Have you ever had the same disappointing moment as I? Ready to play a downloaded video on the Peacock app on a train, only to find a grey screen saying "Download Expired." It always happens when we use the official Peacock app to save videos.
The official Peacock download limits told me when and where to watch downloads. And that's why most audiences are searching for a way to rip from Peacock to MP4 video files. In this way, we can actually download what we're paying for. No need to worry about the expiration or bear the small screen of a mobile device.
Quick Guide:
- Peacock Download Limits: Expiration, mobile-only, download cap. ➡️ Section 1
-
Rip from Peacock into MP4
- Step-by-step Guide: Use KeepStreams ➡️ Section 2.1
- Why choose a pro video downloader instead of a recorder? ➡️ Section 2.2
- Is it legal and safe to rip videos from Peacock? ➡️ Section 3
Why Should We Rip Peacock Videos?
Peacock has fully transitioned to a paid-only model. According to the official site of Peacock, there are only 3 subscription plans available now, and only the most expensive plan includes the official download function.
| Peacock Plan | Select Plan | Premium Plan | Premium Plus |
| Price |
|
|
|
| No Ads | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Downloads | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Accessible Library | Minimal | More | Full |
| Updated on February 6, 2026. | |||
Yes, that's the first reason why we need to rip from Peacock instead of using the official app. Peacock is making the offline viewing a luxurious and expensive option for fewer subscribers, and a Peacock video downloader can help us break the limit by saving videos with any Peacock subscription.
By ripping Peacock videos into MP4 video files, we can even get free from the following download limits:
- 📱 Limited Devices: Downloads only available on supported mobile devices (iOS/Android)
- ⚠️ Storage Cap: We can have a maximum of 25 downloads under one account.
-
🚫 Expiration Rules:
- Unwatched downloads expire after 30 days
- Started downloads expire after 48 hours
- 🚫 Content Limit: Not all titles are available for download. Some are "stream-only".
- 🚫 Account Sync: Logging out of or uninstalling the app will automatically delete all downloads.
Feel annoyed already? Don't worry, check the next section to see how to quickly and safely rip videos from Peacock, and save them as MP4 video files to avoid these limits.
How to Rip from Peacock into MP4 Files?
Quick Note:
- The Best Method: Use KeepStreams for Peacock to rip Peacock videos in original 1080p MP4s.
- Why choose KeepStreams? It's verified by VirusTotal, safe, and easy to use.
- 📌 Attention: Downloading copy-protected content is not recommended. Please check the copyright law in your country and download videos for fair use.
In fact, there are a lot of methods to rip Peacok into MP4, such as video recorders, dedicated downloader programs, online video downloaders, open-source command tools, and even a browser add-on
Steve
Based on my usage and comparison data, a professional downloader like KeepStreams can be our best choice.
Tutorial: Use KeepStreams to Rip Peacock Videos
KeepStreams for Peacock is a dedicated tool that can download videos from Peacock into MP4 or MKV format. What's more, it saves videos in their original quality up to Full HD 1080p. With the powerful built-in browser, it's very easy to rip from Peacock with KeepStreams. First, we need to install the tool.
After KeepStreams is installed on your Windows PC or Mac, follow these steps to rip Peacock videos easily:
Step1
Find Peacock in VIP Services
Step2
Log in to Your Account and Play Videos
KeepStreams works by analyzing and getting the source stream when you play a video in the built-in browser. That's the reason why you need to log in to your Peacock account (with any subscription) to play videos.
Step3
Customize Downloads and Download Now
When you play a video on Peacock, KeepStreams will automatically analyze it for seconds. And a window will pop up, where you can choose episodes, resolution, audio, subtitles, etc., as you prefer. Click Download Now to download the videos into MP4 format.
These download files can be found in the local folder on your PC. To quickly open it, go to Downloads > Downloaded and click the little file icon beside each file. With the MP4 files, we can watch the Peacock downloads offline on PC, mobile, TV, or any other device we like.
Why Should We Use KeepStreams?
