IPTV EPG Updates That Overwrite Custom Settings
An IPTV EPG update that overwrites your custom settings happens when a new Electronic Program Guide file replaces the one you carefully edited, erasing your personal changes.
Think of it like this: your custom EPG is a worksheet you filled out. An automatic update is your teacher handing out a brand new, blank worksheet to everyone. Your old answers are gone.
Overview: The EPG Overwrite Problem
In my testing, this is a common frustration. You spend time fixing channel names, logos, and order. Then, an update happens.
Your hard work disappears. The system loads the default, often messy, guide again.
This happens because most IPTV apps and services are designed for simplicity. They treat the EPG as a single, replaceable file, not a customizable database.
What You Need Before You Start
You need two things to prevent loss. First, know how to access your app’s settings. Second, have a backup of your custom EPG file or M3U playlist.
From real setups, I learned you also need patience. The fix is not always in the same menu. You must look for it.
Step 1: Find the Right EPG Source
Your provider gives you an EPG URL. This is the source of the updates that cause problems.
You must find this URL in your IPTV app’s settings. It is often in “Playlist” or “EPG” settings.
Write this URL down. You will need it later. This is the source of the automatic updates.
Step 2: Stop the Auto-Update
Now, install the fix. The procedure is to turn OFF automatic EPG updates.
Go to your IPTV app’s settings. Look for “Update EPG on startup” or “Auto-update guide”. Turn this setting to OFF.
In apps like TiviMate or Smarters, this is clear. In others, you might find it under “Advanced”. This stops the new file from downloading automatically.
Step 3: Load Your Custom Guide Manually
First-time setup is now manual. With auto-update off, you load your guide one time.
Go back to the EPG settings. Find “Update EPG” or “Load Guide”. Click it once.
This pulls the guide from the provider’s URL you wrote down. It will be the default guide. Do not worry. Your custom file is next.
Step 4: The Best Customization Method
This is the key step. Do NOT edit the guide inside the app. The app will forget your edits on any update.
The best setting is to use an external editor. Edit your M3U playlist and EPG file on your computer before putting them on your device.
Use a simple text editor or a free tool like “IPTV Editor”. Here, you can match channels to guide data, rename them, and add logos. Save this as your master file.
Post-Installation Checklist
✅ Auto-update EPG is OFF.
✅ You have a backup of your edited M3U/EPG files on your computer.
✅ Your IPTV app is using your local file or a URL to your edited file (not the provider’s direct URL).
✅ You know how to manually reload the guide if needed.
Fixing Common Errors
Problem: Guide is empty after turning off updates.
Why: You turned off updates but never loaded the guide manually the first time.
Fix: Go to EPG settings. Click “Update EPG” or “Clear and Reload” one time.
Problem: Settings keep resetting after app restart.
Why: Some apps have a global “reset settings” option you might have enabled by mistake.
Fix: Check for an “App Preferences” backup feature. Save your settings as a profile inside the app.
How to Update Safely
Maintaining your guide is a two-step process. Never update directly in the app.
1. On your computer, get the new EPG file from your provider’s URL.
2. Use your editor to merge the new data with your custom edits (like logos and names).
3. Upload this new, merged file to your device or storage.
4. In your IPTV app, manually load the guide from this new file.
This takes 5 minutes but saves hours of re-editing.
Expert Advice for a Stable Guide
My number one advice is this: separate your data from the provider’s data. Do not edit the live stream. Edit a copy.
For maximum stability, use a paid, reliable premium IPTV service. They often have more stable, accurate EPG sources. This means less fixing for you.
Also, choose an IPTV app that supports multiple playlists and EPG sources. TiviMate is excellent for this. You can assign your custom EPG file directly to your playlist.
Remember, no fix is perfect forever. Provider URLs can change. Be ready to find the new URL and repeat the setup.
Conclusion
The battle against EPG overwrites is about control. You must take control away from the automatic update.
Turn off auto-update. Edit your files externally. Load them manually. It is a simple change in your process.
This method works. From real setups, it saves frustration. Your custom guide will stay exactly how you built it.
Now, you can enjoy your TV. The guide is yours.
