Feature guide

Can You Record IPTV? Recording Options Explained

Some IPTV player apps can record programmes to your device or a USB drive, working much like a traditional PVR. Whether you can record depends on your app, your device's storage and your service.

Recording is different from catch-up. Catch-up plays programmes stored on the provider's servers for a limited time; recording saves a copy on your own storage so you can watch later. Both have their place, and many people find catch-up covers most of their needs.

Which apps can record?

• TiviMate: recording is part of the premium upgrade, with scheduled recordings from the guide.
• Formuler MyTVOnline: recording is supported on many models with suitable storage.
• Kodi: recording depends on the PVR add-on and backend used.
• Some mobile and desktop players offer basic recording; check the app's features.

Features change over time, so check the current app description before relying on recording.

Storage you will need

Recordings use roughly the same amount of space as the data needed to stream them: around 1GB per hour for SD, 2 to 3GB for HD and 7GB or more for 4K. Streaming sticks have limited internal storage, so recording is more practical on devices with USB ports, such as Android TV boxes, the Nvidia Shield Pro or Formuler boxes.

1. Use a USB flash drive or external drive formatted as your device recommends.
2. Set it as the recording location in the app's recording settings.
3. Test with a short recording before relying on it for something important.

Scheduling a recording

1. Open the TV guide in a recording-capable app.
2. Highlight a future programme and open its options.
3. Choose "Record" and adjust start and end padding if available.
4. Keep the device on or in a state where the app can wake and record.

Adding a few minutes of padding before and after helps if the programme starts late or overruns.

Limits to be aware of

• Recording uses a stream, so it counts towards your device limit while running.
• Some devices stop apps in deep sleep; check power settings if recordings are missed.
• Recordings are for personal viewing only and should not be shared.

Recording or catch-up?

Read our catch-up guide to see if it already covers what you need.

Recording questions

Can I record on a Firestick?

It is possible in some apps, but limited storage makes it impractical for long recordings. A box with USB storage is better.

Can I watch one channel while recording another?

Yes, if your plan allows two simultaneous streams, since each uses one.

Can I move recordings to another device?

Recordings are for personal use. Some apps store them in formats other devices can play; others do not.

Recording works best in apps like TiviMate premium or MyTVOnline on a device with USB storage. For many people, catch-up on supported channels is the simpler alternative.