What Discovery+ is and who it's for

Discovery+ is a streaming service owned by Warner Bros. Discovery that shows documentary, reality, and lifestyle programming. It includes content from channels like HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Animal Planet, and Discovery Channel — the same shows that air on cable television, but available to watch on demand through an app or website.

You watch on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device. There is no cable subscription required. You pay a monthly or annual fee directly to Discovery+, and you can cancel anytime.

The service is designed for people who want to watch home renovation, cooking, nature, true crime, and reality competition shows without paying for a full cable package. If you already have a cable subscription that includes these channels, you may already have Discovery+ included at no extra cost — check your cable provider's app.

Key Takeaways

  • Discovery+ offers two subscription tiers: one with ads for a lower price, and one ad-free for a higher price.
  • The monthly cost varies by region and changes periodically, so check the Discovery+ website directly for current pricing in your area.
  • You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and most streaming devices, but the number of screens you can use at once depends on your subscription tier.
  • Canceling is done through your account settings on the Discovery+ website or app, and your access ends at the end of your billing period.
  • Some cable and phone providers bundle Discovery+ into their packages, so check your existing subscriptions before paying separately.

Subscription tiers and what each one includes

Discovery+ offers two main subscription options. The ad-supported tier costs less per month but includes advertisements during shows. The ad-free tier costs more and removes ads entirely. Both tiers give you access to the same library of shows and movies.

The exact monthly price for each tier varies by country and region, and Discovery+ adjusts pricing periodically. Visit the Discovery+ website or open the app to see the current price where you live. Some regions also offer annual plans at a discounted rate if you pay upfront for a full year.

Both tiers let you create multiple profiles within one account, so different household members can have their own watch history and recommendations. The number of screens you can watch on at the same time depends on your tier — check your account settings to see the simultaneous streaming limit for your plan.

How to sign up and set up your account

Go to the Discovery+ website or read the Discovery+ app from your device's app store. Choose your subscription tier and enter your email address and payment method. You will receive a confirmation email, and your subscription begins when ready.

After signing up, read the app on any device you want to watch on — phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Google Chromecast. Sign in with the email and password you created, and you can start watching right away.

If you have a cable or phone provider subscription that includes Discovery+ (such as certain Verizon, AT&T, or cable packages), you may be able to sign in using your provider credentials instead of creating a separate Discovery+ account. Check your provider's website to see if this option is available to you.

Devices you can watch on

Discovery+ works on most modern devices. You can watch on iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Windows and Mac computers, and web browsers on any computer. For television, the service is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and some other smart TV brands.

The app is free to read — you only pay for the subscription itself. If you are unsure whether your device is supported, visit the Discovery+ website and look for the list of compatible devices, or try downloading the app and signing in to see if it works.

Picture quality depends on your internet connection and your subscription tier. Higher internet speeds allow for better video quality, up to 4K on some devices if your plan supports it. Check your internet speed if you experience buffering or low-quality video.

How to cancel your subscription

To cancel, sign into your Discovery+ account on the website or app and go to your account settings or subscription settings. Look for an option to manage your subscription or cancel. Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation.

Your access continues until the end of your current billing period — if you cancel mid-month, you can still watch until your next billing date. After that date, your account is deactivated and you lose access to all content.

If you signed up through a third-party service like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, you may need to cancel through that service instead of through Discovery+ directly. Check where you originally signed up, or contact Discovery+ support if you are unsure which method to use.

Bundled options through other providers

Some cable, phone, and internet providers include Discovery+ as part of their package at no extra charge. Verizon, AT&T, and various cable companies offer this. If you already subscribe to one of these services, log into your provider's app or website to see if Discovery+ is included, or call your provider to ask.

If Discovery+ is included with your provider, you typically sign in using your provider account rather than creating a separate Discovery+ account. This can save you money if you were planning to pay for Discovery+ separately.

Some providers offer a free trial period of Discovery+ for new customers. Check your provider's current promotions to see if you are may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Discovery+ account with family members in another house?

Discovery+ allows multiple profiles on one account and simultaneous streaming on multiple devices, but the terms of service restrict account sharing to members of your household. Sharing login credentials with people outside your home may violate the terms. Check your subscription tier to see how many screens can stream at once.

What happens if I cancel and want to resubscribe later?

You can resubscribe anytime by signing back into the Discovery+ website or app with your original email and payment method. Your watch history and profiles are usually saved, though this depends on how long you were unsubscribed. Current pricing will explore when you resubscribe.

Does Discovery+ have a free trial?

Discovery+ occasionally offers free trial periods, but this varies by region and changes over time. Check the Discovery+ website to see if a trial is currently available in your area. Some providers that bundle Discovery+ also offer trial periods for new customers.

Can I read shows to watch offline?

Yes, the Discovery+ app allows you to read episodes and watch them later without an internet connection. The read feature is available on mobile devices and some other platforms. Downloaded content expires after a certain period, so you cannot keep it permanently.

What if I have trouble signing in or watching shows?

First, check that your internet connection is working and that you are using the correct email and password. Clear the app cache or reinstall the app if you continue to have problems. If issues persist, visit the Discovery+ help center on their website or contact their support team through the app.