Fix IPTV Recording and DVR Not Working
When the recording or DVR function in your IPTV app doesn't work, fails to save, or shows errors, the issue is usually storage problems, app limitations, or incorrect settings.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ Record button greyed out or missing
- ▸ Recording starts but file is empty or corrupted
- ▸ Device says 'not enough storage'
- ▸ 'Recording failed' error messages
- ▸ Scheduled recordings don't start
Why This Happens
- ▸ Insufficient storage space on device
- ▸ App doesn't have storage permission
- ▸ Using internal storage instead of external
- ▸ Stream format not compatible with recording
- ▸ Free version of app doesn't support recording
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
Check available storage - recordings need lots of space
Use external USB storage for recordings
Verify app has storage permissions
Upgrade to premium version if recording is premium feature
Check if your IPTV provider/stream allows recording
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Check storage
Settings > My Fire TV > About > Storage. Recordings need 1GB+ free per hour
Tip: Firestick has very limited internal storage
Use USB storage
Connect USB drive, format as external storage. Settings > My Fire TV > USB Drive > Format
Tip: Essential for recordings on Firestick
Configure TiviMate
TiviMate > Settings > Recordings > Storage location > Select your USB drive
Tip: Point recordings to external drive
Verify TiviMate Premium
Recording is a Premium feature. Ensure TiviMate Premium is active
Tip: Free version can't record
Grant permissions
When app asks for storage permission, select 'Allow'. If denied previously, reinstall app
Tip: App needs permission to write files
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Check storage
Settings > Device Preferences > Storage. Need significant free space for recordings
Tip: 1 hour HD = ~2-4GB
External storage
Connect USB hard drive. Settings > Storage > USB Storage > Format as device storage
Tip: Increases recording capacity
Set recording path
In IPTV app: Settings > Recordings > Storage/Path > Select external drive
Tip: Don't use internal storage
Check permissions
Settings > Apps > [IPTV App] > Permissions > Storage > Allow
Tip: Required for saving recordings
Test recording
Try recording a short 1-minute clip first to verify everything works
Tip: Debugging before long recordings
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Limited support
Most Smart TV IPTV apps don't support recording due to platform limitations
Tip: This is a known limitation
Check USB recording
Some Smart TVs allow recording to USB if app supports it. Insert USB drive and check app settings
Tip: Rare feature on Smart TVs
Use catch-up instead
If provider offers catch-up, use that instead of recording - watch past shows without recording
Tip: Alternative to recording
External device
For proper DVR functionality, use Nvidia Shield with TiviMate and external USB storage
Tip: Best recording solution
Cloud DVR
Some providers offer cloud DVR - recordings stored on their servers. Ask your provider
Tip: No local storage needed
Pro Tips
- ★ Nvidia Shield TV Pro with USB hard drive is the best setup for IPTV recording
- ★ Calculate storage needs: 1 hour of HD = 2-4GB, 4K = 10-15GB
- ★ Scheduled recordings only work if device is on or in sleep mode, not turned off
- ★ Some encrypted streams cannot be recorded - this is DRM protection
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ Some providers disable recording capability on their streams
- ▶ Ask if catch-up or cloud DVR is available as alternative
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I record on my Firestick?
Firestick has very limited internal storage (8GB total, ~2GB free). For recording, you MUST use external USB storage connected via the Amazon Ethernet Adapter or a USB OTG cable. Also, recording requires TiviMate Premium - the free version doesn't support recording.
What's the best device for IPTV recording?
Nvidia Shield TV Pro is the best for IPTV recording: fast processor, 3GB RAM, USB 3.0 ports for external drives, and runs TiviMate Premium flawlessly. Connect a USB hard drive (not flash drive - they're too slow) with at least 1TB for a good recording library.