If you have a Peacock subscription and travel abroad, you’ll find you can no longer stream content like Bel-Air, Resident Alien, and Yellowstone. Instead, you’ll see an error message, or you’ll be redirected to NBC’s Universal website. This is a result of NBC protecting its existing licensing agreements. To do so, it ensures content is region-locked outside the US.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help you get around Peacock’s geo-blocking. When you connect to a VPN server in the US, your traffic is encrypted and you’re assigned a new, temporary address. This makes it look as if you’re accessing Peacock from the US, helping you sidestep restrictions. NordVPN is the best VPN for Peacock, but that doesn’t mean it works every time. We cover some of the common causes of problems as well as their respective fixes.
Why isn’t NordVPN working with Peacock?
NordVPN usually works with Peacock, so if you’re experiencing difficulties with the streaming service, there’s usually a simple explanation – as well as an equally straightforward fix.
Here’s why NordVPN isn’t working with Peacock:
- Your current VPN IP address has already been blocked: Peacock has identified the IP address as belonging to a VPN and blacklisted it, preventing it from working.
- You’re not connected to a server in the US. Peacock is only available in the US and certain territories. It could be you’re connected to a VPN server in a country in which Peacock isn’t available. Or you haven’t connected to a VPN server at all.
- Peacock still remembers your previous location. Due to a cookie stored in your browser, Peacock remembers your previous IP address and its corresponding location.
- You’re on mobile and your GPS location doesn’t match that of the VPN server to which you’re connected.
We found NordVPN worked very well with Peacock in our most recent unblocking tests. In fact, the top-rated VPN overall has performed consistently with Peacock over several years. As such, it’s highly likely you’ll be able to resolve the issues you’re facing with NordVPN not working with Peacock.
How to fix NordVPN not working with Peacock
NordVPN is not only the best Peacock VPN, but the best VPN for streaming overall. That’s in big part due to its ability to consistently access streaming platforms like Peacock, but also Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu.
Better still, NordVPN is a user-friendly service with quality apps, 24/7 live chat and email support, and a wealth of troubleshooting articles and setup guides. These make it much quicker and easier to unblock and stream Peacock.
Here’s how to fix NordVPN not working with Peacock:
- First, it’s a good idea to check you have the latest version of NordVPN’s app installed. The apps receive automatic updates, but you can find the latest versions via NordVPN’s VPN app downloads page.
- Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies fixes one of the most common causes of NordVPN not working with Peacock. It helps Peacock forget your previous IP address and acknowledge the IP address of NordVPN.
- If clearing your cookies doesn’t address the unblocking issue, it’s worth switching NordVPN servers to change your IP address. It’s sometimes a case of finding a NordVPN IP address that hasn’t yet been blacklisted.
- Mobile devices tend to cause more problems when it comes to unblocking streaming platforms like Peacock. To avoid GPS location-related issues, you may be better off switching to a desktop device (NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux).
- Failing the above, get in touch with NordVPN’s customer support, which may be able to further help you troubleshoot the problem or suggest a server that will work with Peacock.
Still having trouble? Unfortunately, streaming services like Peacock prevent VPN usage to protect copyright and licensing agreements. Unblocking situations change without warning, so a VPN may stop working with a streaming platform one day but then work again the next day.
You can always take a look at the other best VPNs for Peacock, which we touch on further below.
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How to access Peacock with NordVPN
If it’s your first time using a VPN, it may be that you’re just not familiar with how to unblock a streaming service such as Peacock using NordVPN. We’ve provided some straightforward step-by-step instructions to make things easier.
Here’s how to use NordVPN to access Peacock from anywhere:
- Sign up with NordVPN if you don’t yet have an account. There are multiple tiers, and you can choose between one-month, one-year, and two-year plans.
- Download the NordVPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. NordVPN lets you connect up to 10 devices at the same time, so you can use it on all of your devices.
- Log in to the NordVPN app and connect to a server in the US. This is how you get a US IP address, which is required to unblock and stream Peacock from abroad.
- Go to Peacock and select your preferred content for streaming. This should now be unblocked without further restriction.
- Blocked? Clear your cookies and refresh your browser. You may need to try more than one server. Just be sure to clear your cookies between each attempt.
