- Introduction
- What You’ll Need
- How to Backup IPTV Playlist and Settings — Step by Step
- Step 1: Open TiviMate and Find the Backup Option
- Step 2: Save Your Xtream Codes or M3U Credentials
- Step 3: Export Your TiviMate Backup File
- Step 4: Store Your Backup File Safely
- Step 5: Backup IPTV Smarters Pro Settings
- Step 6: Restore Your Backup on the Same Device
- Step 7: Restore Your Backup on a New Device
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- What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
- Pro Tips for Keeping Your IPTV Backup Safe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion — Start Your Perfect IPTV Backup Today
Introduction
You have spent time setting up your IPTV playlist just the way you like it. You have organized channels into groups, added your favorite channels, set up the EPG, and configured the perfect playback settings. Now imagine losing all of it because your device crashes, you need to factory reset, or you buy a new streaming box. That is where knowing how to backup IPTV playlist and settings becomes a lifesaver.
A backup saves everything — your channel list, login credentials, EPG sources, favorites, and player preferences. Without one, you start from scratch. You re-enter URLs, re-add favorites, and re-configure settings. It takes time and it is frustrating.
This guide walks you through the best way to backup your IPTV data on both TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro. You will learn step-by-step methods to save, export, and restore your full setup. Whether you use a Firestick, Android TV box, or a smart TV, these steps work the same way. By the end, you will have a bulletproof backup routine that protects your IPTV setup forever.
What You’ll Need
Before you start the backup process, gather these items. The actual backup takes less than five minutes, but having everything ready makes it smooth.
- Your IPTV player app installed — This guide covers TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro, the two most popular IPTV players. If you use a different app, the same backup principles apply.
- A file manager app — You need a way to access and copy your backup file. On Firestick, the Downloader app or Xplore File Manager works well. On Android TV boxes, any file manager works.
- Cloud storage or a USB drive — Your backup file should live somewhere safe. Google Drive, Dropbox, or a USB flash drive are all good options. Avoid keeping the backup only on the device itself.
- Your IPTV login details — Even with a backup, keep your Perfect IPTV Xtream Codes (server URL, username, password) or M3U URL written down or saved in a password manager. This is your master key.
- A stable internet connection — You need internet access to download your player app and reconnect to the server after restoring your backup.
- Optional but recommended: A notes app or password manager — Save your Xtream Codes or M3U URL in a secure place like Google Keep, Apple Notes, or Bitwarden. This gives you a second layer of protection.
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With these ready, you can now create a complete backup of your IPTV setup that survives any device failure.
How to Backup IPTV Playlist and Settings — Step by Step
Follow these steps in order. Each one is simple and takes less than a minute. If you use both TiviMate and IPTV Smarters Pro, repeat the process for each app.
Step 1: Open TiviMate and Find the Backup Option
Launch TiviMate on your device. From the main screen, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right corner). Scroll down to the General section. Look for an option called Backup or Backup & Restore. In newer versions of TiviMate (2.1.0 and above), this is located under Settings > General > Backup. Tap it to open the backup menu.
The backup menu shows you two choices: Create Backup and Restore from Backup. You want Create Backup. But do not tap it yet — first, make sure you have your login credentials saved separately. That way, even if the backup file gets lost, you can still access your subscription.
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Troubleshooting note: If you cannot find the Backup option in your TiviMate settings, your app version may be outdated. Go to Settings > About > Check for Updates. TiviMate introduced the built-in backup feature in version 2.1.0. If you run an older version, update the app first. You can download the latest APK from the official TiviMate website using the Downloader app on Firestick. If updating is not possible, use the manual method in Step 2 instead.
Step 2: Save Your Xtream Codes or M3U Credentials
Before you create a backup file, save your login credentials in a separate location. This is your safety net. Even the best backup file can get corrupted, deleted, or lost. Your credentials let you set up from scratch in minutes.
If you use Perfect IPTV, open your welcome email or customer dashboard. You will find three key pieces of information:
- Xtream Codes server URL — A web address that looks like http://your-server.com:8080
- Username — Your unique account username
- Password — Your account password
- M3U URL — An alternative playlist link ending in .m3u or .m3u8
Copy these details into a secure notes app, a password manager, or a text file that you store off-device. Do not keep them only in your IPTV player. If your device breaks, those details are gone with it. Perfect IPTV also offers 24/7 support via WhatsApp if you ever need your credentials re-sent — but saving them yourself is faster.
Troubleshooting note: If you cannot find your welcome email, check your spam folder. Still missing? Contact Perfect IPTV customer support with your registered email address. They will resend your login details within minutes. Their support team is available 24/7 and responds quickly. Also check your account dashboard on the Perfect IPTV website — your credentials are often listed there under your profile.
