IPTV EPG Guide 2026:
Fix "No Information" Errors
Tired of staring at a blank TV guide? Discover exactly why your EPG (Electronic Program Guide) fails, how to correct annoying timezone shifts, and the best settings to use in TiviMate and Smarters Pro. Never miss a show or struggle with Catch-up TV again. Fixes for All Major Devices
Understanding EPG Technology
Before we fix the "No Information" error, it helps to understand how your app receives the TV Guide data.
What is EPG?
Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is a massive digital text file (usually in XMLTV format) that contains schedules, show descriptions, and broadcast times for thousands of channels. Your IPTV app downloads this file and maps it to your live video streams.
M3U vs. Xtream API
If you use an M3U URL, you often have to manually input a second, separate "EPG URL" into your app. If you use Xtream Codes API (Username/Password), the app automatically fetches the correct EPG data directly from the server. This is why API is always recommended.
The Catch-up Connection
Catch-up TV (rewinding live TV up to 7 days) relies 100% on a functioning EPG. The app uses the EPG timeline to know exactly what file to pull from the server. If your EPG is blank ("No Info"), your Catch-up feature will be completely broken.
How to Fix "No Information"
Follow these 4 steps sequentially to restore your TV Guide data across any application.
Step 1: Switch to Xtream Codes API
If you set up your player using an `http://.../get.php?username=...` M3U link, the player has to download the entire channel list AND search for a separate EPG URL. This breaks frequently. Solution: Delete the playlist in your app and add it back using the Xtream Codes API option. Enter your Username, Password, and the base Portal URL. The app will handle the EPG mapping automatically.
Step 2: Force a Manual Update
Sometimes the app's background refresh fails due to a brief internet drop. You need to force it to redownload the XMLTV file.
Settings > EPG > Update EPG. Look for the "Successfully updated" toast message at the bottom.
Settings > EPG Timeline > Click the "Refresh" or "Update EPG" icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Clear the Corrupted Cache
If the EPG downloaded partially and failed, the app caches (saves) that broken file. A force update won't work because the app thinks it already has the data.
- On Firestick / Android Box: Go to Device Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Apps > Your IPTV App > Clear Cache (Do NOT Clear Data). Restart the device.
- Inside TiviMate: You can also go to Settings > EPG > Clear EPG, and then click Update EPG to start totally fresh.
Step 4: VPN & ISP Blocks
Some ISPs (especially in the UK, USA, and Italy) actively block the specific domain names where EPG XML files are hosted. Your live channels might work, but the guide remains blank. Turn on a premium VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN), connect to a server, and force update the EPG. It will usually populate instantly.
Fixing "Timezone Shifts" (Wrong Show Times)
Is your EPG populated, but the 8:00 PM movie is showing up at 5:00 PM? This happens when the provider's server timezone differs from your device's local timezone. You do not need a new provider; you just need to apply an "EPG Time Shift".
How to Fix in TiviMate:
- Go to Settings > Playlists
- Select your Playlist
- Scroll down to EPG Time offset
- Adjust it (+ or - hours) until the current live show matches the guide.
How to Fix in Smarters Pro:
- Click the Settings Gear icon
- Select EPG Timeline
- Look for EPG Shift
- Change the offset value and save.
EPG Settings Optimizer
EPG files are massive. If you set your app to download 7 days of data for 45,000 channels, it can crash older devices. Enter your hardware to get the optimal settings.