How to Backup & Restore Playlist and Favorites (TiviMate, XCIPTV, IPTV Smarters)?

Backing up your IPTV configuration saves your playlist login credentials, customized channel groups, hidden categories, and saved Favorites into a single file. This makes it easy to migrate your complete setup to a new device (like a Firestick, Chromecast, or Nvidia Shield) without having to manually organize your channels again.

What You Need Before You Begin

• Active IPTV Setup: An IPTV app with your playlist already configured.
• Storage Location: Internal storage space, a USB flash drive (formatted to FAT32 or exFAT), or a local network folder (SMB Share/NAS).
• Transfer App (Optional): An application like Send Files to TV if you are moving backup files wirelessly between budget TV sticks.

Tip: If you need to re-add your playlist manually on a new device using Xtream Codes parameters, read our guide onhow to find server address in M3U URLto extract your exact Server URL, Username, and Password.

Method 1: Backup & Restore in TiviMate (Android TV & Firestick)

TiviMate features a built-in backup engine that packages all playlist settings, custom group orders, channel logos, and favorites into a single .tmb backup file.

How to Create a Backup in TiviMate

1.Navigate to General Settings:Open app settings.

In TiviMate, press Left to open the side menu, scroll down, and select Settings (gear icon) > General.

2.Select Backup Data:Initiate backup process.

Scroll down and select Backup data.

3.Choose Storage Location:Assign path.

Select Select folder to choose where the backup file will be saved. Choose Internal storage, a USB drive, or a LAN/SMB network drive.

4.Confirm Backup Creation:Save file.

Give your file a recognizable name (e.g., tivimate_backup_date.tmb) and click OK to generate the file.

How to Restore a Backup in TiviMate

1. Open TiviMate on your target device and go to Settings > General > Restore data.
2. Click Select folder, navigate to your saved .tmb file, and select it.
3. Click Restore. TiviMate will instantly reload all your playlists, favorite lists, and interface configurations.

Method 2: Transferring the Backup File Between Devices

To move your saved backup file from one device to another in your home:

• Option A: USB Flash Drive (Easiest for Shield TV / Android TV Boxes)
  1. Save the .tmb file to a USB flash drive connected to your primary device.
  2. Plug the USB drive into your second device, open TiviMate, go to Restore data, and select the file from the USB directory.
• Option B: “Send Files to TV” App (Easiest for Firestick / Chromecast)
  1. Install the free Send Files to TV app from the Google Play / Amazon Appstore on both streaming devices.
  2. Open the app on the target TV and select Receive.
  3. Open the app on your source TV, select Send, locate your saved .tmb file, and send it over your local Wi-Fi.
  4. On the target TV, open TiviMate, go to Restore data, navigate to the Download folder, and restore.

Method 3: Backup & Restore in IPTV Smarters Pro & XCIPTV

• IPTV Smarters Pro: Smarters stores your favorites and user profiles locally on the device. It does not feature a direct file-export tool on most TV operating systems. To back up settings, use an Android backup manager or log in on a secondary device with the same Xtream Codes API credentials (though favorites may need to be re-added per device).
• XCIPTV / OTT Navigator:
  • Go to Settings > Backup / Restore.
  • Select Export / Backup to generate a backup file on internal storage or an external drive.
  • Use Import / Restore on your new device to apply the saved backup.

Troubleshooting Backup & Restore

Issue	Likely Cause	Solution
“Folder is Read-Only” or Save Fails	System scoped storage permissions blocking app access	Use the System Picker in TiviMate settings, or choose a target folder inside Internal Storage > Download where apps have write permissions.
Favorites Missing After Restore	Provider changed channel IDs or stream structure	If your IPTV provider updated their stream structure, old favorite shortcuts may be broken. Go to Settings > Playlists and select Update playlist / EPG.
Restore Error / Unrecognized File	Version mismatch between apps	Ensure your IPTV player app is updated to the exact same version on both the exporting and importing devices before restoring.

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