How to Turn On Captions and Subtitles for Streaming Service

I enjoy watching foreign language movies and TV shows, but without subtitles, it is hard for me to follow along since it is not possible for me to master so many languages.

To get the best viewing experience, I always turn on captions and subtitles. 

In spite of the fact that it is easy to turn on captions and subtitles on any streaming service, we sometimes cannot find what we are looking for.

In case you are one of those who have difficulty turning on subtitles…

…then Don’t worry?

With just a few clicks, you can turn on captions and subtitles for streaming services…

 I have covered all the popular streaming services like:

• NetFlix.
• Hulu.
• Amazon Prime Video.
• YouTube Premium.
• Apple TV.
• Disney+.
• CBS All Access.
• HBO Max.
• BBC iPlayer.
• Acorn TV.
• Peacock TV.

Note: If you use any other streaming service other than those mentioned above, then please follow the instructions in the next section to activate subtitles.

Understanding the Difference between Closed Captions (CC) and Subtitles

Activating subtitles or closed captions do not require knowing the difference between closed captions (CC) and subtitles, but if you know the difference, you will definitely stand out.

Subtitles and closed captions are both text versions of the spoken audio found in a video. However, they differ greatly in terms of their purpose.

• The goal of closed captions is to enable deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to experience the video by providing background sounds and speaker changes.
• Unlike subtitles, which include background sounds and notifications when a speaker changes, subtitles only translate what is said in the video into another language.
• You can watch videos with subtitles even if you do not speak the language of the video, but you can enjoy content without sound in public venues with closed captions as CC contains the text version of background sound as well.

How to Turn On Captions and Subtitles for Streaming Services

In a few steps, you can turn on subtitles and captions for streaming services.

1. First, look for a ‘CC’ button, subtitle options, accessibility settings, language settings, or the on/off switch under the settings menu.
2. This can vary by platform so make sure to check all available options.
3. Once you have found the switch, you can easily turn on closed captions or foreign subtitles for your native language.
4. After enabling these options, you will be able to enjoy movies and TV shows with greater clarity and an enhanced understanding of the content.

How to Activate Subtitles on Netflix 

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services available today, and you can find a wide variety of content with subtitles and captions in many languages on Netflix.

To activate subtitles on Netflix, all you have to do is follow the steps below:

# Step 1: Use your preferred device to log into your Netflix account.

# Step 2: You can now select and start playing the show or movie you want to watch once you are logged in.

# Step 3: Usually, an icon that says “Audio & Subtitles” will appear at the top or bottom of your screen.

# Step 4: Click on the subtitle options.

# Step 5: Select from the languages shown or click “Other” to see all language options available for that title.

# Step 6: Choose your desired subtitle language and press ‘OK’ to activate subtitles on Netflix for that specific Movie or TV Show.

How to Activate Closed Captions on Hulu

A wide range of content is available on Hulu with subtitles and captions in a variety of languages.

To activate closed captions or Subtitles follow the steps below:

# Step 1: Log into your Hulu account on the web or mobile device.

# Step 2: Once you have selected the show or movie you want to watch, click the ‘Play’ button.

# Step 3: Once the video begins playing, click on the ‘Settings icon’ located on the bottom right side of your screen.

# Step 4: Select ‘Subtitles/CC’ and choose your preferred language option.

# Step 5: If available, you can also select a style for subtitles such as large, small, or black background for increased visibility during playback.

# Step 6: Once you have made your changes, click the ‘Done’ button in the upper right-hand corner to begin watching with subtitles!

How to Turn On Subtitles and Captions on Amazon Prime Video

My favorite streaming service is Amazon Prime Video, and I’m always looking to make it even better.

I was thrilled to discover that I could watch Amazon Prime Video with subtitles!

I now won’t have to worry about missing the dialogue from all my favorite shows. 

The process of turning on subtitles and captions on Amazon Prime Video is simple. You can do that with just a few clicks.

# Step 1: Log into your Amazon Prime Video account and select the profile you want to use.

# Step 2: Select the movie or TV show you want to watch, then click on the “Play” button.

# Step 3: While the video is playing, click on the “Subtitles/CC” icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a speech bubble).

# Step 4: A list of available languages will appear; select your preferred language for subtitles or captions.

# Step 5: Once you have selected your language, click on “Done” to save your settings and start watching with subtitles or captions!

Activate Subtitles on Computer or Mobile

Follow the steps below:

# Step 1: To access Subtitles and Captions on Amazon Prime Video using a computer or mobile device, go to the ‘Prime Video’ page in your browser and sign in with your Amazon account.

