Discovery Plus is a popular streaming service that offers access to shows from Discovery, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, and more. However, many Samsung TV owners have reported issues getting Discovery Plus to work properly on their devices.
Fix Discovery Plus Not Working on Samsung TV
Here are some troubleshooting tips if you are having problems using Discovery Plus on your Samsung TV.
Check Your Internet Connection
An unstable or slow internet connection is the most common reason for any streaming service not working. Ensure your Samsung TV is connected to a strong, high-speed internet connection for the best performance. Connect via ethernet if possible, as WiFi can sometimes cause buffering issues. Run a speed test on a computer or phone connected to the same network to verify you have at least 10-25 Mbps download speeds. If speeds are lower, contact your internet provider, as you may need a bandwidth upgrade to run streaming services properly.
Update the App and TV Software
Outdated software is another prevalent cause of app issues. Open the Discovery Plus app on your Samsung TV and check for any available updates. You can usually find the update option under settings or account management in the app.
Additionally, go to the settings menu of your Samsung TV and search for system updates. Download and install any firmware updates available, as these contain fixes and improvements to the TV’s operating system. Keeping your smart TV software up-to-date is key for maintaining compatibility with apps and services. Restart the TV after completing all updates.
Disable Energy Saving Mode
Samsung TVs have an energy-saving mode that sometimes interferes with apps and streaming. To disable it, go to Settings > General > System Manager > Power and turn off Energy Saving Mode. Make sure any other power-saving settings are also disabled. This ensures your TV is receiving full power so apps can function properly.
Adjust DNS Settings
DNS settings that don’t properly route to Discovery Plus’s servers can prevent the app from working. On your Samsung TV, go to Settings > General > Network > Network Status to view the current DNS servers. Make a note of these numbers. Then go to Settings > General > Network > Network Setup > IP Settings and change the DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, which are Google’s public DNS servers. This often resolves DNS-related issues that can prevent Discovery Plus and other apps from connecting.
Factory Reset the TV
If all else fails, a factory reset will erase any bugs or glitches and give you a fresh slate. Go to Settings > General > Reset and select Reset TV to Factory Settings. This will delete all saved app data and settings, so you’ll have to reconfigure your WiFi, apps, etc. Only use this method as a last resort. However, a full factory reset can solve persistent software and app issues.
Reinstall the Discovery Plus App
It’s also worth fully uninstalling the Discovery Plus app from your Samsung TV and reinstalling a fresh copy. You may have a corrupt install causing problems. Uninstall the app, restart the TV, then reinstall Discovery Plus. Before installing, also clear the cache partition using the TV’s recovery menu to wipe out any leftover junk data. This can provide a fully clean slate for the Discovery Plus app installation.
Use a Streaming Device Instead
If you still can’t get Discovery Plus working directly on your Samsung TV after trying the above suggestions, consider using a dedicated streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. Streaming stick hardware is often more reliable and app-friendly than smart TV platforms. The Discovery Plus app on a Roku or Fire TV may connect and perform better than the TV’s built-in version. Purchase an affordable streaming device and use that to run Discovery Plus.
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Contact Discovery Plus
Reach out directly to the Discovery Plus customer support team if your TV struggles persist. Explain the issue in detail, listing the Samsung TV model and any troubleshooting steps you’ve tried. The Discovery Plus team may be able to provide specialized support focused on your specific Samsung TV setup. They can also check whether any known issues or outages are affecting the service.
Consider a Different TV
In rare cases, certain Samsung TV models may simply not be fully compatible with Discovery Plus. Very old TVs or low-end models may not support the app well. If you’ve exhausted all other options, purchasing a newer or higher-end Samsung set could be the only solution. For the best smart TV app experience, look for a newer Samsung from the 6000 series or above. Higher-end models typically have better processors and more RAM for smooth streaming.
Discovery Plus is an excellent service for on-demand shows, but technical glitches can quickly ruin the experience. Use the troubleshooting guide above for Samsung TV owners if you notice playback issues, buffering, or other problems using the Discovery Plus app. Following these tips should help get Discovery Plus working properly so you can start streaming your favorite Discovery content.
