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How to Watch Discovery Plus Online from Anywhere in 2024
Last updated January 27, 2024
Discovery Plus is great for keeping up with reality TV, watching documentaries, or surfing channels like TLC, ID, Trvl, CNN, and more. That said, the largest Discovery+ library is only available in the US due to licensing restrictions. If you want to watch Discovery Plus outside the US from anywhere and get the full experience, you’ll have to use a VPN to get a US IP.
In the following guide, we’ll show you how to unblock the service from abroad. Then we’ll go over the top 3 Discovery Plus VPN providers and provide some alternative payment methods for non-US card holders. Finally, we’ll share some must-watch content on the platform, cover a few fixes in case your VPN isn’t working on Discovery+, and answer some FAQs.
How to Watch Discovery Plus Online with a VPN
To watch Discovery Plus online with a VPN, you have to get a US IP, which will allow you to sign up for the US version of the service. Note that this account will ONLY work in the US, so if you travel anywhere else, you’ll need a VPN to watch Discovery+ abroad. More details below:
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock Discovery Plus (we recommend NordVPN).
- Set up the VPN on your streaming device.
- Connect to a US server from the provider’s list.
- Access the Discovery Plus website and click “Start Free Trial.”
- Select a plan and click “Continue.”
- Add your email, create a password, then select “Agree and Continue.”
- Enter your billing information (requires a US credit card or PayPal account).
- Click “Start Subscription” and enjoy watching Discovery Plus outside the US!
Worried about the US payment method requirement? Well, we have good news for you. Later on in the article, we’ll go over a few alternative ways to pay for Discovery+ outside the US, so stick around.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch Discovery+ Outside the USA
You need a VPN to watch Discovery+ outside the USA because the US version has the most available titles internationally. For instance, US subscribers can watch 70+ CNN Originals that you can’t get anywhere else due to licensing reasons.
Moreover, you can only stream Discovery Plus in the country you’ve signed up in. Let’s say you’re a US resident traveling abroad and try to watch Discovery+. Unfortunately, all you’ll get is this error: “Sorry, access to discovery+ is available only within the country where you created your account.”
Not to mention that you can only stream Discovery Plus in 35+ countries to begin with. Attempting to sign up outside of these supported territories will result in this geo-block error: “Soon… But Not Quite Yet. Discovery+ is not yet available in this location. We can’t wait to bring Discovery+ to your part of the world!”
Fortunately, by using a VPN to change your IP to the US, you can easily evade any geo-blocks. We recommend NordVPN for unblocking Discovery Plus, as it comes with the advanced SmartPlay feature, which uses elements of smart DNS to keep your location a secret on streaming sites. Plus, NordVPN has 1,970+ blazing-fast US servers for seamless streaming.
The Best VPNs for Discovery Plus in 2024
The best VPN for Discovery Plus should be able to unblock Discovery Plus anywhere without a hitch. To that end, we recommend a VPN with some kind of obfuscation and an extensive US server network (and worldwide if you plan on unblocking other sites).
Naturally, you’ll want a fast VPN, whose performance remains consistent no matter your location. Then you’ll need a kill switch to prevent accidental IP leaks when disconnected. Look for a VPN with a robust no-logs policy to preserve your privacy, plus advanced encryption (AES-256) and protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard) to safeguard your data.
The VPN should be supported on platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, and other popular options. Get a VPN with plenty of simultaneous connections for all your needs, as well as 24/7 live chat and a generous money-back plan if you want to explore other providers.
Based on the criteria above, these are the best VPNs to stream Discovery+ outside the US:
- NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN to Watch Discovery+ Outside the US
- Surfshark – Unblock Discovery Plus Online with High-Speed US Servers
- ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated VPN to Get Discovery+ Outside the US
1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN to Watch Discovery+ Outside the US
NordVPN is the best Discovery Plus VPN for watching online outside the US. It comes with tools like SmartPlay that give it the ability to unblock Discovery+ and other streaming sites from anywhere in the world. On top of that, you get a massive network of 6,000+ servers in 61 countries, with 1,970+ located in 16 US locations.
NordVPN delivers unmatched speed and reliable performance regardless of the server you connect to. Whether you’re watching Discovery+ right outside the US borders or on the other side of the world, you won’t have to deal with pesky buffering.
The VPN comes with a strict no-logs policy and a nice selection of specialized servers. Aside from obfuscated ones to keep your VPN usage hidden, you get P2P, Onion-over-VPN, and double VPN servers. A kill switch is also included, which you can use to toggle off specific app traffic in case the VPN disconnects.
NordVPN is equipped with industry-standard protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec (AES-256 enabled), alongside its own WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol with ChaCha20 encryption. The latter offers great speeds without sacrificing the security of your data.
You get 6 simultaneous connections per NordVPN subscription, which is sufficient considering you can only stream on 4 devices at once on Discovery Plus. Apps are available for every major system, including macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, iOS, smart TVs, and many others.
