Fix IPTV Catch-Up and Timeshift Not Working
When catch-up (replay past shows) or timeshift (pause/rewind live TV) doesn't work, the issue is usually lack of provider support, app configuration, or the feature not being enabled for specific channels.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Catch-up option is greyed out or missing
- ▸ Clicking on past programs does nothing
- ▸ Timeshift/pause button doesn't work on live TV
- ▸ Catch-up shows error when trying to play
- ▸ Some channels have catch-up but others don't
Why This Happens
- ▸ Provider doesn't include catch-up in your subscription
- ▸ Catch-up not enabled in app settings
- ▸ Channel doesn't support catch-up (not all do)
- ▸ Catch-up data not yet downloaded in EPG
- ▸ Wrong catch-up format configured in app
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Check if your subscription plan includes catch-up feature
Enable catch-up in your IPTV app settings
Try catch-up on a different channel - not all support it
Update EPG to get catch-up information for programs
Long-press on a past program in EPG to see catch-up options
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Enable catch-up
In TiviMate: Settings > Playlists > [Your Playlist] > Catch-up > Enable. Select correct format
Tip: Try different formats if one doesn't work
Choose format
Try each catch-up format: default, flussonic, shift, or custom. One should work with your provider
Tip: Provider determines which format works
Refresh EPG
Settings > EPG > Update EPG. Catch-up info comes with EPG data
Tip: No EPG = no catch-up info
Test catch-up
In TV guide, select a past program (greyed out). If catch-up works, it will play
Tip: Only programs within retention period work
Check retention
Ask provider how many days of catch-up they offer. Older programs won't play
Tip: Typically 2-7 days depending on provider
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Find catch-up settings
In your IPTV app, look for Catch-up, Archive, or Timeshift settings and enable them
Tip: May be under playlist settings
Configure format
Select the correct catch-up format that matches your provider: shift, flussonic, xc archive
Tip: Wrong format causes errors
Update playlist
Refresh or re-add your playlist - catch-up support may need fresh playlist data
Tip: Xtream Codes usually includes catch-up info
Navigate to past show
Go to TV Guide, scroll left to past times, select any past program to play
Tip: Works only if channel supports it
Try alternative
If built-in catch-up fails, some channels have VOD versions of recent shows
Tip: Check VOD section for replay
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Check app support
Not all Smart TV IPTV apps support catch-up. Verify your app has this feature
Tip: May need to switch apps
Enable in settings
Look for Archive, Catch-up, or Replay settings in your IPTV app and enable it
Tip: Disabled by default in some apps
Verify with provider
Contact your IPTV provider to confirm catch-up is included and which channels support it
Tip: Not all plans include catch-up
Use EPG menu
Navigate to TV Guide, go to past time slots, try selecting past programs
Tip: Interface varies by app
External device
TiviMate on Firestick has the best catch-up support - consider using external device
Tip: Smart TV apps are limited
Pro Tips
- ★ TiviMate has the best catch-up support - try different formats if default doesn't work
- ★ Catch-up typically works on popular channels only - news, sports, entertainment
- ★ The catch-up retention period is usually 2-7 days depending on your provider
- ★ If catch-up shows 'error', the program may have already expired from the archive
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ You're paying for catch-up but no channels support it
- ▶ Catch-up worked before but stopped for all channels
- ▶ Provider website shows catch-up but it doesn't work in any app
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between catch-up and timeshift?
Catch-up lets you play programs that already aired (from the EPG/TV guide). Timeshift lets you pause and rewind live TV in real-time. Both require provider support. Not all providers offer these features, and not all apps support them.
Why do only some channels have catch-up?
Catch-up requires the provider to record and store channel broadcasts. This uses significant server resources, so providers typically only offer catch-up on popular channels (news, sports, entertainment) rather than all channels in your playlist.