Catch-up is the feature that lets you play a programme that has already aired – the same idea as a broadcaster replay, but built into the IPTV line. It is one of the most useful things a subscription can include and one of the most commonly missing.
How it works
The server records supported channels continuously and keeps a rolling window, typically a few days. Your player reads that window from the EPG: past programmes on a supported channel become playable instead of greyed out. Nothing is stored on your device, so it costs you no space and works on any hardware that can play live channels.
Finding it in your player
The route differs slightly by app, but it is always through the guide rather than the channel list.
Open the EPG or TV Guide, not the plain channel list
Move backwards in time on a supported channel
A playable past programme is selectable; unsupported ones are greyed out
Some players group it separately as Catch Up or Archive
Why it is missing
Three common reasons. The channel is not one the provider records – catch-up is enabled per channel, not for the whole list. The line is on an M3U login rather than Xtream Codes, in which case the player often has no EPG to attach it to. Or the provider does not offer it at all, which is worth asking before you buy rather than after.
Frequently asked questions
How far back does IPTV catch up go?
It depends on the provider – a rolling window of a few days is typical, and it is set per channel rather than for the whole list.
Why is catch up greyed out on my channel?
That channel is not being recorded by the provider, or your line is on an M3U login with no EPG for the player to attach the archive to.
Does catch up use my storage?
No. The recording lives on the provider server and streams to you like a live channel.