Missing favourites do not necessarily mean that the underlying channels or programmes disappeared. The local preference can belong to another profile, source identity or database. Investigate that association before importing the same catalogue repeatedly.
Start with one familiar favourite. Identify the actual current entry and whether it still exists through ordinary navigation. This separates a missing source item from a missing saved reference to that item.
Check the active context
A profile switch can show another person’s preferences. A duplicate source import can create new entry identities without carrying the original favourites. A refreshed catalogue can also replace a record that the old favourite referenced. These possibilities call for different repairs.
Do not rebuild the whole account because a favourite group is empty. Confirm the selected source, profile and view first. A working underlying entry is useful comparison evidence that narrows the problem to local organization.
Follow the saved relationship
If an export did not include favourites, importing it successfully cannot restore those omitted preferences. Record that export-scope limitation instead of repeating the same import with no new data.
- Identify the current profile and source label.
- Find the intended item outside the favourites view.
- Check whether a recent import, update or migration changed its local identity.
- Review the application’s supported favourite backup or restoration method.
- Restore or recreate only the necessary relationship and verify the selected item.
Avoid accidental wrong matches
A similarly named channel or film may be another edition. When recreating a favourite, confirm the actual identity rather than choosing the first familiar poster. A saved shortcut is useful only if it points to the intended source.
Keep temporary duplicate catalogues clearly labelled and retire them only after checking any local preferences attached to them. Deleting the old copy prematurely can make recovery harder if the new one has different identities or missing mappings.
A good support note names the profile, source, intended favourite and whether the underlying item remains accessible. State the recent operation that preceded the change without assuming it caused the problem. The repair should recover understandable navigation while preserving the correctly functioning account and source configuration.
Useful answers
Does a missing favourite prove the programme is gone?
No. The saved relationship may be missing while the item remains.
Can importing the same source again create another set of identities?
It can, depending on the player.
Will a backup restore favourites it never contained?
No. Check its actual scope.