EPG & catch-up
What Is IPTV Catch-Up? How to Replay Missed Shows
IPTV catch-up explained: how it lets you replay recent programmes from the TV guide, how it differs from on-demand and recording, and how to use it.
By the Best IPTV UK team · Updated · 5 min read
IPTV catch-up lets you go back in the TV guide and play a programme that has already been broadcast. It works a bit like the replay features on a satellite box or BBC iPlayer, but from inside your IPTV app's guide.
How catch-up works
On channels that support it, the service keeps a rolling archive of recent broadcasts on its servers. When you select a past programme in the EPG, the app requests that section of the archive and plays it like a normal stream — with pause, rewind and fast-forward.
Catch-up vs on-demand vs recording
| What it is | Where it's stored | |
|---|---|---|
| Catch-up | Recent broadcasts on supported channels | Provider's servers, for a limited period |
| On-demand (VOD) | A library of films and series | Provider's servers |
| Recording | A copy you make yourself | Your device (only some apps support it) |
How to use catch-up
- Open the TV guide in your IPTV app.
- Look for channels marked with a catch-up or archive icon (often a clock or rewind symbol).
- Scroll back to a programme that has already aired and select it.
- Choose Play — the programme starts from the beginning.
The exact wording varies: some apps call it “TV archive” or “timeshift”.
Why catch-up isn't on every channel
- Catch-up is enabled per channel, so availability varies.
- The archive only goes back a limited time, which differs by channel.
- Your player app must support catch-up — apps such as TiviMate do; some simpler players don't.
If catch-up doesn't work
- Check the channel shows a catch-up icon in the guide.
- Make sure the guide is up to date — refresh the EPG in settings.
- Try a player that supports catch-up with Xtream Codes logins.
- Still stuck? Contact support with the channel and programme name.
Catch-up on Best IPTV UK
Every Best IPTV UK plan includes catch-up on supported channels, along with the full guide. See the features page for details, or request a trial to try it in your app.
Have a question this guide didn't answer? Check the FAQ or contact support.