.
- Select Update or Refresh EPG to download the guide now.
- Wait — large guides can take a few minutes to download and process.
- Open the guide view and check a few channels.
If you use Xtream Codes
Many players load guide data from the server automatically when you log in with Xtream Codes. Look for an option such as Load EPG from server or Use provider EPG, and make sure it is switched on. You usually do not need a separate URL.
Set the update schedule
Most players let you choose how often the guide refreshes — for example daily or each time the app starts. Daily updates are a good balance between up-to-date information and device load.
Check the time settings
If programmes appear at the wrong time:
- Check your device's time zone and date and time settings.
- Look for a time offset or time shift option in the player's EPG settings and adjust it by the number of hours needed.
See EPG not working? for more detail.
Quick checklist
| Check | Done |
|---|---|
| EPG URL copied exactly | ☐ |
| EPG source linked to the playlist (if required) | ☐ |
| Guide refreshed after adding | ☐ |
| Device time zone correct | ☐ |
| Player time offset set (if needed) | ☐ |
What the EPG settings usually ask for
| Setting | What to enter or choose |
|---|---|
| EPG URL or source | The guide address from your provider |
| Linked playlist | The playlist the guide belongs to, if the player asks |
| Update interval | Daily is a good balance |
| Time offset | 0 at first; adjust only if times are wrong |
Common mistakes
- Adding the playlist URL as the EPG URL. They are different links; the guide address usually ends in
.xmlor.xml.gz. - Opening the guide before the download finishes. Large guides can take a few minutes on streaming sticks.
- Expecting a guide for every channel. The guide only appears for channels whose IDs match the guide data — the matching is explained in M3U playlists explained.
- Forgetting to refresh after changes. Refresh the guide after switching playlists or time settings.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get an EPG URL?
From your provider, if it offers one. With Xtream Codes, guide data may be included automatically.
Can I add more than one EPG source?
Some players support several sources and combine them. Others allow only one. Check your player's settings.
What does .xml.gz mean?
It is an XML guide file compressed with gzip to reduce its size. Most IPTV players can read it directly.
Adding a guide in brief
Paste the guide address into the player's settings, link it to your playlist, refresh and check the time settings. If the guide still stays empty, follow the EPG troubleshooting guide. For background, see what is an EPG?.