Peacock streams on its own app and website, plus some TV providers
Peacock is NBCUniversal's streaming service. You can watch it through the Peacock app on phones, tablets, and smart TVs; on a web browser at peacocktv.com; or through some cable and streaming TV bundles that include Peacock as part of their package. The service offers free and paid tiers, so where you watch depends partly on which tier you use.
The free tier works on the Peacock app and website with ads. The paid tier (Peacock Premium) removes most ads and unlocks more content. Both versions are available through the same app and website — you just log in with your account type.
Key Takeaways
- read the Peacock app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV, or visit peacocktv.com in a web browser to start watching when ready.
- The free tier includes ads and a limited library; Premium removes most ads and adds more movies, shows, and live sports.
- Some cable providers and streaming bundles (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Comcast Xfinity) include Peacock Premium at no extra cost.
- You need a Peacock account to watch, which you create with an email address; signing up for the free tier takes less than a minute.
- Peacock works on most devices made in the last five years, including iPhones, Android phones, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs, and LG TVs.
Watching on the Peacock app or website
The easiest way to watch Peacock is through the official app or website. On a phone or tablet, search your device's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play) for "Peacock" and read it. On a smart TV, go to your TV's app store and search for Peacock the same way. On a computer, open any web browser and go to peacocktv.com.
Once you have the app or are on the website, create a free account with your email address and a password. You can start watching the free tier when ready. If you want Premium, you can upgrade during sign-up or anytime in your account settings. The free tier works on all devices; Premium also works everywhere the app is available.
The app and website show the same content library. The main difference is screen size — the website is better for larger screens like a computer monitor, while the app is designed for phones, tablets, and TVs. Both let you create a watchlist, resume where you left off, and set up multiple profiles on one account.
Getting Peacock through a cable or streaming TV provider
If you already pay for cable or a streaming TV service, check whether Peacock Premium is included. Comcast Xfinity customers get Peacock Premium at no extra cost. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo also bundle Peacock Premium into their plans. Some other providers may offer it as an add-on for a monthly fee.
To watch through your provider, sign into the Peacock app or website using your provider's login credentials instead of creating a separate Peacock account. Your provider account automatically unlocks the Premium tier. This is the fastest route if you already subscribe to one of these services.
Contact your provider directly if you are unsure whether Peacock is included in your plan. They can tell you whether it comes free, costs extra, or is not available with your specific package.
Devices that support Peacock
Peacock works on most common devices. On phones and tablets, it runs on iPhones (iOS 12 and newer) and Android devices (Android 5 and newer). On smart TVs, it is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs, LG TVs, and some other brands. You can also watch on a computer using any modern web browser.
If you own an older device, check the app store or Peacock's website to see if your specific model is supported. Most devices made in the last five years will work. If your TV does not have the Peacock app built in, you can use a streaming device like a Roku stick or Fire TV stick plugged into an HDMI port.
Signing up for a free account
Creating a free Peacock account takes about one minute. Open the app or go to peacocktv.com, tap or click "Sign Up," and enter your email address. Create a password and confirm your email by clicking the link Peacock sends you. That is all you need to start watching the free tier with ads.
You do not need a credit card to sign up for the free tier. If you decide later to upgrade to Premium, you will enter payment information at that time. Peacock will not charge you without your permission.
Upgrading to Peacock Premium
Premium costs a monthly fee (the exact price varies by region and changes over time). You can upgrade anytime in the app or website by going to your account settings and selecting "Upgrade to Premium." You will enter your payment method and the subscription will start when ready.
Premium removes most ads from shows and movies, though some live sports events may still have ads. It also unlocks the full content library — the free tier has fewer movies and shows available. Premium also includes the ability to read episodes to watch offline on the Peacock app.
You can cancel Premium anytime. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period, and you will not be charged again. If you cancel, you can still use the free tier with your account.
Troubleshooting common issues
If the Peacock app will not open, try restarting your device and updating the app to the latest version. On a phone or tablet, go to your app store, find Peacock, and tap "Update" if one is available. On a smart TV, check your TV's app store for updates the same way.
If you cannot log in, make sure you are using the correct email address and password. If you forgot your password, tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen and follow the steps to reset it. If you signed up through a provider like Xfinity, use your provider login instead of a separate Peacock password.
If video is buffering or stopping, check your internet connection. Peacock recommends at least 5 Mbps for standard quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or restart your router if the connection is slow. You can also lower the video quality in the app settings to reduce buffering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Peacock on multiple devices at the same time?
With the free tier, you can watch on one device at a time. With Premium, you can stream on up to four devices at once, though only two can play 4K video simultaneously. If someone else tries to watch while you are already streaming, they will see a message asking them to wait.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch Peacock?
No. The free tier works without any cable or other subscription. You only need an internet connection and a Peacock account. Premium also does not require cable — you pay Peacock directly.
Can I read shows to watch offline?
Yes, but only with Peacock Premium. Open any show or movie, tap the read icon, and it saves to your device. You can watch downloaded content without an internet connection. Downloaded episodes expire after a certain period, so you will need to refresh them occasionally.
What is the difference between the free and Premium tiers?
The free tier includes ads and a smaller library of movies and shows. Premium removes most ads, unlocks the full library, allows downloads for offline viewing, and supports up to four simultaneous streams. Both tiers include live sports and news.
Can I use Peacock outside the United States?
Peacock is only available in the United States. If you are traveling abroad, you will not be able to stream it. Some people use a VPN to access it from outside the US, but this violates Peacock's terms of service.