Which are the best VPNs for watching Peacock?
NordVPN is our best VPN for streaming Peacock. Having said that, you may want to take a look at some of the other best Peacock VPNs if you’re having trouble. This is particularly worthwhile when you consider that they all offer generous money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them out risk-free.
Here are the best VPNs for streaming Peacock:
- NordVPN: The best overall VPN for Peacock. We found it worked most consistently in our unblocking tests. Huge server network, plenty of extras, and 24/7 customer support.
- Surfshark: Best value VPN for Peacock. Highly affordable long-term subscriptions. Lightweight VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections as well as antivirus protection.
- IPVanish: Plenty of US servers and some of the fastest speeds for streaming Peacock. Also works with Netflix. New features include cloud storage and a secure browser.
- ExpressVPN: Powerful unblocker of streaming platforms, Peacock included, and has highly consistent connections for streaming. User-friendly and with excellent support.
- CyberGhost: One of the largest VPN server networks and the fastest VPN for streaming. Streaming-optimized servers make it ideal for Peacock, Netflix, and more.
- PureVPN: Highly affordable streaming VPN that’s compatible with Peacock, Hulu, and Netflix. More than fast enough for lag-free streaming and operates a strict no-logs policy.
- Proton VPN: Genuine no-logs policy and gives the option to pay anonymously in cash. Huge server network in 120+ countries and impressive speeds for streaming Peacock.
- PrivateVPN: One of the best unblockers of streaming services, Peacock, Prime Video, and Disney+ included. Beginner-friendly apps and free remote help and installation.
NordVPN with Peacock: FAQ
Can I use a free VPN to watch Peacock?
Free VPNs are poor unblockers of content. This is especially so with streaming services that employ anti-VPN measures to limit their access. Free VPNs don’t have many servers or locations and the few IP addresses they do offer are usually already blacklisted. It’s unlikely you’ll find one that works with Peacock. They’re a waste of time for streaming anyway because the excessive bandwidth throttling makes for very slow speeds and a lot of lag and buffering.
Aside from the performance issues you’re likely to face with a free VPN, there are security and private concerns. Not all free VPNs will use an appropriate level of encryption to secure your data, leaving it vulnerable to hackers and snoopers. Free VPNs aren’t charities and often make money by logging and selling user data. This can include information such as the websites you’re visiting. The best VPNs offer free trials and money-back guarantees so free VPNs really aren’t necessary.
Why should I use a VPN for Peacock?
Unlike Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, which are all available in dozens of countries globally, Peacock is only offered in the US. If you travel overseas, you won’t be able to access and stream its content even if you’re paying for a subscription. S VPN allows you to get around the geographic restrictions and stream Peacock TV shows as normal.
Another reason to use a VPN with Peacock is simply to secure your connection. If you’re traveling and using unsecure wifi networks, then your data is at risk of being intercepted. Using a VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. Not even your ISP will be able to see what you’re doing online thanks to the VPN’s encryption of your internet traffic.
Is it legal to watch Peacock with a VPN?
It’s legal to stream Peacock using a VPN – unless you’re in a country in which VPNs are illegal. According to Peacock’s Terms of Use, users are not allowed to access the streaming platform outside the countries in which it’s available. Despite this, the worst that actually happens is that Peacock blocks a VPN IP address from working with its service. All you then need to do is switch servers, and you’ll be able to continue streaming.
Note: We are not lawyers, and nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. It’s important to do your own research before using a VPN.
What can I watch on Peacock using a VPN?
Peacock is home to Peacock Originals including Dr. Death, Twisted Metal, and The Paper. You can also find popular TV shows such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine, The Real Housewives of Atalanta, and Law & Order. Included as part of a Peacock subscription is access to live sports like the Premier League, NFL (Sunday Night Football), WWE, and college sports.
Why is Peacock blocked?
Peacock doesn’t hold exclusive global streaming rights for all of the content on its platform. In order to avoid breaching copyright and licensing agreements, it ensures content is region-locked outside the US and certain territories. That’s why you’ll encounter streaming errors or be redirected to NBC Universal’s website when trying to access Peacock from overseas. It sees that your IP address isn’t a US IP address and blocks access accordingly.