NordVPN provides customer support via 24/7 live chat to troubleshoot any issues you have, and it offers a 30-day money-back policy on every plan.
PROS
- 1,970+ high-speed US servers.
- Unblocks Discovery+ easily.
- 6,000+ servers in 61 countries.
- SmartPlay and specialized servers.
- 24/7 live chat.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- Android/Windows-only split-tunneling.
2. Surfshark – Unblock Discovery Plus Online with High-Speed US Servers
Surfshark is an excellent VPN to stream Discovery+ from anywhere for a couple of different reasons. First off, you get a hefty network with 3,200+ servers in 105 countries (including 600+ servers in 25 major US cities). Then, you have smart DNS to help you unblock Discovery+ outside the US, along with other streamers.
This VPN’s Nexus technology keeps connections stable. The feature routes traffic through the entire Surfshark network, noticeably improving its lightning-fast speeds and stable performance when streaming, gaming, and more. We noticed no buffering issues when live streaming sports on Discovery+ or exploring its massive library of documentaries.
Surfshark also has a reliable kill switch to prevent any unwanted IP leaks. Further, Camouflage Mode adds a layer of obfuscation to your connection, so you can get past VPN filters on restrictive networks.
Surfshark’s no-logs policy has been audited by top security firms to ensure none of your data is stored on the provider’s servers. The VPN also includes every industry-standard protocol (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard) with impenetrable encryption (AES-256 and ChaCha20).
The best part about a Surfshark subscription is the allowance of unlimited simultaneous connections—great for larger households or chipping in with a couple of friends. You can stream Discovery+ on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, and more.
Feel free to contact support through their 24/7 live chat system if you encounter any issues. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee in case things aren’t as you expected.
PROS
- Budget-friendly VPN.
- Obfuscation with Camouflage Mode.
- Enhanced speeds with Nexus.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 customer support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Needs better initial connection times.
3. ExpressVPN – Fully Obfuscated VPN to Get Discovery+ Outside the US
ExpressVPN is another great option to unblock Discovery+ outside the US, thanks to its widespread server network with built-in obfuscation technology. That’s 3,000+ servers in 105 countries (including clusters in 24 US locations). All of them are able to bypass geo-blocks on any streaming services out there.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN delivers high-speed connections and dependable performance despite its always-on obfuscation. You’re sure to get a seamless streaming experience, whether you’re watching US Discovery+ from close-by or overseas.
All apps include a trusty kill switch that prevents online services from discovering your real IP in case you get disconnected. What’s more, ExpressVPN offers a no-nonsense no-logs policy (with multiple audits to prove it), guaranteeing your privacy while using their services.
The VPN is equipped with top-of-the-line protocols like Lightway (an in-house option with WolfSSL encryption), as well as classic alternatives like OpenVPN or IKEv2 (with AES-256 encryption). We recommend Lightway if your main goal is streaming.
Otherwise, ExpressVPN works on every popular system nowadays, from Windows to Linux, from mobiles to smart TVs. You also get 8 simultaneous connections to watch Discovery+, browse and game securely, and other activities.
As expected, ExpressVPN’s customer support team is ready 24/7 to help with your inquiries through live chat. Lastly, all plans are backed by a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you’ve got plenty of time to get acquainted with the service.
PROS
- Simple, intuitive interface.
- Servers in 105 countries.
- Completely obfuscated network.
- 8 simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day refund period.
CONS
- Limited customization.
Where is Discovery+ Available?
Discovery Plus is currently available in 35+ territories, with an additional 10 locations set to launch in 2024. Content will vary by location, of course. Note that some of these locations do not have a standalone version of the service and instead offer some Discovery+ content through partnerships with local broadcasters, such as MEGOGO.
In other locations, you can get a Discovery Plus subscription (the standalone version) for free for a limited time with an existing membership of another service. For example, if you already have certain Sky services in Germany, you can get a Discover Plus subscription at no extra cost.
Here’s a full list of countries where Discovery+ is available:
How Much is a Discovery Plus Subscription?
If you’re looking to subscribe to the US version of Discovery+, expect to pay $4.99/month (with ads), or $8.99/month for the Ad-Free tier. Both plans have a 7-day free trial available.
How to Pay for Discovery Plus Outside the US
You can pay for Discovery Plus outside the US with a VPN by using 4 different methods: a virtual US credit card, a US PayPal account, an iTunes gift card, or a Google Play gift card. Note that you’ll need a separate Apple ID and Google account for the latter methods.
Here are quick guides for each of these options:
Method 1: Pay for Discovery Plus with a Virtual US Credit Card
Registering for a virtual US credit card will let you get Discovery Plus outside the US, along with other US-only services. You’ll also need a VPN to change your IP to the US, as seen below:
- Sign up for a VPN that works on Discovery+ (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download the VPN to your device.
- Launch the app and connect to a US server.
- Visit USUnlocked and click “Get Started.”
- Create an account.
- Add funds to your USUnlocked account, and gather your new card details.
- Go to the Discovery+ website and sign up as instructed at the beginning of this article.
