(11 Fixes) Peacock Not Working [Updated 2023 Guide]

There’s no denying it…

Streaming services are the new cable.

To prove it, list all the streaming apps you know.

Done?

I bet Peacock didn’t even make the first 5.

But that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of attention.

And, if yours isn’t working…

Don’t worry. I have the answers for you.

Keep reading to discover:

• Which devices are compatible with Peacock.
• 11 easy ways to fix Peacock TV if it’s not working.
• What streaming devices are best for watching Peacock shows.
• How to clear cache and data of Peacock on all devices to make it work again.
• And so much more…

Why is Peacock not working?

Your Peacock isn’t working because of network issues, VPN errors, or due to corrupted cache. If not, then their servers could be down. Or your device isn’t compatible with their service.

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Peacock not working: 11 fixes

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#1: Is Peacock down?

“It’s not you. It’s me.”

Or rather, them.

If Peacock’s not working…

The first thing you should check is if Peacock is down.

How?

You can either follow their Twitter account for live updates.

Alternatively, there are 3rd party down detectors that you can use to check.

#2: Network issues

Are you experiencing internet problems lately?

If so, this could be the culprit.

Just to make sure, let me ask you these questions:

• Can your device connect to other networks?
• Can other devices connect to your network?

Is your answer no to either of them?

Then proceed to…

Check the internet speed

Using a device that can connect to your network, check your internet speed.

Now, compare that speed to Peacock’s speed recommendations.

Peacock says that users need a minimum of 3.0 Mbps to enjoy their content.

And 8.0 Mbps if it’s a live event or in ultra-high definition.

If your download speed is much lower than that, Peacock recommends:

• Reduce the number of devices in use on the same network.
• Stop any large simultaneous downloads on the same network.

Remove limit

Do you know that your router has a device connection limit?

Well, not all the time.

But it’s worth checking out.

And worth taking the time to remove if it’s causing your network issues.

Follow these 3 steps…

Step #1: Identify your IP address

First, you’ll need your IP address to access your web interface. (More on that later.)

Note: The most common default IP addresses are “192.168.0.1” and “192.168.1.1.”

However, not all routers use those.

To be sure, what you can do instead is:

1. Connect a desktop PC or a laptop to your Wi-Fi.
2. Open Command Prompt.
3. Write and enter ‘ipconfig/all’.
4. Look for Default Gateway.

The 4 numbers next to the default gateway are your IP address.

You’ll need those for the next step.

Step #2: Access your router’s interface

Use the IP address to access your router’s interface.

The interface is a website that allows you to change your network settings.

All you need to do is:

1. Open a web browser.
2. Type and enter your IP address in the address bar.
3. Enter your username and password.

And you’re good to go.

Note: The default username and password should be ‘admin’ and ‘password,’ respectively.

If you don’t know your login credentials, contact your ISP.

Step #3: Change your settings

Finally, all there’s left to do is remove the limit.

Unfortunately, every router has a different interface.

But, if you have a Netgear router, here’s how you can do this step:

1. Click the WiFi setting on the left.
2. Scroll down until you find WiFiOptions and then press it.
3. Select the Max WiFi dropdown.
4. Choose how many devices you want to connect to your Wi-Fi network.

Ethernet

The best way to always stay connected to the internet?

Go ahead and physically connect your device to your router.

How?

Through an ethernet cable

Note: When purchasing a cable, research what you buy first.

The incorrect cable can throttle your download speed.

Use this list as a reference:

• Cat 3: 10Mbps.
• Cat 5: 10-100Mbps.
• Cat 5e: 1000Mbps to 1Gbps.
• Cat 6: 10Gbps, up to 55 meters.
• Cat 6a: 10Gbps, up to 55 meters.
• Cat 7: 100Gbps, up to 15 meters.
• Cat 7a: 100Gbps, up to 15 meters.
• Cat 8: 40Gbps, up to 30 meters.

#3: Reinstall Peacock

In case of emergency:

Reinstall Peacock.

Reinstalling your app will eliminate any changed settings that are causing your error.

You can easily reinstall apps using the App Store or Play Store for phones.

But, how can you do it for smart TVs?

Easy, you just have to…

Samsung

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Apps.
3. Head to the Settings menu under Apps.
4. Select Peacock.
5. Press Delete, then confirm by pressing Delete again.
6. Next, go back to Apps.
7. Select the Search button, then type ‘Peacock.’
8. Press Install.

Sony

1. On your Home screen, go to Apps.
2. Select Peacock.
3. Press Uninstall, then confirm by selecting OK.
4. Now, press Install.

LG

1. Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to the rightmost option to activate Edit Mode.
3. Highlight Peacock then press the Up button on your remote.
4. Uninstall the app by selecting the X button.
5. Next, go back and go to the LG Content Store.
6. On the search bar, type Peacock.
7. Press Install.

#4: Disconnect other devices

Put your ears on the wall.

Can you hear someone else watching on Peacock?

In that case, ask them to stop watching for a while.

Then, try connecting to Peacock on your device again.

Does it work now?

If it does, then why you’re unable to use their service should be clear.

It’s because of Peacock’s connection limit.

Peacock only allows 3 devices to use an account at the same time.

Why?

To prevent account sharing.

So, the next time you can’t access Peacock?

Try yelling at your nearest sibling first.

#5: Buy a streaming device

If you were to ask me, what’s the easiest solution to your streaming problem?

I’d say throw money at it.

In other words, buy a streaming device.

Streaming devices are worthy investments. And not just for Peacock.