Step 3: Export Your TiviMate Backup File
Now create the actual backup file. Go back to Settings > General > Backup in TiviMate. Tap Create Backup. The app will ask where you want to save the file. Choose a location that is easy to find later — the internal storage root or the Downloads folder works well.
TiviMate creates a file named something like TiviMate_backup_2026-05-22.tmb (the date changes based on when you create it). This file contains:
- Your playlist configuration (Xtream Codes or M3U connection details)
- Your channel favorites
- Your channel groups and custom categories
- Your EPG sources and settings
- Your playback preferences (decoder, audio, buffer size, aspect ratio)
- Your recording settings and recording folder path
- Your advanced settings (parental controls, auto-update, etc.)
Once the backup is created, you will see a confirmation message. Do not close the app yet — the backup file is still on your device. You need to move it to a safe location in the next step.
Troubleshooting note: If TiviMate says “Backup failed” or “Insufficient storage,” your device is running low on space. On Firestick, go to Settings > My Fire TV > Manage Installed Applications and clear caches for apps like Netflix, Prime Video, and Downloader. Delete any APK files you no longer need. You need at least 100 MB of free space for the backup file. If the backup still fails, try saving to an external USB drive if your device supports OTG.
Step 4: Store Your Backup File Safely
Your backup file is currently stored on your device. That is not safe enough. If the device dies, gets reset, or breaks, the backup file dies with it. You need to move it to a secondary location. Here are your best options:
- Cloud storage — Upload the .tmb file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. On Firestick, use the Downloader app or X-plore File Manager to upload files to cloud services. On Android TV boxes, you can install the Google Drive app directly.
- USB flash drive — If your device supports OTG (most Firesticks and Android boxes do), use a USB OTG cable to connect a flash drive. Copy the backup file to the drive using a file manager app.
- Email it to yourself — Attach the backup file to an email and send it to your own address. This is the quickest method. Use the Send Files app or a file manager with email integration.
- Network transfer — On a local network, use apps like Send Files to TV or CX File Explorer to transfer the backup to a computer or NAS drive.
Whichever method you choose, create a folder called “IPTV Backups” and save the file there with a descriptive name that includes the date. For example: tivimate-backup-may-2026.tmb. This makes it easy to find later. Repeat this backup every time you make major changes to your playlist or settings.
Troubleshooting note: If your file manager cannot access the backup file location, TiviMate may have saved it to a restricted app data folder. Try using X-plore File Manager — it can access system folders that other file managers cannot. On Firestick, you may need to enable “Show internal storage” in X-plore settings. If all else fails, re-create the backup and choose a different save location like “Downloads” or “Documents.”
Step 5: Backup IPTV Smarters Pro Settings
If you use IPTV Smarters Pro instead of or alongside TiviMate, the backup process is different. IPTV Smarters does not have a one-click export feature like TiviMate. But you can still save your setup in two effective ways.
Method 1: Save your login details. This is the simplest approach. Open IPTV Smarters Pro and go to Settings > User Details. Your Xtream Codes or M3U details are displayed there. Take a screenshot or write them down. When you set up the app again, you just re-enter these details. Your favorites and recent channels are tied to your account, but your local preferences (like player type and default audio track) will need to be reconfigured manually.
Method 2: Use a file browser to find IPTV Smarters data. On Android-based devices, IPTV Smarters stores configuration data in its app folder. Use a file manager with root access or Android/data folder access (available on most modern file managers) to navigate to Android/data/com.nst.iptvsmartermain or similar. Look for files like shared_prefs.xml or database files. Copy these to a safe location. This method is more technical and may not work on all devices due to Android’s scoped storage restrictions.
For most users, Method 1 is the practical choice. Save your Xtream Codes or M3U URL, plus a screenshot of your settings page. That is enough to get back up and running in under two minutes.
Troubleshooting note: IPTV Smarters Pro sometimes clears local data after a force stop or cache clear. That is why keeping your login details written down is so important. If you see a blank screen or “No data” after reinstalling, you simply re-enter your credentials. Your Perfect IPTV subscription is stored on the server, not on the app. Re-entering your details pulls everything back from the cloud — all 9,000+ channels, 25,000+ VOD titles, and your EPG data.
Step 6: Restore Your Backup on the Same Device
So you had to factory reset your Firestick or clear your TiviMate data. No problem. Here is how to restore your backup and get everything back exactly as it was.
