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 selecting what you want to watch
The Peacock app works on Apple TV devices running tvOS 13.2 or later. Once you install it, you log in with the same email and password you use on Peacock's website or mobile app, and your watchlist and viewing history sync across devices. You do not need a separate subscription—if you already pay for Peacock, that subscription works on Apple TV.
The process takes about five minutes from start to finish. You will need your Apple TV remote, your Peacock login information, and an internet connection. If you do not yet have a Peacock account, you can create one during the app installation, though most people set it up on a phone or computer first because typing on a TV remote is slower.
Key Takeaways
- read the Peacock app from the Apple TV App Store, search for "Peacock," and select the official app by NBCUniversal.
- Your existing Peacock subscription works on Apple TV without any additional cost or setup beyond signing in.
- Apple TV devices must run tvOS 13.2 or later; check your device settings under System > About if you are unsure which version you have.
- If you cannot find the Peacock app in your App Store, restart your Apple TV and check that it is connected to the internet.
Finding and Installing the Peacock App on Apple TV
Open the App Store on your Apple TV using your remote. Press the TV and Home button together to bring up the Control Center, then navigate to the App Store icon. You can also find the App Store in your home screen if it is pinned there.
Search for "Peacock" using the remote's search function. The official Peacock app shows the NBCUniversal logo and is listed as "Peacock: Stream TV & Movies." Select it and press the read button. The app will install automatically—this usually takes one to three minutes depending on your internet speed.
Once installation finishes, you will see an "Open" button. Press it to launch the app for the first time. If the app does not appear in search results, restart your Apple TV by going to Settings > System > Restart, wait 30 seconds, and try searching again.
Signing In to Your Peacock Account
When you open Peacock for the first time, you will see a sign-in screen. Enter the email address and password associated with your Peacock account. If you do not have an account yet, select "Create Account" and follow the prompts to set one up on your TV, though it is faster to create one on your phone or computer first.
After you sign in, Peacock will ask permission to access certain Apple TV features like your viewing history. Select "Allow" to let the app sync your preferences across devices. This means your watchlist on your phone will appear on your TV, and shows you start watching on Apple TV will show up as in-progress on other devices.
If you have two-factor authentication turned on for your Peacock account, you will need to enter a code sent to your email or phone. Have your phone nearby when you sign in so you can receive and enter this code quickly.
Checking Your Apple TV Compatibility
Peacock works on Apple TV 4K (all models), Apple TV HD, and Apple TV (3rd generation or later). The app requires tvOS 13.2 or newer. To check your device's software version, go to Settings > System > About on your Apple TV and look for the tvOS version number.
If your Apple TV is running an older version of tvOS, you can update it by going to Settings > System > Software Updates and selecting "Update Software." The update will read and install automatically if you leave your Apple TV plugged in and connected to the internet. This process can take 15 to 30 minutes.
If your Apple TV is older than the 3rd generation model, Peacock will not work on it. In that case, you can watch Peacock on a different device—a phone, tablet, computer, or a newer Apple TV—and stream it to your older Apple TV using AirPlay if that device supports it.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Problems
If the Peacock app will not read, check that your Apple TV has at least 500 MB of free storage space. Go to Settings > System > Storage to see how much space is available. If you are running low, delete apps you no longer use by pressing and holding them in the home screen, selecting "Delete," and confirming.
If the app downloads but will not open, force-close it by pressing the Menu button on your remote while the app is running, then select "Close." Wait 10 seconds and try opening it again. If that does not work, restart your Apple TV completely by going to Settings > System > Restart.
If you see an error message saying "Cannot Connect" or "Network Error," check that your Apple TV is connected to the internet. Go to Settings > Network and confirm your Wi-Fi network is listed as connected. If it is not, select your network, enter your Wi-Fi password, and wait for the connection to establish before trying the app again.
Using Peacock on Your Apple TV
Once you are signed in, the Peacock home screen shows featured shows and movies, your watchlist, and recommendations based on what you have watched. Use your Apple TV remote to navigate up, down, left, and right. Press the select button (the center circle) to open a show or movie.
You can search for specific titles by pressing the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top of the screen. Type the name of the show or movie you want using the on-screen keyboard. Results appear as you type, so you can select what you want without finishing the full title.
Your viewing history and watchlist sync with other devices. If you add a show to your watchlist on your phone, it will appear in your watchlist on Apple TV. If you watch an episode on your TV, it will show as in-progress on your phone, and you can pick up where you left off on either device.
Signing Out or Switching Accounts
To sign out of Peacock on your Apple TV, open the app and navigate to your profile icon (usually in the top right corner). Select "Sign Out" or "Log Out" depending on which version of the app you have. This removes your account information from the app but does not delete the app itself.
To switch to a different Peacock account, sign out first, then open the app again and sign in with the new account's email and password. Only one account can be signed in at a time on the Peacock app.
If you want to remove the Peacock app entirely from your Apple TV, press and hold the app icon on your home screen, select "Delete," and confirm. You can reinstall it anytime by going back to the App Store and downloading it again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay extra to watch Peacock on Apple TV?
No. Your existing Peacock subscription works on Apple TV at no additional cost. You only need to sign in with your account. If you do not have a Peacock account, you will need to create one, which may be free or paid depending on Peacock's current offerings.
Can I use AirPlay to watch Peacock on an older Apple TV?
Yes. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with AirPlay support, you can open the Peacock app on that device, start playing a show or movie, and use AirPlay to send it to your older Apple TV. Look for the AirPlay icon in the video player and select your Apple TV from the list.
What should I do if I forgot my Peacock password?
Go to Peacock's website on a computer or phone, select "Sign In," then click "Forgot Password." Enter your email address and follow the link sent to your inbox to reset your password. Once you have set a new password, use it to sign in on your Apple TV.
Will my watchlist appear on Apple TV if I created it on my phone?
Yes, as long as you are signed in with the same Peacock account on both devices. Your watchlist, viewing history, and recommendations sync automatically across all devices where you are logged in.
Can multiple people use Peacock on the same Apple TV?
Only one Peacock account can be signed in at a time on the Peacock app. To switch accounts, sign out and sign in with a different email and password. Each person's watchlist and viewing history is tied to their own account.