Surfshark not working with Peacock? Try this

If you try to access Peacock when traveling outside the USA, you’ll either be redirected to NBCUniversal’s website or otherwise encounter an error message such as “This service is unavailable in your region” or “Something went wrong”. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Surfshark should help you avoid such issues.

Yet there are times when VPNs such as Surfshark won’t work with Peacock as they should. In an effort to protect licensing agreements and stop users from accessing its content outside the US, Peacock blocks known VPN server IP addresses. VPN providers work hard to stay one step ahead of these blocks, but issues can occur from time to time.

In this post, we’ll explore the possible reasons for Surfshark not working with Peacock. We’ll also take you step-by-step through fixing the problem so you can get back to streaming your favorite Peacock shows like Brilliant Minds, Poker Face, or The Paper.

Why isn’t Surfshark working with Peacock?

Peacock is no different from the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+. It doesn’t hold exclusive global streaming rights for all of the content on its platform. Peacock is only available in the US and certain US territories, so it must take steps to ensure its content is inaccessible from outside those areas.

Any issues you’re having when using Surfshark with Peacock – or any streaming service like it – almost certainly stem from Peacock’s efforts to geo-block its content.

Here are some common reasons why Surfshark isn’t working with Peacock:

  • A cookie stored in your browser is telling Peacock your real IP address or location.
  • You’re not connected to Surfshark, or you’re connected to a server outside the US.
  • Peacock has already blacklisted the Surfshark IP address you’ve been assigned.
  • You’re on mobile and your real location is being betrayed by your GPS.

Fortunately, there are fixes and workarounds for all of the above. Follow the troubleshooting steps below, and there’s a good chance we can get it working again.

How to fix Surfshark not working with Peacock

If you already have an idea of what might be causing Surfshark to not work with Peacock, you can jump ahead to the relevant fix. Otherwise, you’ll want to start at the first step below and work your way through the troubleshooting process.

Here’s how to fix Surfshark not working with Peacock:

  1. Make sure you have the latest version of Surfshark installed on your streaming device. Up-to-date software can make a difference not only in terms of security and speed, but also when it comes to unblocking Peacock and streaming services like it.
  2. Clear your browser’s cookies to ensure Peacock forgets your previous IP address and location. It should then acknowledge the IP address you’ve been assigned by Surfshark. Once you’ve done this, refresh your browser to make sure changes take effect.
  3. Make sure that you’re connected to a server in a region where Peacock is available. If it’s not working, then switch servers to change your IP address. It may be that your currently assigned Surfshark IP address is blocked, but that the next one works perfectly fine.
  4. Accessing Peacock on mobile devices is more difficult, as the app may access your GPS or other location services. Although there are things you can do to spoof your GPS location, it’s usually easier to access Peacock via desktop.
  5. Last but not least, Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat and email support for circumstances such as these. It should be able to help you troubleshoot the issue further, and possibly even suggest a server that currently works with Peacock.

If you’re still having trouble getting Surfshark to work with Peacock, your next best option is to take a look at other top VPNs for Peacock and maybe switch to a suitable alternative. We cover some of the best options below.

How to access Peacock with Surfshark

Whether you’re using Surfshark or one of the other best Peacock VPNs, the process of accessing Peacock is much the same. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get connected.

Here’s how to use Surfshark to access Peacock from anywhere:

  1. You probably already have a Surfshark subscription, in which case you can skip to step three. Otherwise, sign up with Surfshark, selecting your preferred subscription tier.
  2. Download and install the version of the Surfshark app that’s compatible with your streaming devices. You can have unlimited simultaneous connections with Surfshark.
  3. Open the Surfshark app and log in if prompted. You can now connect to a server. To access Peacock, connect to a server in the US.
  4. Go to Peacock. The streaming platform should now be accessible with no redirects. You should be able to watch its content without seeing any streaming errors.
  5. Still blocked? Clear your browser’s cache and cookies and switch servers to change your IP address. Failing that, get in touch with Surfshark’s customer support.

Which are the best VPNs for streaming Peacock?

Surfshark usually works with Peacock, but if you just can’t get it working, it’s well worth trying one of the other top Peacock VPNs. All of them come with generous money-back guarantees of at least 30 days, so there’s no reason not to try them out risk-free.

Here are the best VPNs for watching Peacock:

  1. NordVPN: Our top choice for streaming Peacock. Servers in 165 locations, 22 US cities included. Fast for streaming Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu. Packed with valuable extra features.
  2. Total VPN: Plenty of US server locations for accessing Peacock. Also works well with Netflix US. Beginner-friendly VPN with a top-rated antivirus and 24/7 live chat support.
  3. Proton VPN: Privacy-first provider with a huge network of servers, some 4,000 of which are in the US. Strong unblocker with fast speeds and operates a strict no-logs policy.
  4. ExpressVPN: Reliable all-rounder that’s easy to use for beginners. Has servers in all 50 US states for easily accessing Peacock. Quality customer support 24 hours a day.
  5. IPVanish: US-based provider with over 1,400 servers in North America alone. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and has high-speed servers for streaming Peacock.
  6. CyberGhost: A no-logs VPN with one of the largest server networks and the fastest speeds of any VPN we’ve tested. Lets you stream Peacock and Netflix US lag-free.
  7. PureVPN: Plenty of US servers for accessing Peacock. Works with other popular streaming platforms, has a global server network, and provides respectable speeds.

If you want to know more about these options, head to our Best VPNs for Peacock article for detailed reviews.

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VPN with Peacock: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN with Peacock?

Some people try to use free VPNs with streaming platforms like Peacock only to find that not only do they not unblock it, but speeds are too slow for streaming anyway. Not all free VPNs actually offer servers in the US. Even those that do don’t have an abundance of IP addresses. With many users sharing the same servers, they quickly become blacklisted and ineffective. You’ll likely have your bandwidth throttled by your free VPN, resulting in a lot of lag when streaming.

Free VPNs don’t receive the same level of investment as the best VPNs on the market. This becomes evident not only in performance but security. Inferior encryption, ineffective leak protection, or even the absence of features such as a kill switch can all contribute to your data being at risk. A free VPN may also log your browsing activity and sell the information – ironic for what is supposed to be a Virtual “Private” Network.

What can I watch on Peacock?

Peacock offers a wide range of content for you to stream, including popular TV shows, blockbuster movies, exclusive originals, and live sports. Here’s some of what you can expect with a subscription:

Can I use Peacock internationally?

Peacock is only available in the US and certain US territories such as Puerto Rico and American Samoa. If you attempt to access and stream Peacock’s content outside of the supported regions, you’ll be redirected or receive a message that says it’s unavailable in your location. The only way to reliably watch Peacock internationally is to use a VPN to change your IP address and spoof your virtual location.

Does Peacock block VPNs?

Yes, Peacock actively blocks VPNs to ensure it’s adhering to licensing agreements. It detects VPN traffic using methods like checking for shared IP addresses. If the Surfshark IP address you’ve been assigned has been blacklisted by Peacock, then you won’t be able to access its content outside the US. Fortunately, it’s usually possible to get around Peacock’s restrictions by clearing your browser’s cookies and switching servers.