A player can associate favorites with an internal stream identifier rather than only the visible name. If the service rebuilds catalogue entries or the profile is reimported differently, a familiar channel can receive a new identifier. The station may still be present while the old favorite no longer points to it.
Search the full lineup first
A missing favorite is not proof that the channel was removed. Search outside the favorites view and compare the station edition. If it is present, adding the current entry again may be a local repair.
Keep local organization portable where supported
A settings export can preserve favorites, but only if the reader supports it and the identifiers remain meaningful. Backups can contain credentials. Store them privately and do not assume an export from another player will be compatible.
Report a pattern rather than one label
If many favorites break after a catalogue refresh, note when it happened and which groups are affected. A source identifier change is different from a household member accidentally removing one favorite.
A practical sequence
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An example to work through
A station called City News can remain in the list under a new stream id while the old favorite points to an entry no longer returned by the source.
Questions about this topic
Does the same name guarantee the same internal id?
No. Display names and internal identifiers can change independently.
Can every backup restore favorites across players?
No. Export formats and matching behavior differ.