First, reinstall TiviMate on your device. You can find the latest APK on the official TiviMate website or through the Downloader app. Complete the initial setup (just accept the terms). You will see a blank screen — that is normal. Go to Settings > General > Backup. Tap Restore from Backup.
The app will open a file browser. Navigate to where you saved your .tmb backup file. If you stored it on cloud storage, download it to your device first. If you used a USB drive, plug it in and select the file from there. Tap the backup file. TiviMate will read it and apply all your saved settings. A progress bar shows the restoration process. When it finishes, you will see a confirmation message.
Restart TiviMate. Your full setup is back — every channel group, every favorite, every EPG source, and every playback setting. You do not need to re-enter your Xtream Codes or M3U URL. The backup file contains all of that information. Your setup looks exactly like it did before the reset.
Troubleshooting note: If the restore fails with an “Incompatible version” error, the backup file was created with a different version of TiviMate than the one you installed. Update TiviMate to the latest version and try again. If the error persists, you may need to create a fresh backup from your old setup. If you no longer have access to the old setup, use your saved Xtream Codes or M3U URL to set up the playlist manually — it takes two minutes and restores all your channels.
Step 7: Restore Your Backup on a New Device
You bought a new Android TV box or want to set up IPTV on a second Firestick. Restoring your backup on a new device is almost identical to restoring on the same device, with one extra consideration.
Install TiviMate on the new device. Use the Downloader app to sideload it if the device is a Firestick. On Android TV boxes, install TiviMate directly from the Google Play Store if available, or sideload the APK. Open TiviMate and go to Settings > General > Backup > Restore from Backup.
Now you need to get your backup file onto the new device. If you saved it on cloud storage, download the Google Drive or Dropbox app on the new device, sign in, and download the .tmb file. If you saved it on a USB drive, use an OTG cable to connect the drive to the new device. Navigate to the file in the file browser and select it.
The restoration process is the same as Step 6. TiviMate applies your settings. One thing to note: your new device may have different display or audio capabilities. After restoring, check Settings > Playback and adjust the decoder, buffer size, and audio settings if needed. For example, a 4K Android box may need hardware decoding enabled, while an older Firestick may work better with software decoding.
Troubleshooting note: If the restore completes but channels do not load, your new device may have a different network configuration. Check your internet connection first. Then go to Settings > Playlists in TiviMate and verify that your Xtream Codes or M3U URL is still active. The credentials saved in the backup should work, but if your IPTV provider uses IP locking or device limits, you may need to contact support. Perfect IPTV supports up to 3 connections on multi-device plans, so adding a new device is not an issue. Contact support via WhatsApp if you run into any device-related login issues — they resolve it in minutes.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Backups are supposed to protect you, but sometimes things do not go as planned. Here are the most common backup and restore problems and how to fix them.
Problem 1: TiviMate Backup File Is Missing or Corrupted
You go to restore your backup, and the file is not where you left it. Or you try to open it and TiviMate says the file is invalid. This usually happens when the backup did not complete properly or the file was accidentally deleted. The fix: use your saved Xtream Codes or M3U URL to set up your playlist manually. Open TiviMate, go to Settings > Playlists > Add Playlist, and choose Xtream Codes or M3U. Enter your Perfect IPTV credentials. Your channels and VOD load in seconds. You lose your favorites and custom groups, but you get everything else back. To prevent this in the future, always keep a second copy of your backup in cloud storage and verify the file opens before you delete the old setup.
Problem 2: Restore Says “Incompatible Backup Version”
This happens when the backup was created with an older or newer version of TiviMate than what you currently have installed. The backup format changes between major versions. To fix this, update TiviMate to the latest version and try again. If you cannot update (for example, on an older device), you need to create a new backup from the original device using the same TiviMate version. If the original device is gone, set up manually using your saved credentials. In the future, always keep your TiviMate version consistent across devices or re-create backups after every major update.
Problem 3: IPTV Smarters Pro Lost All Data After Update
IPTV Smarters Pro sometimes clears local data during app updates. Your favorites, recent channels, and settings may disappear. Do not panic — your subscription is safe on the server. Open IPTV Smarters Pro and go to the login screen. Enter your Perfect IPTV Xtream Codes or M3U URL again. All 9,000+ channels and 25,000+ VOD titles reload instantly. Your favorites will not come back automatically, so re-add them manually. To avoid this in future updates, take a screenshot of your favorites list or save a backup of the app data folder if your file manager supports it.
Problem 4: Backup File Transfers but Won’t Open on Another Device
You copied your .tmb file to a new Android box or Firestick, but TiviMate says it cannot read the file. This usually means the file was corrupted during transfer. Copy the file again using a different method. If you used a USB drive, try cloud storage instead. If you emailed the file to yourself, download it on the new device and try again. Also check that the file extension is still .tmb and not something like .tmb.txt. File managers sometimes rename files during transfer. Rename it back to .tmb and try restoring again.
