Discovery+ is the popular streaming service from Discovery that offers thousands of shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery Channel, and more. As an LG TV owner, you’d expect Discovery+ to be easy to access on your smart TV. But many LG owners encounter frustrating errors when trying to get the Discovery+ app.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the common issues that prevent accessing Discovery+ on LG smart TVs. You’ll also find troubleshooting tips to fix the problem and start streaming.
Overview of Discovery+
Discovery+ is the streaming service created by Discovery, Inc that offers thousands of episodes from popular channels like HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Discovery, A&E, Lifetime and more. It has shows, series and exclusives from Chip and Joanna Gaines, Bobby Flay, Guy Fieri, the Property Brothers and other Discovery stars.
Discovery+ launched in January 2021 as a competitor to Netflix and Hulu. It’s available as a paid subscription with two tiers: an ad-supported plan for $4.99/month and an ad-free plan for $6.99/month.
The service offers convenient access on various devices, including smart TVs. This allows subscribers to watch Discovery+ originals and shows directly on the big screen. However, Discovery+ has faced challenges expanding support to some smart TV brands and models.
Requirements for LG TV Access
To get Discovery+ working correctly on an LG TV, there are a few key requirements:
- Supported LG TV model (2016 or newer webOS models)
- TV connected to stable high-speed internet
- LG account added and set up on TV
- TV software fully updated
- Location set to supported Discovery+ country
- Discovery+ app installed from LG Content Store
Meeting those conditions ensures compatibility with Discovery+ and eliminates most issues. But some LG owners still encounter problems accessing the app.
Common Errors and Issues
Despite meeting the requirements, there are a number of frustrating errors that can prevent getting Discovery+ on an LG smart TV. The most common include:
App Not Available in Your Region
Discovery+ has rolling launch plans for different countries. If your LG TV is located in a region where Discovery+ has not officially launched, the app won’t be accessible in the LG Content Store. Users will see an “App not available in your region” error.
Incompatible LG TV Model
Although Discovery+ works on 2016 and newer LG webOS TVs, some older models aren’t supported. If your LG TV is from 2015 or earlier, it likely lacks the necessary specifications to install and run the Discovery+ app.
Network Connection Problems
Discovery+ requires a stable internet connection for streaming on LG TVs. Weak WiFi signals, frequent drops, or using ethernet on older TV models can lead to network errors that block access to the app.
LG Account Issues
To download apps, an LG account must be added in the TV’s settings. Sign-in errors, multi-user conflicts, or using the wrong region account will prevent installing Discovery+ until resolved.
Outdated Software
Like most apps, Discovery+ needs up-to-date TV software for the best compatibility. If your LG TV is behind on software updates, Discovery+ may fail to open or stream content.
Now that we’ve explored the main issues, let’s move on to tips for getting Discovery+ working on your LG TV.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you’ve encountered errors trying to get Discovery+ on your LG smart TV, don’t lose hope yet. Here are some troubleshooting steps to resolve the issues:
Use a Streaming Device
If your LG TV is too outdated or has unresolvable software issues, the simplest option is using a streaming stick or box. Discovery+ is available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Chromecast with Google TV.
Change Location Settings
For “app not available” region errors, you can change your LG TV’s Country setting under General in the settings. Set to a Discovery+ supported country like the US or UK.
Check App Store Region
In addition to the TV country, also check that your LG account region matches your physical location. This ensures you can access the correct app store.
Update TV Software
Go to General > About This TV > CHECK FOR UPDATES to download the latest LG TV software version. Updating fixes bugs and optimizes Discovery+ performance.
Reset LG TV
For persistent issues, perform a factory data reset under General > Reset in LG settings. This will wipe and reinstall the webOS software fresh, clearing any underlying problems.
Contact Support
If the basic troubleshooting tips don’t resolve your issue, contact LG support with your model number to troubleshoot further. Discovery+ support can also help troubleshoot the app issues.
FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about getting Discovery+ on LG TVs:
Why does it say “App not available in your region” when I try to install Discovery+?
This means Discovery+ has not launched yet in your LG TV’s set country. You’ll need to wait for it to rollout in your location or change country settings to an supported region.
What should I do if my older LG TV says Discovery+ isn’t compatible?
Discovery+ requires 2016 or newer LG webOS models. On older models, you’ll need to use a separate streaming device like Roku or Fire TV to access Discovery+.
Why does Discovery+ keep buffering or losing connection on my LG TV?
Poor streaming performance is usually caused by weak WiFi signals or unstable internet connection. Relocating the TV closer to the router or upgrading your ISP speed can help.
I get login errors when trying to install Discovery+ on my LG TV. How can I fix this?
LG account issues like incorrect region, password problems, or multiple accounts can prevent installing apps. Ensure you are logged into the proper LG account for your region.
How do I get Discovery+ if factory resetting my LG TV didn’t help?
For persistent compatibility issues, your only options may be trying a streaming device or upgrading to a newer LG TV model that is confirmed to work correctly with Discovery+.
Conclusion
Accessing Discovery+ on the big screen with an LG smart TV is meant to be seamless. But depending on your TV model and account setup, myriad errors can block the app download and streaming experience.
Following the troubleshooting tips in this guide, like updating TV software, changing locations, resetting the TV and contacting support, can get Discovery+ working properly again. Just be prepared that older LG TVs may simply lack the specs and compatibility needed for Discovery+.
With the streaming service expanding into more regions and TV platforms every month, any current issues are likely short-term. Soon all LG TV owners should be able to enjoy Discovery+ originals and shows from HGTV, Food Network, TLC and more channels right from their living room.
Have a question about Discovery+ on LG TV we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments!
