If you’re frustrated by Peacock TV not working properly, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many Peacock users have reported experiencing various streaming issues that prevent them from enjoying their favorite shows and movies.
Luckily, most problems with Peacock TV can be fixed relatively easily by following a few simple troubleshooting steps. As a streaming expert with years of experience, I’ll walk you through the 14 most effective solutions to get Peacock working smoothly again on your device.
Besides, here, let’s learn the answer to how to search on Pluto TV; if you are new to using Pluto TV, this guide will be helpful for you.
Also, if you wonder how to turn off closed captions on Peacock TV, let’s find out how to turn on & turn off closed captions on Peacock TV via different devices.
Why is Peacock TV Not Working?
There are a few common reasons why you may be encountering problems with Peacock TV:
- Software bugs or glitches in the Peacock app
- Peacock server outages or downtime
- Large cache and data files causing the app to malfunction
- Outdated firmware on your streaming device
- Weak or unstable internet connection
- Using a VPN that is blocking access to Peacock
- Compatibility issues with certain devices or browsers
Whatever the underlying cause, the solutions below should help you resolve the majority of Peacock TV streaming issues. I’ve successfully used these fixes many times to get Peacock working properly again.
14 Proven Fixes for Peacock TV Not Working
Now let’s go through each of these solutions in more detail so you can get Peacock TV working normally again as quickly as possible.
1. Check for Peacock TV Service Outages
Before trying any other troubleshooting, first check if there are any known issues with the Peacock streaming service. You can see the current status and any reported problems on the Peacock TV server status page.
If Peacock is experiencing an outage, there’s usually nothing you can do except wait for them to resolve it on their end. Peacock outages are normally fixed within a few hours at most.
2. Sign Out of Your Account on All Devices
Peacock TV allows a maximum of three devices to be simultaneously streaming content on one account. If you see an error message saying too many streams are in use, you’ll need to sign out of Peacock on any extra devices.
Here’s how to remotely sign out of Peacock on all your devices:
- Go to the Peacock TV account page
- Find the list of devices signed into your account
- Select “Sign Out All Devices“
- Log back into Peacock on your preferred device
3. Refresh the Peacock TV Website or App
If the Peacock TV app freezes up or becomes unresponsive, refreshing it can often fix the problem. The process to refresh Peacock differs slightly depending on if you’re using the website or a streaming app:
For the website:
- Click the “Reload” button to do a soft refresh
- If that doesn’t work, do a hard refresh:
- On Windows: press Ctrl and F5 keys simultaneously
- On Mac: press Command+Shift+R keys
For the app:
- Force close the Peacock app
- Go to your device’s Settings > Apps > Peacock TV
- Select “Force Stop” to end any background processes
- Relaunch the Peacock TV app and try streaming again
4. Restart Your Streaming Device
Restarting your device is a go-to troubleshooting method that can clear up random Peacock glitches and bugs. Many Peacock users have reported that a simple restart gets the app working normally again.
The steps to restart your device vary depending on if you’re using a phone, tablet, smart TV, etc. But in general:
- Android devices: press and hold the power button, then tap “Restart“
- iOS devices: press and hold the power button until “slide to power off” appears, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on
- Streaming devices: unplug the device from power for 60 seconds, then plug it back in
- Smart TVs: unplug the TV for a full minute before plugging it back in
5. Power Cycle Your Smart TV
Performing a power cycle clears your TV’s memory and resets internal components while still preserving your settings. If restarting alone doesn’t resolve your Peacock issues, try power cycling your smart TV:
- Turn on your TV and streaming device
- Unplug the power cord from your TV (not just the remote)
- Wait for a full 60 seconds
- Plug your TV back in and try launching Peacock again
6. Clear the Cache and Data on the Peacock App
Over time, storing too much cache and data can cause the Peacock app to malfunction. Clearing this frees up space and gives the app a fresh start:
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications
- Find the Peacock TV app and tap “Storage & cache“
- Select “Clear storage” and “Clear data“
On iOS:
- You can’t clear app cache directly, so you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall the Peacock app
On streaming devices:
- The steps vary, but go to your device’s Settings
- Select Applications or Apps
- Find the Peacock app and choose “Clear cache” and “Clear data“
7. Update the Peacock TV App to the Latest Version
Using an outdated version of the Peacock app can cause streaming errors. Check for any available updates and install the latest version:
Android devices:
- Open the Google Play Store and tap your profile icon
- Select “Manage apps & devices“
- Find Peacock TV under “Updates available“
- Tap “Update“
iOS devices:
- Open the App Store and select your profile
- Scroll down to “Available updates“
- Find Peacock TV and tap “Update“
Roku:
- Press the Home button and navigate to the Peacock channel on Roku
- Press the “*” button on your remote
- Select “Check for updates” and install if available
Fire TV:
- Go to “Settings” then “Applications“
- Select “Manage Installed Applications“
- Find Peacock TV and select “Update“
8. Reinstall the Peacock TV App
If updating the Peacock app doesn’t resolve your streaming trouble, try uninstalling and reinstalling a fresh version of the app. This ensures you have the latest bug fixes and a clean install free of any corrupted data.
The steps to reinstall Peacock TV vary slightly by device, but the general process is:
- Press and hold the Peacock app icon
- Select “Uninstall” or “Remove“
- Restart your device
- Open the app store and reinstall Peacock TV
- Sign back in and try streaming again
9. Disable Any VPNs You Are Using
Because of content licensing agreements, Peacock TV is only available to users located in the United States. If you try to access Peacock from another country, or while connected to a VPN, you’ll likely encounter errors.
