Best EPG Refresh Schedule for IPTV
Set the right EPG refresh interval to keep guide data accurate without slowing your IPTV app.
How often should I refresh my IPTV EPG?
Quick Answer: Most users should refresh every 12 to 24 hours. Frequent refreshes can slow large playlists without improving accuracy.
A daily refresh balances accuracy and performance.
EPG refresh frequency impacts performance and accuracy. Large playlists can take minutes to refresh, so the goal is to keep data fresh without overwhelming your device or provider.
Use a 12 to 24 hour refresh window
Daily refreshes work for most providers. A 12 hour schedule updates more frequently for sports and fast changing guides. Avoid hourly refreshes unless your provider specifically recommends it.
Schedule refreshes during off hours
Some apps allow scheduling. Set refreshes late night or early morning to avoid slowdowns during peak viewing time.
Reduce guide scope if it is too slow
If refreshes take too long, reduce your playlist size or disable unused groups. Smaller lists refresh faster and reduce crashes.
Force a manual refresh after changes
Any time you add a new playlist or fix tvg-id mappings, run a manual refresh to rebuild guide data immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does refreshing too often hurt performance?
Yes. Frequent refreshes increase CPU usage and can slow or crash some IPTV players, especially on large playlists.
Why does my EPG refresh take so long?
Large playlists and slow XMLTV servers both increase refresh time. Remove unused groups and use a reliable XMLTV source.
Should I refresh manually?
Manual refresh is useful after a playlist change. For regular use, an automatic 12 to 24 hour refresh is usually enough.
Related Guides
How to Setup EPG (TV Guide) for IPTV - Complete Tutorial
Learn how to setup and configure EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for your IPTV player. Step-by-step instructions for TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, Kodi, and more.
EPG Not Loading? Fix Empty IPTV Guide Grids
Fix EPGs that show a blank grid or never load. Verify XMLTV URLs, match tvg-id values, and refresh guide data the right way.
EPG Time Offset Fix - Correct IPTV Guide Times
Fix IPTV EPG schedules that appear hours ahead or behind. Adjust timezone offsets, device clock settings, and provider XMLTV time shifts.
Works with these apps
TiviMate
Premium IPTV player with EPG and recording
IPTV Smarters Pro
Cross-platform IPTV player with Xtream support
OTT Navigator
Powerful IPTV player with Stalker and Xtream support
Compatible devices
Firestick
Affordable streaming stick with Alexa
Android TV
Versatile streaming boxes running Android TV
Samsung TV
Samsung Smart TVs with Tizen OS
Written by
IPTV Guide Team
IPTV & Streaming Specialists