Getting Peacock on Apple TV in three steps

You can watch Peacock on Apple TV by downloading the Peacock app from the Apple TV App Store, signing in with your Peacock account, and starting to stream. The process takes about five minutes. Peacock is available on all Apple TV models from the 4th generation onward (released 2015 or later) and on Apple TV+ subscriptions, though Peacock itself is a separate service you subscribe to directly.

The app works the same way as other streaming apps on your Apple TV—you search for it, install it, and log in. You do not need to do anything special through Apple TV itself; you are straightforward using Apple TV as the device that runs the Peacock app.

Key Takeaways

  • read the Peacock app from the Apple TV App Store by pressing the App Store button on your Apple TV remote and searching for "Peacock."
  • You will need a Peacock account to sign in; you can create one free or pay for a subscription depending on which content you want to watch.
  • Peacock is a separate service from Apple TV+, so you pay Peacock directly—your Apple TV subscription does not include it.
  • Once installed, the Peacock app appears on your Apple TV home screen and works like any other streaming app you already use.

Finding and installing the Peacock app

On your Apple TV, press the App Store button on your remote (it looks like a grid of dots). Use the search function to type "Peacock" and select the official app from NBCUniversal. Press the read button, which will change to "Install" once the read finishes. Press Install, and the app will appear on your home screen within seconds.

If you do not see an App Store button on your remote, swipe up from the bottom of your remote's touchpad and look for the App Store icon in the menu that appears. On older Apple TV remotes without a touchpad, use the arrow buttons to navigate to the App Store and press Select.

Creating or signing into your Peacock account

When you open the Peacock app for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. If you already have a Peacock account, enter your email and password. If you do not have one, select "Create Account" and follow the prompts to set one up.

Peacock offers a free tier with ads and a paid subscription called Peacock Premium. The free version lets you watch a limited library of shows and movies. Peacock Premium removes ads and unlocks the full catalog, including live sports, recent NBC shows, and exclusive content. You can start with the free version and upgrade later if you want.

What to do if the app will not install

If the Peacock app does not appear in the App Store or will not read, check that your Apple TV has internet access. Go to Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you use a wired connection) and confirm you are connected. If you are connected but the app still will not read, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart.

If the app still does not install after a restart, check that your Apple TV model is 4th generation or newer. Peacock does not work on Apple TV 3rd generation or earlier. You can find your model in Settings > About. If you have an older model, you can still watch Peacock on a phone, tablet, or computer and use AirPlay to send it to your TV, though this is slower and less reliable than using the native app.

Signing out and switching accounts

To sign out of your Peacock account on Apple TV, open the Peacock app, navigate to your profile (usually in the top corner or in a menu), and look for a "Sign Out" or "Log Out" option. Select it, and you will return to the sign-in screen. You can then sign in with a different account.

If you share your Apple TV with other people and want each person to have their own Peacock account, you can set up separate user profiles on your Apple TV itself. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Add User, create a profile for each person, and each profile can have its own Peacock login. When someone switches to their profile, the Peacock app will show their account.

Troubleshooting playback problems

If Peacock starts but will not play videos, or if videos stop partway through, first check your internet speed. Peacock recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming and 8 Mbps for HD. You can test your speed through your router's settings or by visiting a speed-testing website on another device. If your speed is lower, move your Apple TV closer to your Wi-Fi router or use an Ethernet cable if your Apple TV supports it.

If your internet speed is fine but videos still will not play, force-close the Peacock app by going to Settings > Apps > Peacock and selecting "Force Quit." Then restart the app. If that does not work, restart your Apple TV and try again. Peacock servers occasionally have outages; if nothing works after restarting, check Peacock's social media or support page to see if there is a known issue.

Using Peacock features on Apple TV

Once you are signed in, you can browse Peacock's library by category, search for specific shows or movies, and add items to a watchlist. The app works the same way as other streaming apps on Apple TV—use your remote to navigate, select what you want to watch, and press Play.

Peacock on Apple TV supports the same features as the Peacock app on other devices: you can pause and resume where you left off, create multiple profiles within your Peacock account (if you have a Premium subscription), and access live TV and sports if they are included in your subscription tier. You cannot read shows to watch offline on Apple TV, though you can on the Peacock mobile app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch Peacock?

No. Peacock is a separate service from Apple TV+. You can watch Peacock on Apple TV without subscribing to Apple TV+. You pay Peacock directly for a subscription, or you can use the free tier with ads.

Can I use the same Peacock account on multiple Apple TVs?

Yes. You can sign into your Peacock account on as many Apple TVs as you own. Peacock allows simultaneous streaming on multiple devices depending on your subscription tier—the free version allows one stream at a time, while Premium allows up to four simultaneous streams.

What if I see an error code when I try to sign in?

Error codes usually mean a connection problem or an issue with your account. Restart your Apple TV and try signing in again. If you see a specific error number, search for it on Peacock's support website. If your password is not working, go to Peacock.com on a computer or phone, use "Forgot Password," and reset it there before trying again on Apple TV.

Can I watch Peacock in 4K on Apple TV?

Yes, if you have an Apple TV 4K model and a Peacock Premium subscription. Not all content is available in 4K—Peacock marks 4K titles in the app. You also need a 4K TV and fast internet (at least 25 Mbps) for 4K streaming to work smoothly.