To disable a VPN:
- Go to your device’s Settings
- Find the VPN configuration (steps differ by device)
- Select “Disable” or “Disconnect” to turn off the VPN
- Some devices may require uninstalling the VPN app entirely
- Reconnect to your regular internet and retry Peacock
10. Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection
Peacock TV requires a minimum internet download speed of 2.5 Mbps for standard definition content. For HD streaming, you’ll need at least 4-6 Mbps. Slow, weak, or inconsistent internet is a common reason for Peacock not working smoothly.
Try these fixes to improve your connection:
- Connect your device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable if possible
- Move your router to a more central location, away from obstructions
- Disconnect other devices from your network to free up bandwidth
- Upgrade your internet plan for faster speeds
- Forget the Wifi network on your device and reconnect
If you’ve tried the solutions above and are still having issues with Peacock buffering or not loading, contact your internet provider for additional assistance. They can run diagnostics to identify any problems with your connection or equipment.
11. Try Streaming Peacock on a Different Device
If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting on your current device and Peacock still isn’t working, try accessing your account from another smartphone, tablet, computer or smart TV.
Peacock has dedicated apps for:
- Android phones and tablets
- Android TV
- Apple iOS devices
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- LG Smart TVs
- PlayStation 4 & 5
- Roku (learn more about using Peacock on Roku devices)
- Samsung Smart TVs
- Vizio SmartCast TVs (get tips for using Peacock on Vizio)
- Xbox One & Series X/S
- Amazon Fire TV & Firestick (here’s how to watch Peacock on Fire TV)
You can also watch Peacock TV by visiting peacocktv.com using a web browser on any PC or Mac computer. Switching to a different device can help you determine if the issue is with your hardware or the Peacock software.
12. Use an Alternative Web Browser
If you’re trying to stream Peacock shows in a web browser and encounter a blank or black screen, the Peacock site may not be fully supported by your current browser. For the best streaming experience, Peacock recommends using the latest versions of:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Safari (Mac only)
Avoid watching Peacock in Internet Explorer, as it is an outdated browser no longer supported by many streaming services. Make sure your browser is updated to the current version, or try switching to a different supported browser.
13. Update Your Device’s Firmware
Just like apps need to be kept updated, it’s important to keep the system software (firmware) on your devices current as well. Older versions can have bugs or compatibility issues that interfere with Peacock streaming.
Firmware update steps differ depending on your device, but in general:
- Android devices: Settings > System > System Update
- Apple devices: Settings > General > Software Update
- Roku: Settings > System > System update
- Fire TV: Settings > Device > About > Check for Updates
Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates. Restart your device after updating for the changes to take effect. Visit your device manufacturer’s support site for more specific instructions.
14. Disable Ad Blockers on Your Browser
If you use an ad blocker browser extension, it may be preventing Peacock TV content and media from loading properly in your web player. You’ll need to disable it on the Peacock site or set an exception to allow ads.
For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge:
- Click the ad blocker icon
- Select “Pause on this site” or “Don’t run on this domain“
- Refresh the Peacock TV page
For Safari:
- Go to Safari > Preferences
- Select the Extensions tab
- Uncheck the box to disable the ad blocker
- You may need to restart Safari for the changes to apply
Some advanced ad blockers have more detailed settings you’ll need to adjust. Check the support documentation for your specific blocker for step-by-step instructions to add Peacock TV to an allowlist.
Peacock TV Troubleshooting FAQ
Why does Peacock TV keep freezing?
Peacock playback may freeze due to an unstable internet connection, outdated app version, or low device storage space. Check your internet speed, install Peacock updates, and free up storage on your device.
How do I clear the cache on Peacock TV?
On most devices, go to Settings > Apps > Peacock TV > Storage > Clear Cache. The exact steps vary slightly depending on your device. On iOS, you’ll need to uninstall and reinstall the app.
What internet speed do I need for Peacock TV?
Peacock recommends a minimum of 2.5 Mbps download speed for SD and 4-6 Mbps for HD content. If you experience buffering, check your connection speed and try moving your router or connecting via Ethernet.
Is Peacock free with Amazon Prime?
No, a Peacock TV subscription is not included with Amazon Prime at this time. You must sign up for Peacock separately to access the content.
How many devices can stream Peacock at once?
Peacock currently allows up to 3 devices to stream simultaneously on a single account. If you attempt to watch on more than 3 screens, you’ll see a “too many streams” error message.
Looking for more info about Peacock TV? Check out our full Peacock TV review.
Wondering how Peacock compares to other streaming services? See our Peacock vs YouTube TV comparison.
Key Takeaways
- Most Peacock TV streaming issues can be fixed by updating the app, restarting your device, and ensuring a strong internet connection.
- Clearing your cache and data in the Peacock TV app settings can resolve issues caused by accumulated files.
- If watching in a web browser, make sure you’re using a supported option like Chrome or Firefox and disable any ad blockers.
- Contact Peacock customer support if you continue to have problems after trying all troubleshooting steps. They can provide further assistance.
Although it can be frustrating when Peacock is not working as expected, one of the solutions in this guide should get you back to streaming your favorite Peacock shows and movies quickly and easily. As a long-time Peacock user, I’ve successfully resolved playback issues many times with these expert troubleshooting tips.
By systematically ruling out potential problems, from checking for server outages to updating your firmware, you can identify and fix the underlying cause to get Peacock TV working smoothly again. Feel free to bookmark this page so you can refer back to it anytime you encounter a stubborn Peacock streaming glitch.