Why TiviMate Often Breaks After an Update

Almost all post-update issues fall into one (or more) of these three causes.

Cache and database rebuilds

During updates, TiviMate may rebuild internal cache files. This can temporarily break:

• channel lists

• group sorting

• EPG mapping

This usually looks like missing channels, empty categories, or playlists partially loading.

Device permissions resetting

Common on:

• Firestick

• Chromecast

• Android 12 / 13 / 14 devices

When permissions reset, TiviMate may:

• crash on launch

• fail to load playlists

• lose EPG data

Decoder changes in the update

Some updates change how video decoding works. This can cause:

• freezing when channels open

• black screens

• audio/video sync issues

Quick Fixes (Do These First)

These fixes solve the majority of update-related problems and should be done in order.

Fully restart TiviMate

After an update, TiviMate needs a clean reload — not just minimising the app.

Steps:

• Device settings → Apps → TiviMate

• Force Stop

• Reopen TiviMate

This alone restores channels for many users.

Re-add your playlist (without deleting the old one)

If channels are missing, the playlist index is often corrupted.

Steps:

• TiviMate → Settings → Playlists

• Add Playlist (Xtream or M3U)

• Let it load fully

• Check if all categories appear

If the new playlist works correctly, delete the old one.

Change the video decoder

This is the most reliable fix for freezing and crashing after updates.

Steps:

• Settings → Playback → Decoder

• Test each option:

  • Software

  • Hardware

  • Hardware+

  • Auto

Software decoding is often the most stable immediately after updates.

Firestick-Specific Fixes

Firesticks are affected more than any other device.

Re-enable app permissions

Firesticks frequently revoke permissions after updates.

Steps:

• Settings → Applications → TiviMate → Permissions

• Enable all permissions

If screenshots, backups, or EPG stopped working, this is usually the cause.

Clear app cache (not data)

Update leftovers in the cache often cause instability.

Steps:

• Settings → Applications → Manage Installed Applications

• TiviMate → Clear Cache

Do not clear data unless you’re prepared to lose settings.

Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi

Updates can retrigger adaptive bitrate behaviour, making 2.4GHz connections unstable.

If possible, switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi for better stream stability.

Android TV / Android Box Fixes

Android 12+ devices add extra permission layers.

Enable “All Files Access”

Without this, TiviMate may freeze or refuse to load playlists.

Steps:

• Settings → Apps → TiviMate

• Special App Access → All Files Access

• Allow

Remove unused or corrupted EPG sources

After updates, old EPG XML sources can silently fail.

Steps:

• Settings → EPG → Sources

• Disable unused EPG feeds

• Refresh EPG

Advanced Fixes (Only If Nothing Above Worked)

These fixes go deeper but keep your settings intact.

Clear TiviMate’s player cache

Steps:

• Settings → Playback → Clear Cache

This can fix:

• black screen on load

• freezing on channel start

• audio/video delay

Rebuild TiviMate’s database

This refreshes playlists and EPG structure without wiping everything.

Steps:

• Settings → General → Backup → Create Backup

• Then restore the backup

This rebuilds internal files cleanly.

Manually update TiviMate (APK method)

Sometimes store versions lag behind or install incompletely.

Installing the latest APK over the existing version can fix:

• version mismatches

• partial updates

• persistent crashes

Only use trusted sources (such as the developer’s official forum).

How to Tell If the Update Exposed a Provider Issue

If none of the fixes worked, the update may have exposed a problem with your IPTV provider, such as:

• outdated M3U or Xtream structure

• broken API endpoints

• unassigned EPG

• expired or geo-locked streams

Simple test:

• Add a second (test) playlist

• If it loads instantly → your main provider is the issue

• If it also struggles → your device or setup is the problem

Summary

• TiviMate updates often disrupt cache, permissions, or decoders

• Missing channels usually mean playlist or EPG index issues

• Freezing is commonly caused by decoder changes

• Firesticks need permissions and cache checked after updates

• Android 12+ devices require “All Files Access” enabled

• If fixes fail, the update likely exposed a provider-side issue

If you want a service that remains stable through TiviMate updates, UltimateFIRE offers multiple service tiers optimised for different devices, speeds, and viewing habits.