TiviMate Fix
Updated June 2026 · TiviMate EPG crash fix

TiviMate App Crashing When
Removing EPG Prefixes — Fix 2026

Is your TiviMate app crashing every time you try to remove EPG prefixes? You're not alone. This is a known bug in TiviMate 5.3.x builds. Here are the proven fixes and workarounds.

See All Fixes Get Help on WhatsApp
The Problem

What Is the EPG Prefix Crash?

If you're running TiviMate 5.3.x and try to remove EPG prefixes via Settings → EPG → Remove Prefix, the app crashes instantly — with no error message.

When It Happens

  • • Tapping "Remove Prefix" crashes to home screen
  • • App freezes then force-closes
  • • Crash happens on Firestick, Android TV, and Google TV

Why It Happens

  • • Regex handling bug in TiviMate 5.3.0 – 5.3.5
  • • Text-prefix parsing function fails on certain character patterns
  • • Fixed in TiviMate 5.5.1 and later builds
Solutions

How to Fix TiviMate EPG Prefix Crash

Try these fixes in order. Start with the simplest.

1

Update TiviMate to Latest Version

The crash was fixed in TiviMate 5.5.1+. Open the Google Play Store, search for TiviMate, and tap Update. If you sideloaded the APK, download the latest version from the official website or a trusted source.

2

Reboot Your Device

After updating, fully restart your device (Firestick, Android TV box, etc.). Unplug the power cord, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in. This clears any stuck processes from the old version.

3

Clear TiviMate App Cache

Go to Settings → Apps → TiviMate → Clear Cache (not Clear Data). This removes corrupt temporary files without deleting your playlists or settings. Then launch TiviMate and try removing EPG prefixes again.

4

Export Backup → Uninstall → Reinstall → Restore

If the crash persists, export a full backup first (see backup instructions below), uninstall TiviMate completely, reinstall the latest version, then restore your backup. This gives you a clean install with all your playlists intact.

5

Workaround: Rename Channels Manually

Instead of using Remove Prefix, edit channel names manually: long-press a channel → Rename → delete the prefix text. This bypasses the crash entirely. Do this for the channels that bother you most.

6

Alternative Workaround: Remove Prefixes via M3U Editor

Edit your playlist online before importing into TiviMate. Use M3U4U or m3u.guide to remove prefixes from channel names. Then re-import the cleaned M3U into TiviMate — no app crash, no prefix issues.

7

Reset EPG Data

Go to Settings → EPG → Clear EPG Data. This forces TiviMate to re-download the EPG from scratch. Sometimes corrupt EPG data triggers the prefix removal crash.

Backup Guide

How to Export & Restore TiviMate Backup

Before uninstalling, always export a backup so you don't lose your playlists and settings.

Export Backup

  1. Open TiviMate
  2. Go to Settings → General → Export Data
  3. Choose a location (internal storage or USB)
  4. Tap Export — a .tivimate file is created
  5. Copy the file to a safe location

Restore Backup
  1. Install the latest TiviMate
  2. Skip the initial setup wizard
  3. Go to Settings → General → Import Data
  4. Navigate to your .tivimate backup file
  5. Tap Import — all playlists and settings are restored

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Will updating TiviMate delete my playlists? +
No. Updating TiviMate through the Play Store or via APK keeps all your playlists, EPG data, and settings intact.
What TiviMate versions are affected by this crash? +
TiviMate 5.3.0 through 5.3.5 are confirmed to have the EPG prefix removal crash. The fix was shipped in version 5.5.1 and later.
Does clearing cache delete my channel list? +
No. Clearing the cache only removes temporary files. Your playlists, EPG data, and custom settings are stored separately and are not affected.
What if I can't update TiviMate (old device)? +
If your device doesn't support the latest TiviMate, use the manual rename workaround (Fix #5) or the M3U editor workaround (Fix #6). Both work without updating the app.
Is there an alternative IPTV player without this bug? +
Yes — you can use IPTV Smarters Pro, OTT Navigator, or Televizo as alternatives. But updating TiviMate should fix the issue, so we recommend sticking with TiviMate if possible.
Need Help?

Still Having Issues?

Get in touch with us on WhatsApp. We'll help you troubleshoot the EPG prefix crash step by step.

Chat with us on WhatsApp

We'll walk you through every fix — fast and free

+216 23 179 016  ·  Available 24/7