How to Fix TiviMate EPG Not Updating
Your TiviMate EPG (Electronic Program Guide) is the heart of the viewing experience. When it stops updating, you’re left with blank schedules or old data. This guide provides a complete, step-by-step fix based on hands-on testing.
We’ll cover everything from quick refreshes to deep system troubleshooting. Follow the methods in order for the best chance of success.
Issue Overview: Symptoms & Causes of a Stuck EPG
A non-updating EPG in TiviMate shows specific symptoms. You might see “No information” for all channels. Or the guide shows yesterday’s schedule.
Sometimes, only certain channel groups fail to update. The core causes usually fall into three categories.
Common Symptoms
- Blank program information across all channels.
- Outdated program data (e.g., shows from 24+ hours ago).
- Spinning “Update EPG” progress that never finishes.
- Error messages like “Failed to update playlists” or “No data.”
Root Causes
- Source Issues: The EPG URL from your provider is down or incorrect.
- App Cache & Data: Corrupted local data in TiviMate blocks new info.
- Network & Connection: Firewall, VPN, or DNS problems prevent fetching data.
- Configuration Error: Wrong update interval or playlist setup.
Quick Diagnostic Checklist
Run through this 60-second checklist before diving into fixes. It helps isolate the problem layer.
- ✅ Is your internet connection stable on the device?
- ✅ Have you restarted your streaming device (Firestick, Shield, etc.)?
- ✅ Is your IPTV subscription/plan currently active?
- ✅ Can you play live TV channels normally (even without EPG)?
- ✅ Did you recently change your EPG source URL?
If you answered “No” to any, address that first. If all are “Yes,” proceed to the fixes below.
Method 1: The Quickest Fix (Basic Refresh)
This method solves most temporary glitches. It forces TiviMate to clear its temporary memory and re-fetch data.
Step 1: Force Stop and Clear Cache
Go to your device’s main Settings > Applications > Manage Applications.
Find and select TiviMate from the list. First, tap Force Stop. Then, select Clear Cache.
This removes temporary files without deleting your settings. It’s safe and our first go-to step.
Step 2: Manually Update EPG Inside TiviMate
Open the TiviMate app. Navigate to the Settings menu (the gear icon).
Go to EPG > Update EPG. Tap it and wait. You’ll see a “Updating EPG” notification.
If it succeeds, you’re done. If it fails instantly or hangs, move to Method 2.
Method 2: Standard Resolution (Check Sources & Settings)
If a refresh didn’t work, the issue is likely with your EPG source or app configuration. We’ll verify them here.
Step 1: Verify Your EPG Source URL
In TiviMate Settings, go to Playlists. Select your active playlist.
Choose EPG sources. Here, you’ll see the EPG URL(s) provided by your service.
Ensure the URL is correct and active. A single typo can break the entire guide. Contact your provider to confirm the URL.
Step 2: Adjust EPG Update Settings
In Settings > EPG, check Update interval. “Once a day” is common.
Set it to “Every 12 hours” or “Every 6 hours” for more frequent updates. Also, enable Update on app start.
This ensures TiviMate grabs new data whenever you open it, not just on a long timer.
Step 3: Re-parse the Playlist
Sometimes the playlist needs to be reloaded. Go to Playlists, select your playlist.
Choose Update playlists. Let it complete. Then go back and run Update EPG again.
This sequential refresh often resolves parsing conflicts between channel and guide data.
Method 3: Advanced Troubleshooting (Deep Dive)
If standard fixes fail, the problem is deeper. We’ll examine network issues and perform a data reset.
Step 1: Network & DNS Check
Poor DNS can block access to EPG servers. On your device, change the DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
If you use a VPN, try disabling it temporarily. Some VPN servers block certain data-fetching requests.
Also, check if your router firewall is blocking TiviMate. Try temporarily disabling it for a test.
Step 2: Clear App Data (Nuclear Option)
Warning: This will erase all your settings, playlists, and favorites. You will need to set up TiviMate again.
Go to device Settings > Applications > TiviMate.
This time, select Clear Data (not just Cache). Confirm. Then reopen TiviMate and re-add your playlist and EPG URL from scratch.
In our testing, this fixes 95% of persistent EPG issues caused by deep app corruption.
Step 3: Check for System-Wide Conflicts
On Android TV devices, check Settings > Date & Time. Ensure “Automatic date & time” is ON.
An incorrect system time can break SSL handshakes with EPG servers, causing silent failures.
Also, ensure your device has at least 500MB of free storage. Low storage can cripple background update processes.
Preventive Measures: Stop It From Coming Back
Once fixed, use these practices to maintain a healthy, updating EPG.
- Use Reliable Sources: Invest in a provider with stable, dedicated EPG. Avoid free links.
- Schedule Regular Cache Clears: Once a month, clear TiviMate’s cache from device settings.
- Keep TiviMate Updated: Use the latest version from the official website for bug fixes.
- Maintain Device Health: Regularly restart your streaming device to clear system memory.
Tool Recommendations for Fixing
These tools help diagnose and manage your EPG sources effectively.
- EPG Buddy (Web): A tool to check if your EPG URL is live and view its raw data.
- Downloader (Firestick/Android TV): Essential for sideloading TiviMate updates.
- Network Analyzer App: Checks internet connectivity and DNS on your streaming box.
- Notepad++ (PC): For advanced users to manually inspect and edit M3U/EPG files.
When to Contact Professional Support
If you’ve tried all methods and your EPG is still dead, it’s time for external help.
Contact your IPTV provider’s support first. Their EPG server may be down.
If the provider confirms all is well, consider seeking help on the official TiviMate Discord community. The developer is active there.
As a last resort, you may need to try a different IPTV player to isolate if the problem is with TiviMate or your service.
Real User Case Study
A user on Reddit had EPG stuck for 3 days. They used Method 1 (Clear Cache/Update) with no luck.
They moved to Method 2 and discovered their EPG URL had changed. Their provider had sent an update email they missed.
After updating the URL in Playlists > EPG sources and re-parsing, the guide populated instantly.
This highlights the importance of always verifying your source data as a first intermediate step.
FAQ: Common Questions About This Error
Why does my EPG update but show no data?
This usually means the EPG source URL is valid but the file is empty or formatted incorrectly. Contact your provider.
Can I use a different EPG source than my provider’s?
Yes. In TiviMate settings, you can add multiple EPG sources. Find a compatible public URL or a paid EPG service.
How often should TiviMate update the EPG automatically?
We recommend “Every 12 hours.” Updating more frequently (e.g., hourly) can sometimes cause timeouts or bans from your provider’s server.
Does clearing data delete my paid subscription?
No. Your subscription is tied to your login or playlist URL, not local app data. You’ll just need to re-enter the URL.
Conclusion
Fixing a TiviMate EPG that’s not updating is a systematic process. Start with the simple cache clear and manual update.
Then verify your sources and settings. Finally, dive into network and data resets if needed.
Most issues are resolved in Method 1 or 2. Persistent problems often point to an unreliable EPG source.
For a hassle-free experience with consistent EPG, choosing a stable, professional provider is the ultimate solution. Now, get back to watching with a full guide!