As a kid, I loved the game “spin the wheel.”
And that’s because I got prizes.
Today, a spinning wheel means something is loading.
With that, the excitement has gone off.
Especially since it’s what you and I are facing with Discovery Plus…
Well, I’ve just solved mine. Let me show you how I did it.
Keep reading to learn:
- 7 reasons why your Discovery Plus isn’t loading.
- 11 effective fixes to load your Discovery Plus in no time.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is my Discovery Plus not loading?
Your Discovery Plus isn’t loading because their website or app is down. Or, you have Internet connection problems, an ad-blocker, or a VPN. Also, an outdated app, device, or browser can cause this problem. Or your devices don’t support Discovery Plus. Otherwise, your device or browser is glitching.
Discovery Plus not loading: 11 fixes
#1: Check Discovery Plus status
Before trying different methods that require so much work…
First, check whether Discovery Plus’ servers are down or not.
Trust me. It may save you time and energy when this turns out to be the issue.
Here’s how to check Discovery Plus’ server status:
- Go to this website.
- In the search bar, type “Discovery+”.
- Press Enter.
- Or click the magnifying glass on the right.
Doing that will show you if there are any problems with Discovery Plus.
If it turns out that Discovery Plus’ servers are down…
You can check their Twitter account for updates about the issue. And wait until they resolve it.
But if it turns out that Discovery Plus’s servers have no problem…
Then the app or website should be working. But they’re not.
With that, you could carry on with the following troubleshooting tips.
#2: Restart your browser and device
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about solving tech-related problems…
It’s that a simple restart can fix most of these issues.
But it’s important to do it the right way. So you’ll have a greater chance of resolving the problem.
With that…
Here’s how to restart your browser:
Step 1: Find the browser code.
Note: For the code, use the browser’s second name. For example, “chrome” for Google Chrome, “edge” for Microsoft Edge, etc.
Step 2: On your browser’s address bar, type: ‘browser code’://restart.
For instance, if you’re using Google Chrome, type: chrome://restart.
Step 3: Press Enter or Return key and wait for the browser to restart completely.
Note: This process will close all your tabs. But don’t worry, it’s only temporary. And you can reaccess your tabs right after the restart.
Here’s how to restart your PC:
Windows:
- Press the Windows key.
- Click the Power logo on the pop-up menu.
- Tap Restart.
Mac:
- Press the Apple icon on the top-left corner of the screen.
- Click Restart on the drop-down menu.
Here’s how to restart your phone:
- Find the Power button and the Volume down button.
- Press and hold the two buttons simultaneously for 7 seconds.
Note: The exact steps may be different for your phone model.
You might be interested: Discovery plus not working on Sky Q
#3: Use another browser or device
No luck on the previous methods?
Don’t take it too hard, because the problem isn’t you.
But it could be your browser or device that’s having an issue.
And that’s why you could try using another browser or device to see if that solves the problem.
“Does that mean I can’t use my favorite browser or device again?”
No. I’m optimistic that it won’t come to that situation.
It’s likely a minor glitch on your browser or device. And I’m pretty sure Discovery Plus will address this issue.
With that said, all you need to do is contact Discovery Plus.
And to do that, simply follow these steps:
- Go to this website.
- Click the “Chat with us” button on the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Type your concern in the chat box.
As you wait for them to resolve the issue, use another device in the meantime.
“I still can’t use Discovery Plus on other devices or browsers.”
Not to worry. The following fix might help you.
#4: Verify Internet connection
As you know, slow Internet speeds can get the best of us.
Websites take too long to load.
And videos play for one second, only to stop for the next few minutes.
When any of these things happen, you have an issue with your Internet connection.
And this can be the culprit behind this issue you’re facing. After all, Discovery Plus is an online streaming service.
With that, you need to verify your Internet connection speeds. And here’s how to do that:
- Go to this website and take a speed test.
- Click the GO circle in the middle of the screen.
- Wait for the test to finish.
- Take note of your Internet speed.
Got the number?
Now, if you’re having a slower Internet speed than what you’re paying for…
Then you should contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
With that, they can help you resolve this issue.
Note: Discovery Plus has Internet speed recommendations on different streaming qualities.
Check out these requirements below:
Video Quality | Internet Speed Recommendations |
Minimum | 0.5-1.5 Mbps |
Standard Definition (SD) | 2.5 Mbps |
High Definition (HD) | 4 Mbps |
Pro tip: Ensure your Internet plan exceeds the numbers above. So, you’ll fix loading issues and enjoy movies of high quality.