Problem 5: New Device Shows “No Data” After Restore
The restore completed successfully, but TiviMate shows empty categories or “No data” errors. This means the playlist connection details in the backup are not working on the new device. Your IPTV provider may have an IP lock, a concurrent connection limit, or you may have reached your maximum allowed devices. Check your Perfect IPTV subscription plan. Single connection plans allow one stream at a time. If you are adding a second device, upgrade to a 2-connection or 3-connection plan via the pricing page. If you are within your connection limit but still get errors, contact Perfect IPTV support to reset your active connections.
Pro Tips for Keeping Your IPTV Backup Safe
A backup is only useful if it is recent, accessible, and complete. Use these tips to build a solid backup habit that never lets you down.
Tip 1: Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule
The 3-2-1 rule is the gold standard for data protection. Keep three copies of your IPTV backup (one primary, two backups). Store them on two different types of media (for example, cloud storage and a USB drive). Keep one copy offsite (like Google Drive or Dropbox). This way, if your Firestick dies, your backup on cloud storage saves you. If cloud storage is down, your USB drive works. You are covered from every angle.
Tip 2: Create a Fresh Backup Every Time You Make Changes
Do not create one backup and forget about it. Every time you add channels to favorites, change EPG sources, adjust playback settings, or reorganize groups, create a new backup. The process takes 30 seconds. A fresh backup ensures you never lose your latest configuration. Set a reminder on your phone for the first of each month to create an updated backup, even if you have not changed anything.
Tip 3: Combine Your Backup with a Credential Safety Net
Your TiviMate .tmb file is powerful, but it is not infallible. Always keep your raw Xtream Codes or M3U URL saved separately from the backup file. A password manager like Bitwarden or Apple Keychain is perfect for this. Store your server URL, username, password, and M3U link in a secure note. If your backup file is ever corrupted or incompatible, you can rebuild your setup from these credentials in two minutes. This is especially important because your Perfect IPTV subscription gives you access to your account from any device — your credentials are the master key.
Tip 4: Test Your Backup Before You Need It
The worst time to discover your backup does not work is when your device has already been reset. Test your backup immediately after creating it. On a second device or even just by doing a dry run on the same device, go through the restore process. Confirm that all channels, favorites, and EPG data load correctly. If the restore fails, you still have your original setup intact. You can troubleshoot the issue without being in a panic. This five-minute test saves hours of frustration later. Think of it like a fire drill for your IPTV setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does TiviMate backup save my Xtream Codes password?
Yes. The TiviMate backup file (.tmb) contains your server URL, username, and password for Xtream Codes. When you restore the backup, you do not need to re-enter any login details. The same applies if you use an M3U URL — the backup saves the link. This is why it is so important to protect your backup file. Anyone who has access to it can restore your full IPTV setup on their own device.
2. Can I backup my IPTV playlist without paying for TiviMate Premium?
Yes, but with some limits. The free version of TiviMate allows you to create and restore backups. However, the free version limits you to one playlist. If you use multiple playlists, you need TiviMate Premium (which costs about £5 per year for the companion app). IPTV Smarters Pro does not have a built-in backup feature in either version, so you must save your credentials manually.
3. How do I backup my M3U playlist URL?
Your M3U URL is provided by your IPTV provider. Log into your provider’s website or check your welcome email. Copy the M3U link and paste it into a notes app, a password manager, or a text file stored on cloud storage. Perfect IPTV includes your M3U URL in your welcome email alongside your Xtream Codes details. Save both for maximum flexibility. The M3U URL never changes unless your provider replaces it, so you only need to save it once.
4. Will my EPG data be restored from a TiviMate backup?
Yes. TiviMate backups include your EPG source URLs and settings. After restoring, your electronic program guide will show up exactly as it was before. You do not need to add EPG sources again. However, the EPG data itself (the actual TV schedule information) is fetched from the server after restoration. Give it a few minutes to populate. The backup saves the source configuration, not the cached schedule data.
5. How do I transfer my IPTV playlist from Firestick to a new Android TV box?
Create a TiviMate backup on your Firestick (Step 3 in this guide). Save the .tmb file to cloud storage or a USB drive. Install TiviMate on your new Android TV box. Open Settings > General > Backup > Restore from Backup and select your file. Everything transfers over. If you use IPTV Smarters Pro, you cannot transfer settings directly — you need to re-enter your login credentials on the new device. Your Perfect IPTV subscription works on both devices as long as your plan supports the number of connections.