- During checkout, input your virtual credit card info.
- Click “Start Subscription” to finish up.
- Now, you can stream any TV shows or movies you’d like!
Method 2: Pay for Discovery Plus with a US iTunes Gift Card
If a virtual credit card isn’t your cup of tea, you can get Discovery Plus with an iTunes gift card and VPN combo. Here’s what you need to do:
- Subscribe to a reliable Discovery+ VPN (we recommend NordVPN).
- Download and install the app on your iOS device.
- Connect to a US server.
- Create a new Apple ID with a US billing address.
- Grab a US iTunes Gift Card from your preferred retailer.
- Redeem your funds in the US App Store.
- Download the Discovery+ app from the App Store.
- Launch the app, then sign up for the service with your wallet funds.
- That’s it! Pick a title and start streaming!
Method 3: Pay for Discovery Plus with a US Google Play Gift Card
Much like the method above, this option involves creating a separate, US-based Google account, topping up with a Google Play gift card, and unblocking Discovery+ with a VPN. Follow these steps to make it easy:
- Get a VPN that works on Discovery+ (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your Android device.
- Open the app and select a US server from the provider’s list.
- Sign up for a separate Google account with a US address.
- Purchase a US Google Play gift card from MyGiftCardSupply or similar stores.
- Add the funds to your new Google Play account.
- Download the Discovery+ app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the app and subscribe with your gift card funds.
- Get started streaming all the best Discovery Plus content!
Method 4: Pay for Discovery Plus with a US PayPal Account
If you’re an expat or have friends or family in the States who are willing to let you use their PayPal information, you can pay for Discovery Plus with a US PayPal account. Follow these steps:
- Sign up for a VPN that can unblock Discovery+ (we recommend NordVPN).
- Install the VPN on your preferred device.
- Connect to a server in the US.
- Visit the Discovery+ website and sign up as usual.
- During checkout, add your US PayPal information (and associated ZIP code).
- Complete your purchase via PayPal and wait to be redirected.
- Pick something to watch and have fun streaming!
How to Watch Discovery+ on All Your Devices
The easiest way to watch Discovery+ on all your devices is to install a VPN on your router. That way you’ll be able to stream geo-blocked content on your PlayStation, Xbox, Roku, and other devices that aren’t natively compatible with VPNs.
Otherwise, here are some handy guides on how to watch Discovery+ on most popular devices:
What Can You Watch on Discovery Plus?
Discovery Plus houses a wide variety of lifestyle and reality shows such as 90 Day Fiancé, chilling real-life stories like Girl in the Box, and numerous documentaries and docuseries from channels like Discovery, Animal Planet, TLC, Trvl, History, HGTV, Magnolia Network, OWN, A&E, ID, CNN, Lifetime, Food Network, and more.
Sports fans can catch the Australian Open, Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, FISU World University Games, and various other live events as well.
Here are some more must-watch titles from the Discovery Plus library:
Why is Discovery Plus Not Working With a VPN?
Discovery Plus may not be working with your VPN due to connectivity issues, outdated software, firewall or VPN conflicts, or a simple case of the VPN’s IP or protocol being blocked (either by Discovery+ or your network admin). Here’s what you can do to try and get Discovery Plus working with your VPN:
- Restart Your Device/VPN – Restarting your device or VPN (especially on smartphones and tablets) is the first thing you should attempt. It can solve many issues with various apps not working properly.
- Check Your Internet Connection – If your Internet isn’t stable or fast enough, it can prevent your VPN from working. Try accessing Discovery+ on mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network. Then you’ll know if there’s a problem with your main connection.
- Update Your VPN Application – App updates can sometimes include fixes to connectivity issues between your VPN and Discovery Plus or other platforms.
- Switch to Another VPN Server – Discovery+ may have blocked your server’s IP address. Try a different server and see if that fixes the issue.
- Try a Different VPN protocol – This is usually a problem if you’re trying to watch at work or school. Changing protocols can sidestep any of your network admin’s filters.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device’s Firewall – Firewalls can interfere with proper VPN functioning. If you disable it and things start working, ensure that you’ve added a firewall exception rule for your VPN app.
- Uninstall Other VPN Applications – Multiple VPN apps don’t usually mesh together, so try uninstalling any other ones on your system to see if that helps.
- Contact Your VPN Provider’s Support – If nothing else works, your VPN’s support team may be able to offer more specific tips regarding their own software.
Final Thoughts
Discovery Plus is available in quite a few locations outside the US, but the biggest content library is only available in the US. Plus, you can’t access your Discovery+ account from abroad. To get the full experience anywhere in the world, you’ll need to get a US IP address using the best VPN for Discovery Plus.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for watching Discovery Plus outside the USA. It comes with 1,970+ powerful US servers, incredible speeds, and the SmartPlay feature to bypass even the most stringent geo-blocks out there.
That brings us to the end of our guide on how to watch Discovery Plus outside the US. If you have any questions, know that you can post a comment below. We'll make sure to respond as soon as possible. And also, thanks for reading!
