If you've just set up an IPTV service and your channel list has no programme information — no show titles, no times, no descriptions — you're missing an EPG. This guide explains exactly what an EPG is, how it works, how to set it up, and how to fix it when it stops loading.
What Is an EPG?
EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide. It's the interactive TV schedule you see when watching IPTV — showing what's currently airing on each channel and what's scheduled for the next 7 to 14 days. Think of it as the digital equivalent of a printed TV listings magazine, but live, always up to date, and built directly into your IPTV app.
How Does an EPG Actually Work?
Provider Generates EPG Data
Your IPTV provider collects schedule data from broadcasters and formats it into an XMLTV file — a standard format containing channel names, programme titles, times and descriptions.
Your App Downloads the File
The IPTV app (like IBOplayer) fetches the XMLTV file from the EPG URL configured in your settings. This happens automatically at a set interval — usually every 24 hours.
Data Is Matched to Channels
The app maps each entry in the EPG file to the correct channel in your list and displays the programme information in the guide view — what's on now and what's coming next.
What Can You Do With an EPG?
- See what's on now — browse all channels and their current programmes at a glance
- Plan ahead — view schedules up to 14 days in the future, including all upcoming sports fixtures
- Navigate by programme — instead of switching channels blindly, click a programme in the guide to go straight to it
- Set reminders — get a notification when a specific match or show is about to start
- Access catch-up — on channels that support it, click a past programme in the EPG to watch the replay directly
How to Set Up EPG in IBOplayer
Step 1 — Get Your EPG URL from Varodatic
Your EPG URL is provided in your Varodatic welcome email alongside your Server URL, username and password. If you can't find it, contact support on WhatsApp and we'll resend it immediately.
Step 2 — Open IBOplayer Settings
From the IBOplayer home screen, go to Settings → EPG Settings. This is where you enter the URL and configure update frequency.
IBOplayer → Settings → EPG SettingsStep 3 — Enter the EPG URL
Paste your EPG URL into the field provided. Set the auto-update interval to 24 hours. Save your settings and return to the main screen.
Step 4 — Force Refresh the EPG
Tap "Update EPG Now" or equivalent. The app will download the full programme schedule — this may take 30–60 seconds depending on file size. Once complete, open any channel and press the Guide button to see the EPG.
Why Is My EPG Not Loading?
EPG URL Not Configured
The most common cause. If you set up the app using only your Xtream Codes login without entering a separate EPG URL, the guide won't load. Check your Varodatic welcome email for the EPG URL and add it in Settings.
EPG URL Expired or Changed
EPG URLs can change when providers update their infrastructure. If your EPG suddenly stops loading after working previously, contact Varodatic support to get a fresh EPG URL.
EPG Still Loading
Large EPG files covering thousands of channels can take several minutes to download and process on first setup. Wait at least 2–3 minutes before concluding the EPG isn't working. On slower devices, it can take up to 10 minutes.
Channel Mapping Mismatch
If the EPG loads but programme info is blank on specific channels, the EPG data for those channels may use a different channel ID than what's in your playlist. Contact support — we can provide a pre-mapped EPG URL that aligns with your exact channel list.
If you connected using Xtream Codes login, many IPTV apps (including IBOplayer and TiviMate) can pull the EPG data automatically from your Xtream Codes server without needing a separate EPG URL. In IBOplayer, look for "Use Provider EPG" or "Xtream EPG" in your EPG settings — enable it and the guide populates automatically.
EPG Not Working?
Contact Varodatic support and we'll provide your EPG URL and walk you through setup in minutes — available 24/7 on WhatsApp.
Get EPG Help