Set Up IPTV Automatic Playlist Refresh
Configure your IPTV app to automatically refresh and update your playlist at regular intervals, ensuring your channel list stays current without manual updates.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ New channels not appearing automatically
- ▸ Have to manually refresh playlist to see updates
- ▸ Channel list is out of date
- ▸ Provider added new channels but they're not showing
- ▸ Want playlist to update while device is off/idle
Why This Happens
- ▸ Auto-refresh not enabled in app settings
- ▸ Refresh interval set too long
- ▸ Device needs to be on for auto-refresh to work
- ▸ App running in background required for auto-update
- ▸ Playlist URL doesn't change when provider updates
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Enable auto-refresh in IPTV app settings
Set refresh interval to 12-24 hours
Manually refresh playlist after provider announces updates
Keep app running in background for scheduled updates
Use 'Update playlist on app start' option
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Enable auto-update
TiviMate > Settings > Playlists > [Your Playlist] > Refresh on app start > Enable
Tip: Updates every time you open app
Set interval
Settings > Playlists > Auto-update interval > Set to 12 or 24 hours
Tip: Less frequent = less data usage
EPG auto-refresh
Settings > EPG > Update interval > Match your playlist update interval
Tip: EPG should update with playlist
Background refresh
For true background refresh, device must not be fully powered off
Tip: Sleep mode allows background tasks
Manual refresh
To force update now: Settings > Playlists > [Playlist] > Update
Tip: Immediate sync with provider
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Find refresh settings
In your IPTV app, look for Playlist settings > Auto-update or Refresh options
Tip: Location varies by app
IPTV Smarters
Smarters: Settings > Auto sync time > Select interval (1hr, 6hr, 12hr, 24hr)
Tip: Syncs playlist and EPG
On app start
Enable 'Update on startup' option if available - ensures fresh data when you launch
Tip: May add startup delay
Background updates
For scheduled updates when not using app, check if app supports background sync
Tip: Not all apps support this
Manual update
Most apps have 'Refresh' or 'Update' option in playlist management
Tip: Use after provider changes
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Check app settings
In IPTV app, look for Settings > Playlist > Update or Refresh options
Tip: Smart TV apps may have limited options
Update on start
If available, enable 'Update playlist when app opens'
Tip: Most reliable option
Manual refresh
Most Smart TV apps: go to playlist settings and select 'Refresh' or 'Reload'
Tip: May need to do periodically
Re-enter playlist
If no refresh option, delete and re-add playlist with same URL to force update
Tip: Inconvenient but works
Background limitations
Smart TVs typically don't run apps in background - auto-update may not work when TV is off
Tip: Platform limitation
Pro Tips
- ★ Set refresh to match when your provider typically updates (ask them if unsure)
- ★ Too-frequent refreshing wastes data and slows down app startup
- ★ If provider updates weekly, 24-hour refresh is usually sufficient
- ★ After major provider changes (server migration), manually refresh to get new URLs
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ Ask how often they update their playlist
- ▶ Ask if playlist URL changes or stays the same after updates
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I refresh my IPTV playlist?
Most users find 12-24 hours is sufficient. More frequent refreshing adds startup delay without much benefit unless your provider updates very frequently. Enable 'Refresh on app start' for the best balance of freshness and performance.
Why aren't new channels appearing even after I refresh?
If manual refresh doesn't show new channels: 1) Provider may not have published them yet, 2) Your playlist URL might be cached by your device, 3) Try clearing app cache then refreshing, 4) Delete and re-add the playlist if cache is the issue.