Peacock streams on devices and platforms you likely already own

Peacock is available on smart TVs, phones, tablets, computers, and some streaming devices. You can watch through the Peacock app or website from most major manufacturers — Samsung, LG, Sony, Apple, Amazon, Google, and Roku all support it. The service also works on gaming consoles including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch.

You do not need a special box or separate subscription service to access Peacock. If your device can connect to the internet and read apps, it can run Peacock. The app is free to read on all platforms, though some content requires a paid subscription tier.

The easiest way to learn about your specific device works is to open your device's app store — whether that is the Apple App Store, Google Play, Samsung TV Plus, or your TV's built-in app marketplace — and search for "Peacock". If it appears in results, your device supports it.

Key Takeaways

  • Peacock works on smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, and others, as well as Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast devices.
  • You can watch on phones and tablets through the Peacock app, available on both iOS and Android.
  • Peacock streams on computers through the website at peacocktv.com or through the desktop app.
  • Gaming consoles including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, and Nintendo Switch all have Peacock apps.
  • The Peacock app is free to read on all devices; you pay only if you choose a paid subscription tier for additional content.

Smart TVs and TV streaming devices

Most modern smart TVs have Peacock built in or available through the app store. Samsung TVs, LG TVs, and Sony TVs all support Peacock natively. If your TV is from 2016 or later and connects to the internet, check your TV's app menu or app store to see if Peacock is listed.

If your TV does not have Peacock built in, you can add it through a separate streaming device. Amazon Fire Stick (both standard and 4K versions), Google Chromecast with Google TV, Roku devices, and Apple TV all run the Peacock app. These devices plug into your TV's HDMI port and cost between $30 and $100 depending on the model.

To install Peacock on any of these devices, go to the device's app store, search for Peacock, and select "Install" or "Add to Home". The app downloads automatically and appears on your home screen within a few minutes.

Phones, tablets, and computers

The Peacock app works on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching "Peacock" and tapping the official app from NBCUniversal. The app is the same across all phones and tablets — you do not need a different version for different screen sizes.

On a computer, you can watch Peacock two ways. Open a web browser and go to peacocktv.com, or read the Peacock desktop app from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or Mac App Store (Mac). Both methods give you the same experience; the website is often faster if you just want to watch without installing anything.

Phones and tablets let you read episodes to watch offline, which is useful if you travel or have spotty internet. The website and desktop app do not support offline downloads.

Gaming consoles

PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S both have Peacock apps available in their respective app stores. Search for Peacock in the PlayStation Store or Microsoft Store, read it, and sign in with your Peacock account. Nintendo Switch also supports Peacock, though the smaller screen makes it less ideal for watching full shows or movies.

Older gaming consoles — PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch Lite — do not officially support Peacock. If you own one of these, use a streaming device like a Fire Stick or Roku instead, or watch on a phone or computer.

What to do if your device is not supported

If you have an older TV or device that does not support Peacock, the cheapest solution is usually a Roku Express or Amazon Fire Stick Lite, both around $30. These plug into any TV with an HDMI port and give you access to Peacock and hundreds of other apps.

If you do not want to buy a device, you can watch Peacock on any smartphone or computer you already own. The experience is smaller but complete — you get the same shows, movies, and live sports as on a TV.

Some internet providers, including Comcast Xfinity and Cox, bundle Peacock access into their cable or internet plans. Check your provider's app or website to see if you have Peacock included at no extra cost.

Signing in and account setup across devices

Once you create a Peacock account on one device, you can sign in on any other supported device using the same email and password. Your watch history, saved shows, and preferences sync across all your devices, so you can start watching on your phone and pick up where you left off on your TV.

Peacock allows multiple user profiles on the same account, similar to Netflix. Each person in your household can have their own profile with separate watch history and recommendations. Set up additional profiles in the account settings on any device.

If you forget your password, go to peacocktv.com, click "Sign In", then "Forgot Password". Enter your email address and follow the link sent to your inbox. You will be able to reset your password and sign back in on all your devices.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If Peacock will not load on your device, first check that your internet connection is working by opening another app or website. Peacock requires a stable connection; if your Wi-Fi is weak, move closer to your router or restart it by unplugging it for 30 seconds.

If your internet is working but Peacock still will not load, restart the Peacock app by closing it completely and reopening it. On most devices, swipe up from the bottom of the screen (phones) or press the home button and close the app from the recent apps menu (TVs). Wait 10 seconds, then open Peacock again.

If the app still does not work, restart your device entirely. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears temporary files that sometimes cause streaming apps to freeze or crash. After your device restarts, open Peacock again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Peacock on my older smart TV?

It depends on your TV's age and manufacturer. Most TVs from 2016 onward support Peacock, but older models may not. Check your TV's app store or settings menu to see if Peacock is available. If not, a Fire Stick or Roku device will add Peacock to any TV with an HDMI port.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch Peacock?

No. Peacock is a standalone streaming service you can watch without cable. Some cable providers like Comcast Xfinity include Peacock access in their internet or TV plans, but you do not need cable to use it.

Can I watch Peacock on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but the number of simultaneous streams depends on your subscription tier. The free tier allows one stream at a time. Paid tiers allow two or more streams depending on which plan you choose. Check your account settings to see your current limit.

What internet speed do I need to watch Peacock?

Peacock recommends at least 8 Mbps for HD quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. Most home internet plans meet these speeds, but if you have slow internet, you can lower the video quality in the app settings to reduce buffering.

Can I read Peacock shows to watch offline?

Yes, but only on phones and tablets. Open the Peacock app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device, find the show or movie you want, and tap the read icon. Downloaded content stays on your device for 30 days. Computers and TVs do not support offline downloads.