6. What gets saved in a TiviMate backup file?
The backup file contains a complete snapshot of your TiviMate configuration. This includes: all playlist connection details (Xtream Codes or M3U), channel favorites, custom channel groups and their order, EPG source URLs and settings, playback settings (decoder, buffer size, audio), recording settings (folder path, format, auto-recording rules), and advanced settings (parental controls, auto-update, notifications, appearance). It does not save your login session, remembered passwords for external services, or cached EPG data.
7. Is it safe to store my IPTV backup in Google Drive?
Yes, with one important caveat. Your .tmb backup file contains your IPTV login credentials. Treat it like a password. If someone gains access to your Google Drive, they can restore your IPTV setup on their own device. Use a strong password for your Google account and enable two-factor authentication. For extra security, you can zip the backup file with a password before uploading it. Perfect IPTV also recommends using the free Surfshark VPN included with your subscription to encrypt your connection when accessing cloud storage on public Wi-Fi.
8. How often should I backup my IPTV settings?
Create a backup immediately after you finish your initial setup. After that, back up every time you make significant changes — adding new favorites, reorganizing groups, changing EPG sources, or updating playback settings. For most users, once a month is enough. Set a recurring calendar reminder. A backup takes 30 seconds. There is no excuse not to do it regularly. If you watch sports and frequently change channels or groups during the season, consider backing up weekly.
9. Does IPTV Smarters Pro have a backup feature?
No. IPTV Smarters Pro does not have a built-in backup or export feature as of 2026. Your settings such as favorites, recent channels, and playback preferences are stored locally on your device and can be lost during updates or resets. The only way to protect your setup is to save your Xtream Codes or M3U URL separately. Your actual subscription data (channels, VOD, EPG) is stored on the Perfect IPTV server, so entering your credentials again restores your content instantly. The Perfect IPTV blog has more tips on managing IPTV Smarters Pro.
10. Can I automate IPTV backups on Android TV?
Android TV does not have a native scheduling system for app backups. You cannot automate TiviMate backups without third-party tools. However, some Android TV boxes support automation apps like MacroDroid or Tasker. You can theoretically create a macro that opens TiviMate, navigates to backup, and saves the file. This requires advanced setup. For most users, the simplest approach is a manual monthly backup routine. The process is quick enough that automation is not worth the complexity. Just add “IPTV backup day” to your calendar.
11. What happens to my recordings if I restore a TiviMate backup?
Your recording settings (folder path, format, and schedule rules) are saved in the backup and restored correctly. However, the actual recorded video files are not included in the backup. Recordings can be several gigabytes each and are stored separately. If you want to keep your recordings, back them up manually using a file manager app. Copy the recording folder (usually under a “TiviMate Recordings” directory) to cloud storage or a USB drive.
12. Will my VPN settings transfer with my IPTV backup?
No. The VPN connection is managed by your VPN app (like Surfshark), not by TiviMate or IPTV Smarters Pro. Your VPN settings and server preferences do not transfer through an IPTV backup. You need to set up your VPN separately on each device. Perfect IPTV includes a free Surfshark VPN subscription with every plan. Install the Surfshark app on your new device, sign in with your Surfshark account (provided by Perfect IPTV after purchase), and connect to your preferred server. The VPN works alongside your IPTV setup without any conflicts.
Conclusion — Start Your Perfect IPTV Backup Today
Knowing how to backup IPTV playlist and settings is one of those skills you do not appreciate until you need it. When your Firestick factory resets itself, your Android TV box stops working, or you upgrade to a newer device, a proper backup saves hours of reconfiguration. You get your channels, favorites, EPG, and settings back in seconds instead of rebuilding everything from memory.
TiviMate makes the process easy with its built-in backup and restore feature. IPTV Smarters Pro users need to save their credentials manually, but the process is still simple. The key is to do it now — before something goes wrong. Create your first backup today. Save a copy to cloud storage. Write down your Xtream Codes or M3U URL in a secure place. Test that the restore works. Once you have that safety net in place, you can enjoy your IPTV setup without worry.
A great IPTV service deserves a great backup plan. Perfect IPTV gives you 9,000+ live channels, 25,000+ movies and TV shows, and rock-solid reliability with 99.9% uptime and AntiFreeze Technology. When you combine that with a proper backup routine, you have a streaming setup that nothing can break. If you have not tried Perfect IPTV yet, now is the time. Grab your 3-hour free trial with no credit card required and see why thousands of customers trust Perfect IPTV. Backup your playlist, secure your credentials, and stream with confidence.
