⚡Quick verdict
With catch-up you scroll backwards through the guide and start a show that was on earlier, no recording needed. It works only on channels marked for catch-up in your service, usually for a few days back. In TiviMate it needs Premium; in IPTV Smarters there is a Catch Up tile; in many players a clock icon marks supported channels.
- Look for a clock or rewind icon beside the channel.
- How far back you can go varies by channel.
- The free catch-up apps (iPlayer, ITVX) remain the best for UK channels.
Opening catch-up in common players
| Player | How |
|---|---|
| TiviMate (Premium) | Scroll left in the guide on a channel with the clock icon, pick a past programme |
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Catch Up tile, then channel, then date |
| IBO Player | Long-press the channel, choose Catch-up |
| GSE Smart IPTV | Guide view, past programmes marked with an archive icon |
When catch-up fails
- The guide must be loaded for catch-up to show programmes. Fix that first with TV guide fixes.
- The device’s time and time zone must be right, or the player asks for the wrong hour.
- Very recent programmes may take a few minutes to become available.
Free alternatives
For BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 programmes, the broadcasters’ own apps keep most shows for 30 days or more. They are free with a TV licence and work on almost every device.
From £5.42 a month
Borrow a full log-in for 24 hours before paying a penny. No card, no contract, no silent renewals.
More questions
Why can I not rewind every channel?
Catch-up needs the server to store each channel's recent programmes. It is offered on selected channels, often the main UK and sport ones.
How many days back does catch-up go?
Typically between one and seven days, depending on the channel.
Can I record instead?
Some players record to the device, TiviMate Premium among them. Check the device has enough storage first.