OTT Navigator’s developer explains that provider ordering can affect how channel metadata and organisation are applied. Before adding another source to a carefully arranged setup, make a supported private backup and review the provider order. Clear, stable provider names can make the result easier to understand. Review naming before adding a source to an organised setup. Stable provider order helps preserve the intended relationship between saved local modifications and the source lists to which those modifications are applied after refresh.
Recognise the ordering effect
Combining sources can change which channel or group appears first. What looks like lost organisation may reflect the order in which sources are applied. The developer's FAQ specifically describes alphabetical provider application order. A new name that sorts before an existing provider can change the context of saved group or channel modifications. Use deliberate stable labels, for example numeric prefixes that preserve the existing order, rather than renaming several providers after every addition. This is an organisation mechanism, not a change in either provider's subscription or channel quality.
Preserve a baseline
Use the app’s supported backup mechanism before changing a complex multi-provider configuration. Keep the backup private because it can contain account configuration. Create the backup before modifying names or adding the new source, and label it with its date and app version. Keep it private because provider details may be included. Record a few important category and channel positions so you can compare after the change. A backup is more useful when its restoration route is known and it predates the rearrangement you are investigating.
Change deliberately
Add one source and inspect the affected categories before making more changes. Use meaningful provider labels so it is clear which source supplies a channel when troubleshooting. Add the new provider with a name that preserves the intended order, then inspect the specific local groups or channel edits you care about. Distinguish a changed ordering or merged view from a source that actually failed to load. If the result is unexpected, stop before making further edits; multiple renames and imports can hide which single change altered the saved organisation.
A practical sequence
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An example to work through
Adding a source whose name sorts before an existing source can change which similarly named channels are encountered first. Use stable labels that preserve the existing order before adding the source. Then inspect a few known edited groups and channels, rather than assuming a rearranged merged list means the original provider account or media has been deleted.
Questions about this topic
Does a changed channel order necessarily mean the subscription changed?
No. Local provider ordering can affect presentation.
Should I post the backup publicly to show the issue?
No. Treat configuration backups as private account information.