Here are other reasons you need to get one:

• Better longevity.
• Faster performance.
• Security and reliability.
• A wider range of apps.
• More frequently updated.

Are you onboard? Great.

The next question is, which ones should you get?

And, for that, I can recommend:

• Apple TV 4K.
• Nvidia Shield TV.
• Amazon Fire TV Stick.
• Chromecast with Google TV.
• Roku Streaming Stick 4K, or Express 4K.

Note: This only applies when you can’t access Peacock on your TVs.

#6: Use a good VPN

Speaking of throwing money at the problem…

Get a premium VPN plan.

Peacock might not be working because it’s not available in your country.

But, first, what is VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network.

They encrypt your data and mask it under another IP address.

And that address can be anywhere in the world.

This means you’ll be able to watch region-locked content wherever you are.

Perfect, right? Now, which one should you get?

Preferably, one of these:

• NordVPN.
• SurfShark.
• ExpressVPN.

Warning: Don’t use free VPNs unless they’re trial versions of premium ones.

Non-premium VPNs are security risks.

The free ones also tend to be slower due to more people using the IP address that they provide.

#7: Cast your display

Sometimes, the answers you seek are staring you right in the face.

And, if you’re using your phone to read this article…

I meant that literally.

Instead of trying to force Peacock to work on a device…

Why not use Peacock on another, then cast its display?

Through HDMI

Are you having trouble watching Peacock on your television?

Connect the TV to your laptop instead.

Simply plug an HDMI cable into your laptop and to your TV.

You don’t have to do anything else.

Just wait for a couple of seconds, and your display should reflect your laptop’s.

Through Wi-Fi connection

Don’t have an HDMI cable lying around in your house?

You can still cast your device using your Wi-Fi connection.

And here’s how you can do that for Android, iOS, or Windows devices:

Android 

1. On your phone, open the Peacock app.
2. Select the movie or show you want to watch.
3. Press Play.
4. Wait for the Cast logo to appear on your phone.
5. Press the Cast logo.

iOS 

Note: This is only available for Airplay-enabled TVs.

1. Open your Control Center.
2. Go to Screen Mirroring.
3. Select your TV from the list of devices.
4. Enter the Airplay code that appears on your TV to your phone.

Windows

Note: Windows blocks some content from being cast to other devices.

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Press the More button in the upper right corner.
3. Select Cast.
4. Choose your TV from the list of devices.

#8: Check compatibility

Are you using Peacock for the first time?

Then the reason could just be an incompatibility.

You see, Peacock can only run on select devices.

Which devices, you ask?

Mobile devices

• iOS: 13 or above.
• Android: 6.0 or above.

Web browsers

• Safari: Versions 12+.
• Mozilla Firefox: Versions 88+.
• Microsoft Edge: Versions 80+.
• Google Chrome: Versions 75+.

Streaming devices

• Amazon Fire TV.
• Roku: All devices released in 2015 or above.
• Apple TV: Apple TV HD with tvOS 13 or above.
• Android TV: All streaming devices with Android OS 5.1 and above.
• Chromecast: 1st Generation or above, including Chromecast with Google TV.

Smart TVs

• LG Smart TV: WebOS 3.5 or above.
• Samsung: Smart TVs from 2017 or later.
• Sony TVs: Every version with Android OS.
• Vizio TV: SmartCast 2.0 or 3.0 (from 2016 and newer).
• Hisense: Vizio TV: SmartCast 2.0 or 3.0 (from 2016 and newer).

Game consoles

• Xbox One.
• Xbox Series X.
• Xbox Series S.
• PlayStation 4 and 5.

#9: Power cycle the device

I once asked my technician friend, “What’s the best advice you can give me about repair?”

And he didn’t have to think for too long before responding:

“Don’t call us unless you’ve tried turning it off then on.”

And he’s right.

This method is called a power cycle or a cold boot.

A power cycle completely discharges your device.

And this allows stuck processes that are harming your device to get going again.

To fully restart your device, follow these 5 simple steps:

1. Turn your device off.
2. Remove it from the power source, which could either be the socket or its battery.
3. Wait for 30 seconds.
4. Reattach the device to the power source.
5. Turn it back on.

#10: Clear cache and data

Do you know that your device knows you?

It does. 

But, don’t worry…

That’s because it wants to serve you better.

And cache is its way of doing that.

What’s cache, you say?

It’s information stored in your device so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of signing in.

Sounds helpful, I know. But…

Excessive cache stored in your device will eat up your storage.

Or, worse, corrupt your apps.

Here’s how you can prevent that by clearing cache and data:

Smart TV

Note: Clearing cache is different for each brand.

But, for this example, we’ll use Sony as it uses Android, the most used TV OS in the market.

1. Press the Settings button on your remote.
2. Under Apps, go to Select All Apps.
3. Highlight and select Peacock TV.
4. Press both Clear Cache and Clear Data.

Phone

Android

1. Go to your App Drawer.
2. Long press the Peacock app.
3. Select App Info.
4. Go to Storage Usage.
5. Press both Clear Cache and Clear Data.

iOS

1. Go to your Settings app.
2. Scroll down and select Peacock on the list of apps.
3. Press ‘Clear app cache on next launch.’

Web browser (Google Chrome)

1. On the upper right corner of Chrome, go to More.
2. Select More Tools.
3. Then, click ‘Clear browsing data.’
4. On the top, select All Time.
5. Restart Google Chrome.

#11: Contact Peacock’s customer support

Is nothing working? Darn it.

I know it can be frustrating but don’t lose hope yet.

It’s time to phone a friend…

Or, in this case, Peacock NBC themselves.