Partial EPG Loading Explained: Why Some Channels Show “No Information”

If your EPG loads perfectly on some channels but shows “No Information” on others, you’re dealing with a classic IPTV guide problem: partial EPG loading.

It’s extremely common — especially after playlist changes, provider updates, or channel renaming.

Here’s the good news:

👉 It’s rarely your device.
👉 It’s rarely TiviMate.
👉 It’s almost always EPG mapping.

Let’s break down what’s actually going on so you can fix it without trial and error. 🔍📺

Why Only Some Channels Show “No Information”

There are four real causes, and once you understand them, the fixes become obvious.

1. Missing or incorrect EPG IDs (most common) 🧩❗

This is the #1 reason for partial EPG.

TiviMate (and every other IPTV app) matches guide data using EPG IDs.
If a channel doesn’t have an ID assigned, the app simply can’t show any EPG — no matter how perfect your playlist is.

This happens when:

  • channels are renamed

  • new channels are added

  • backup feeds use different IDs

  • providers reorganise categories

  • regional variants differ from the main feed

No ID = no guide. Simple as that.

2. The provider’s XMLTV file doesn’t include those channels 📄🚫

Sometimes the channel exists, but the EPG source does not contain matching guide data.

Common with:

  • pop-up event channels

  • international groups

  • lower-demand categories

  • newly added channels

  • special backup streams

If the XML doesn’t include it, TiviMate can’t display it.

3. EPG loads before all sources finish syncing ⏳📡

On slower devices (especially Firestick Gen 2/3), the EPG may load in stages.
If it loads too fast, some groups don’t get synced.

Signs this is the issue:

  • EPG loads for half the playlist

  • Missing groups always reappear after manual refresh

  • Large playlists take ages to update

This is an incomplete load — not a missing EPG.

4. Multiple EPG sources conflicting with each other 🔄⚠️

If you’ve added:

  • provider EPG

  • external XML

  • auto-source from TiviMate

  • custom mapping

  • leftover old EPG entries

…they can override or cancel each other.

Result?

Some channels show perfect EPG, others show nothing.

This is extremely common for users who “experimented” with different EPG sources over time.

How to Fix Partial EPG Loading (Ranked Best → Good)

Let’s get the fixes in the right order so you don’t waste time.

1. Refresh EPG Data (often fixes it instantly) 🔄✨

In TiviMate:

Settings → TV Guide → Clear EPG → Update EPG

If the missing channels suddenly show guide data, the issue was incomplete loading.

2. Turn on “Update on App Start” ⚙️🚀

This ensures fresh EPG every time TiviMate opens.

Path:
Settings → TV Guide → EPG Updates → Update on app start

Keeps the guide clean, especially on large playlists.

3. Check EPG Source Mapping Properly 🗂️📌

Go to:

Settings → Playlists → (Your Playlist) → EPG Sources

Look for:

❗ Unassigned channels
❗ Wrong source assigned
❗ Groups mapped incorrectly

Assign the correct source manually when needed.

You’d be shocked how often backup/variant streams are left unmapped.

4. Add a Dedicated XMLTV File (if your provider offers one) 🌐📄

Providers often offer a standalone XML link:

  • provider.com/epg.xml

  • example.com/xmltv.php?username=xxx&password=yyy

Dedicated XML files usually have:

  • better accuracy

  • more channels

  • faster sync

  • fewer mapping errors

This is a highly effective fix.

5. Delete old or unused EPG sources 🗑️🔧

Too many EPG sources = conflicts.

Go to:

Settings → TV Guide → EPG Sources → Remove anything not in use

This solves overlapping-ID issues.

6. Contact your IPTV provider (if ONLY certain groups are missing) 📞📡

If whole categories have no EPG:

  • entertainment only

  • kids channels only

  • UK sports only

  • backup feeds only

  • regional variants

Then the provider must fix mapping server-side.

This isn’t something TiviMate can fix.

Fixes That Don’t Work (Skip These Completely)

Save yourself the headache:

❌ Clearing app cache
❌ Clearing ALL TiviMate data
❌ Reinstalling TiviMate
❌ Switching decoders
❌ Resetting Wi-Fi
❌ Changing connection types

None of these affect EPG mapping.

How to Diagnose the Exact Cause (Quick Test) 🧪

Here’s how to know where the problem is:

✔ EPG missing in multiple apps → provider issue
✔ EPG appears after manual refresh → incomplete load
✔ Only certain categories missing → missing IDs
✔ Backup feeds missing → unmapped variants
✔ External XML fixes everything → default provider EPG incomplete

This test removes guesswork.

Summary

  • EPG depends entirely on correct ID mapping

  • Partial EPG usually means missing or incorrect IDs

  • Manual refresh fixes incomplete loads

  • External XML sources often work better

  • Removing old EPG sources fixes conflicts

  • Providers must fix server-side mapping when IDs are missing

UltimateFIRE provides fully maintained EPG mapping across all service tiers — meaning no “No Information” gaps and no mismatched guide data. Smooth, clean EPG, every time.