Fix IPTV Favorite Channels Not Saving
When your favorited channels don't save, reset after closing the app, or disappear after updates, the issue is usually app permissions, storage, or sync settings.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Favorites disappear after closing app
- ▸ Favorites reset when device restarts
- ▸ Can't add channels to favorites
- ▸ Favorites list is always empty
- ▸ Favorites disappear after playlist refresh
Why This Happens
- ▸ App doesn't have storage permission to save data
- ▸ Favorites tied to playlist that gets refreshed/replaced
- ▸ App running in some restricted mode
- ▸ TiviMate Premium needed for backup/sync features
- ▸ Cached data being cleared too aggressively
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Grant storage permissions to the IPTV app
Avoid deleting/re-adding playlist - use refresh instead
Check if the app has a 'Save' or 'Apply' button after adding favorites
Backup app data if device has this option
Use TiviMate Premium cloud sync for reliable favorites
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Check permissions
Settings > Applications > [IPTV App] > Permissions > Enable Storage if available
Tip: App needs permission to save data
How to add favorites
In TiviMate: long-press channel > Add to Favorites. Not just pressing star once
Tip: Make sure you're adding correctly
Don't delete playlist
When updating: Edit playlist, don't delete and re-add. Deleting removes favorites
Tip: Favorites are tied to playlist
TiviMate Premium
TiviMate Premium includes backup/restore and cloud sync for favorites
Tip: Worth the upgrade for reliability
Backup data
TiviMate > Settings > Backup & Restore > Backup. Do this regularly
Tip: Can restore favorites if lost
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Grant permissions
Settings > Apps > [IPTV App] > Permissions > Storage > Allow
Tip: Required to save settings
Check app settings
In IPTV app, look for Settings > Data or Sync > Ensure local storage is enabled
Tip: Some apps have cloud vs local options
Don't clear app data
Clearing app data removes favorites. Only clear cache if needed
Tip: Cache is safe, data is not
Export favorites
If app has export option, export favorites list as backup
Tip: Can import later if needed
Update vs replace, instruction: 'When updating playlist
When updating playlist, use 'Refresh' not 'Delete and Add'
Tip: Maintains favorites
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Check app storage
Some Smart TVs restrict app storage. Go to TV Settings > Apps > [App] > Check storage
Tip: Limited storage causes issues
Add favorites properly
Make sure you're using the app's favorite function correctly - long-press or star icon
Tip: Confirm favorites were added
Don't reinstall app
Reinstalling app removes all data including favorites. Only reinstall as last resort
Tip: Backup first if possible
Limited options
Smart TV IPTV apps often have limited favorite management compared to Firestick apps
Tip: Consider external device
Write down favorites
As a backup, keep a list of your favorite channel names somewhere
Tip: Manual backup is reliable
Pro Tips
- ★ TiviMate Premium's backup feature is the best way to protect favorites
- ★ Always use 'Refresh' or 'Update' playlist, not delete and re-add
- ★ Don't clear app data - only clear cache if needed
- ★ Export your favorites before major app updates
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ Favorites are app-side features, not provider-related
- ▶ Contact app developer if favorites consistently fail
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do my favorites disappear when I update playlist?
If you delete and re-add your playlist, favorites are usually lost because they're tied to that playlist instance. Instead, use the 'Refresh', 'Update', or 'Edit' playlist function which updates channel data without losing favorites. In TiviMate, you can also use Backup & Restore to save your favorites.
How do I backup my IPTV favorites?
In TiviMate: Settings > Backup & Restore > Backup to create a backup file. Save this file somewhere safe (cloud/external). With TiviMate Premium, you can also use cloud sync which automatically backs up. Other apps may have export options in their settings.