This guide shows you how to get Peacock TV on your Vizio SmartCast TV. You will learn how to find the app and how to activate your account. You need an activation code from your TV and the official website to finish.
Before you start, you must check your TV model. The Peacock TV app only works on Vizio SmartCast TVs. This platform is on most Vizio TVs made from 2016 onward.
If you have an older Vizio TV that does not have the SmartCast platform, you cannot get the app directly. You will need to plug in a separate streaming device like a Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. This guide helps you if you have a SmartCast TV.
➡️ Turn on your Vizio TV.
➡️ Press the 'V' button or the 'Home' button on your remote control. This opens the main SmartCast home screen.
➡️ Peacock TV is often pre installed on newer SmartCast TVs. Look for the Peacock TV app icon in the app row on your home screen. It has a colorful peacock logo.
➡️ If you do not see it, scroll to the end of the app row and look for 'Apps'. You can browse the available apps. All available apps on SmartCast are in the app row. You do not need to download or install them like on a phone.
➡️ If your SmartCast platform is up to date, the Peacock TV app should be visible. If you cannot find it, you should first check your internet connection.
➡️ You must connect your TV to the internet. Go to your TV's 'Menu', then 'Network'. Make sure your TV is connected to your Wi Fi.
➡️ After you connect, you should also check for updates. Go to 'Menu', then 'System', and select 'Check for Updates'. Updating your SmartCast firmware ensures you have the latest apps available.
➡️ Once you find the Peacock TV app, select it with your remote to open it.
➡️ Open the Peacock TV app on your Vizio TV.
➡️ The app will show you a welcome screen and ask you to sign in.
➡️ Select the 'Sign In' option.
➡️ The app will display an activation code on your TV screen. This is a 5 or 6 character code.
➡️ Keep this code on your TV screen. You need it for the next step.
➡️ Grab your phone, a computer, or a tablet. You must use a second device.
➡️ Open a web browser (like Chrome or Safari) on your second device.
➡️ In the address bar at the top, type this exact web address: peacocktv.com/tv/vizio
➡️ The website will ask you to log in to your Peacock TV account. If you do not have one, you must create one first on the main Peacock website.
➡️ Enter your email address and password for Peacock TV.
➡️ After you log in, the website will show a box. It will ask you to enter your code.
➡️ Type the activation code from your TV screen into the box on the website.
➡️ Click the 'Activate' or 'Submit' button.
➡️ The website will show a success message. It will tell your TV that your account is linked.
➡️ Look back at your Vizio TV. The Peacock TV app will refresh on its own. The code will disappear.
➡️ You are now logged in. You can start browsing and watching shows and movies.
➡️ Why can't I find the Peacock TV app on my Vizio TV?
This almost always means your TV is not supported. You either have a Vizio TV made before 2016, or you have a model that does not use the SmartCast platform. The app is only available on SmartCast TVs. You can check your TV's official specs on the Vizio support site.
➡️ What should I do if my activation code doesn't work?
These codes expire after a few minutes. If you waited too long, the code is invalid. Go back to the Peacock TV app on your TV. You can usually find a 'Try Again' or 'Get New Code' button. This will show you a new activation code. Use that new code on the website.
➡️ Why is the Peacock app buffering or running slow?
This is a problem with your internet connection. Streaming video uses a lot of data. Peacock TV needs a stable connection. Go to your TV's 'Menu' and run a 'Network Test'. This will check your speed. For smooth streaming, you need at least 3.0 Mbps. For live sports or high definition, you need 8 Mbps or more. Try restarting your home router to fix this.
➡️ The app is freezing or crashing. How do I fix it?
You can try two things. First, restart your TV. Go to the TV 'Menu', select 'System', and choose 'Reboot TV'. This is more effective than just turning it off and on. If that fails, you can 'Reset' the SmartCast platform. Go to 'Menu', 'System', then 'Reset & Admin', and choose 'Reset SmartCast Home'. This will log you out of all apps, but it often fixes persistent crashing problems.
➡️ Do I need to pay for Peacock TV?
Yes. Peacock TV no longer offers its free plan to new customers. You must sign up for a paid plan. They offer a Peacock Premium plan (with ads) and a Peacock Premium Plus plan (with no ads). You must have one of these paid plans to activate and watch content.