As mentioned above, KeepStreams isn't the only way to rip Peacock, but it is the most efficient one for archiving. Check how it performs compared with the Native App and Screen Recorders (like OBS). The results are based on my own test on Mac Sequoia 15.7.3 to rip the same episode from A Friend of the Family.
| Features | Official Peacock App | KeepStreams | Screen Recorders (OBS) |
| Subs Required | Premium Plus | Any Subscription | Any Subscription |
| Speed | 3 Minutes | 5 Minutes | 52 Minutes |
| Download Cap | 25 titles in total | 100 titles per day | No Limit |
| Best Quality | 1080p | 1080p | Degraded 1080p |
| Video Format | 🔐 Encrypted | ✅ MP4/MKV | ✅ MP4 |
| DRM Handling | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ (Screen turns black sometimes) |
| Forever Saving | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Auto-Download | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
If you just want to watch a movie on a flight tomorrow, the Official App is fine. But if you want to build a personal offline library, KeepStreams is the necessary upgrade.
Most screen recorders like OBS are free, but frankly, they're vulnerable when handling DRM-protected video on Peacock. We have to fix the "black screen" problems first when recording Peacock videos. Therefore, it's the least type of tool I'd recommend.
NOTE: This guide is strictly for educational purposes regarding personal archiving. We do not endorse copyright infringement.
Is It Safe and Legal to Rip from Peacock?
Bypassing DRM (Digital Rights Management) is clearly prohibited in the US DMCA Section 1201 (Read What You Should Know Before Making Personal Copies? to learn more). But making copies of legally accessible videos for personal use ("time-shifting" or "space-shifting") is generally considered Fair Use.
It's important to distinguish between Piracy (sharing files) and Format conversion (Fair Use). Therefore, we should NEVER share, upload, distribute, or use the ripped videos from Peacock for commercial purposes.
KeepStreams passes the VirusTotal test and is trusted by 172+ security vendors. As long as you don't get the "crack", "pre-activated" version from unknown sites, KeepStreams is safe to use. Also, because it mimics standard streaming traffic with the built-in browser, your account is safe, too.
[Bonus] Troubleshooting Ripping from Peacock
Even the best software hits snags. If you encounter issues while trying to rip from Peacock with KeepStreams or other downloaders, here is the possible fixes:
| Errors | Cause | Fix |
| Analysis Failed | CDM keys updated by streaming service | Check for a software update |
| Content Blocked | Regional restriction (outside the US) | Use a VPN to set the IP address to a US server before launching |
CDM (Content Decryption Module) keys are frequently updated by streaming services to prevent piracy. If KeepStreams fails, it usually means Peacock updated their DRM. Don't worry, the KeepStreams team often fixes this problem in 1-7 days. Always keep updated with the KeepStreams update history.
FAQs
Q1. Why can't I download Peacock videos on my Mac or PC?
A1. Officially, Peacock only allows downloads on mobile devices and tablets. To watch offline on a laptop, you must use a tool like KeepStreams for Peacock to save the video as a permanent MP4 file.
Q2. Which plan do I need to download videos from Peacock?
A2. The official app requires the most expensive plan. However, OBS, KeepStreams, or other third-party tools work with any paid subscription (including the $7.99 tier), allowing you to save content without paying for the top-tier upgrade.
Q3. Why is my Peacock screen recording black on OBS?
A3. Peacock uses HDCP (DRM protection) to block screen capture. Try turning off "GPU Acceleration" on your browser to prevent a black screen. If it doesn't work, use a professional video downloader like KeepStreams to download the raw video stream directly. It can bypass the black-screen issue for a perfect 1080p copy.
Q4. Is it safe to use a Peacock downloader? Will I get banned?
A4. Yes, it's safe. Take KeepStreams as an example. It mimics a standard web browser, so the server sees it as a regular playback session. As long as you use the files for personal viewing (Fair Use) and don't share them, your account risk is negligible.
Final Thoughts
This post introduces why and how we need to rip videos from Peacock. With KeepStreams for Peacock installed, we only need to follow 3 steps to rip videos into MP4: Play, Set, and Download.
In this way, you can turn a temporary stream from Peacock into a permanent asset. No need to worry about the expiration, title cap, or mobile-only rules. Rip Peacock videos into MP4 and enjoy the real offline viewing as you prefer.
Note:
- Review: Best Peacock Video Downloaders Ranking
- How to Watch Peacock Without Ads? Official and Tips
NOTE: Copyright rules protect everything you watch on Peacock™. If you distribute this content illegally, you might break US and global regulations. KeepStreams operates on its own and has no connection to Peacock™. We provide this text purely for reference purposes, and it does not suggest any outside backing.
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