#5: Restart your WiFi router
If your Internet connection is working just fine, it’s time to try restarting your router.
And that’s because, like any device, WiFi routers can malfunction after using them for a long time.
You know, I’ve experienced that before. And that’s because I don’t really turn off my router.
I keep it running 24/7, so I can use my devices whenever possible.
That’s before I learned that everyone should restart their router once a month.
With that said…
Here’s how to restart your WiFi router:
- Press the power button.
- Unplug the router’s power cable from the power outlet.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Plug it back into the socket.
- Turn your router ON.
Note: Don’t worry if you can’t access the Internet within 1-2 minutes after the restart. That’s because WiFi networks are being set up during that time.
Those steps will allow your router to take a break and return stronger.
#6: Use an ethernet cable
I get it. Wireless is great.
You just get so much convenience and value without all the messy wirings.
But, using an ethernet cable and keeping it conventional could solve your problem.
And that’s because you’ll get a faster Internet speed from a wired connection.
Here’s why:
The connection’s direct from your device to the router.
Aside from that, routers have a cap on how much data they can transfer.
Moreover, you won’t have a strong connection if your device is far from your router.
Just like how my router’s several steps outside my room. But sometimes, I can’t even access the Internet.
So, when we talk about speed. Using an ethernet cable comes out on top.
#7: Disable ad-blocker
I understand why you’d block ads.
They do get pretty annoying at times.
But leaving the ad-blocker on while using Discovery Plus can cause it not to load properly.
So, you could try disabling it and see whether that fixes the problem.
Worried about ads?
The good news is that you don’t need to turn on your ad-blocker while watching Discovery Plus.
After all, you’re paying for a premium ad-free streaming experience.
Pro tip: You can turn on the ad-blocker right after your movie session. In that case, ads from other websites won’t disturb you.
#8: Deactivate VPN
Using VPN is amazing, isn’t it?
I mean, you get to watch content from all over the world.
But it isn’t all perfect…
For one, using a VPN can cause Discovery Plus not to load.
So, you won’t be able to enjoy movies and shows around the globe.
Talk about irony.
With that said, deactivating your VPN for a while could resolve your issue.
But don’t worry, I’m not telling you to get rid of your VPN.
You can just turn it on after you’re done using Discovery Plus.
Read also: Discovery Plus not working on Samsung TV
#9: Clear cache
“What’s cache?”
According to experts, cache is a form of memory stored on your browser or app. And it serves to help you access websites much faster.
Picture this:
When you visit a place for the first time, you spend a lot of time looking for places where you could eat.
But the next time you go there, you’ll be more efficient as you’re already familiar with the place.
And that’s the same idea with the cache.
By remembering the websites you’ve already visited before…
Your device can load those websites much faster.
And normally, that’s very helpful.
But the thing is, your device has limited memory.
And too much cache could lead to issues like websites not loading properly.
So that’s why you need to clear your device’s cache from time to time.
With that said…
Here’s how to clear cache:
On Browser:
- Click the three dots on the top-right corner of the screen.
- Select Settings.
- In the search bar, type “cache”.
- Go to Clear Browsing Data.
- Deselect checkboxes except for Cached images and files.
- Click Clear data.
On App:
- Go to Settings > Storage.
- Press Apps or Other Apps.
- Select Discovery+.
- Tap Clear Cache.
Note: The exact process might be different for your phone model.
#10: Update app or browser
Do you watch Discovery Plus using an app or browser?
Then an outdated app or browser could be causing your issue.
And that’s because outdated apps or browsers aren’t optimized anymore to handle streaming.
With that said…
Here’s how to update your Discovery+ app:
- Go to App Store or Google Play Store.
- In the search bar, type “Discovery+”.
- Click Update.
And since there are a lot of browsers…
You could check out this very detailed video to update whatever browse you have:
#11: Update your device
You must be feeling worried right now.
But don’t feel that way. There’s still something that we can do.
And that’s updating your device, similar to what I’ve mentioned in the previous tip.
Doing so will ensure that apps and websites are running smoothly.
So here’s…
How to update your PC:
Windows:
- Press the Windows key.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates.
- Install updates if available.
Mac:
- Click the Apple logo.
- On the menu, select System Preferences.
- Press Software Update.
- Click Update Now or Upgrade Now if available.
How to update your phone:
- Go to Settings > About Phone.
- Select Check for Updates.
- Click the Update button if it appears.
- Press Install Now.