Setting Up Your Samsung TV
You need to get the app running before you worry about picture quality. Samsung Smart TVs running Tizen OS from 2017 or newer support the native application. Go to the app store on your TV and search for Discovery Plus. Download the app and open it.
The screen displays a six-digit code. You must activate this code to link your account. Open a browser on your phone or computer and go to discovery plus.com/samsung. Log in to your account if you haven't already. Enter the code from your TV screen into the activation box. The TV screen refreshes automatically once you hit submit.
Optimizing Visual Performance
Samsung screens use specific display technologies like QLED or OLED that require the right settings for the best image. Most Discovery content streams in HD or 4K UHD, depending on your subscription tier.
Start by changing your picture mode. The default "Standard" or "Vivid" modes often oversaturate colors and crank up brightness artificially. Switch your TV picture mode to Movie or Filmmaker Mode. This disables unnecessary processing and displays the content as the creators intended. It makes nature documentaries look realistic rather than cartoonish.
Turn off motion smoothing. Samsung calls this Auto Motion Plus or Picture Clarity. This feature adds fake frames to make movement look smoother, but it creates a "soap opera effect" that ruins cinematic content. Go into your expert settings and switch this off completely.
Managing Bandwidth and Buffering
Visual fidelity depends heavily on your internet connection. 4K streaming requires a steady speed of at least 25 Mbps. If your network drops below this, the app automatically lowers the resolution to prevent stopping. This makes the picture look blocky or blurry.
Use a wired connection if possible. Plug an Ethernet cable directly from your router into the back of your Samsung TV. Wi-Fi signals fluctuate due to interference from walls or other devices. A wired connection guarantees speed and stability.
If you must use Wi-Fi, connect to the 5GHz band on your router. It offers faster speeds than the 2.4GHz band, which is crowded and slower. Check your network status in the Samsung TV settings menu to verify your signal strength.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the app freezes or refuses to load high-quality video. A soft reset fixes most of these glitches. Hold down the power button on your remote for five seconds until the Samsung logo appears and the TV restarts. This clears the cache and frees up memory.
Keep your firmware updated. Samsung releases updates that improve how apps handle video decoding. Go to Settings, Support, and Software Update to check for new versions. Running an old version of Tizen OS causes compatibility issues with newer apps.