# Step 2: Then open a Prime Video title (Movie or TV Show) that offers subtitles or captions.

# Step 3: Click the “CC” button at the bottom of the screen to enable subtitles or captions for that title.

If you want to activate subtitles on Roku devices, Apple TV or On Smart TVs you can see the steps below:

Activate Subtitles On Roku Devices

1. Navigate to the Settings menu.
2. Select ‘Subtitles’.
3. Here, you can edit your Subtitle presets or turn on/off Subtitles.

Activate Subtitles On Apple TV

1. Navigate to the Settings button and select ‘Video and Audio’.
2. Under this option, select ‘Subtitles and Captions’ to turn on/off Subtitles or audio descriptions.

Activate Subtitles On Smart TVs with Amazon Prime Video App 

1. Open a Prime Video title that offers subtitles or captions and press the “Options” button on your remote control (or right-click with your mouse).
2. Then select “Turn Subtitles On” or “Turn Captions On” from the menu that appears onscreen to enable subtitles/captions for that title.

Note: Some TVs also allow you to customize subtitle settings directly from their settings menu (usually under a section called “Subtitles ”). 
If your TV doesn’t have the option to turn off subtitles, then you can often disable them by pressing the “Subtitle” button on your remote control.

How to Activate Closed Captioning/Subtitles on YouTube/ YouTube Premium

YouTube offers its viewers the ability to turn on closed captioning for videos. You can follow the steps below:

# Step 1: Open the YouTube Premium app and select the video you would like to watch.

# Step 2: Tap on the Settings icon at the bottom right corner of your screen.

# Step 3: Under ‘Subtitles & Captions’, turn on ‘Closed Captioning’.

# Step 4: Select the language you would like to use and click ‘Done’.

# Step 5: You can now watch your video with closed captions in the language of your choice!

How to Enable Subtitle Settings on Apple TV

If you’re using Apple TV+ for streaming, you can easily turn on subtitles and captions.

To do so follow the steps below:

# Step 1: To enable subtitles on your Apple TV, press the Play/Pause button while watching a video to bring up the playback controls.

# Step 2: Then use your Siri Remote or Apple TV Remote to swipe up and select the Subtitles button.

# Step 3: You can also change the default subtitles language in Settings by going to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio > Subtitle Language, then choose the language you want.

# Step 4: Additionally, you can turn off automatic subtitles in Settings by going to Settings > Video and Audio (for Apple TV) or Settings > General (for smart TVs or streaming devices).

How Do I Turn on CC or SDH by Default on Apple TV?

On Apple TV (3rd generation), hold down Select on your remote for three seconds while a video is playing to see the Subtitles tab where you can turn on CC or SDH by default.

How to Turn On Captions and Subtitles in Disney+

Turning on captions and subtitles in Disney+ is easy and straightforward. First, open the app and start playing the video you want to watch.

On an iPhone or Android Devices

1. Tap the screen to bring up two icons in the top right corner.
2. Then tap on the one with lines at the bottom of the box to access subtitles options for that specific video.

On a Roku Device

1. Go to the description page of your show or movie.
2. Choose “Audio and Subtitles” from there.

For Apple TV Users

1. Swipe up or down while watching your movie to access audio and subtitle options.
2. Then choose your preferred audio language.

On Amazon Fire TV, Xbox One, or PlayStation 4 Consoles

1. Press the “down” button on your remote.
2. Select either “Menu” or “Dialogue” which appears in the top right corner of your screen to access subtitle settings.
3. Then choose your preferred audio language.

Setting Up Captions and Subtitles in CBS All Access

If you want to watch your favorite shows and movies on CBS All Access with captions or subtitles, it’s easy to do so.

You can manage the captions and subtitles through a

• FireStick,
• Roku,
• smartphone, or
• computer.

Let’s look at the steps for each device:

To manage captions and subtitles…

On a FireStick

1. Open CBS All Access.
2. Select a movie or TV show.
3. Press the ‘Pause’ or ‘Menu’ button on the Firestick remote control.
4. Navigate the arrow keys (arrow button) and select ‘Subtitles and Audio’.
5. Then toggle the button to ‘On’ in order to enable them.

On Roku

1. Use the dedicated remote control that comes with your device to install CBS All Access from their website.
2. Then click on the asterisk button which will open up a side menu where you can toggle on/off closed captioning.

For Smartphones (Android & iPhone)

1. Launch CBS All Access.
2. Tap on the three-line menu/hamburger icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
3. Select ‘Settings’ then ‘Closed Captions’ and follow the instructions to turn them on/off.

On a Computer

Managing subtitles on a computer is easy and straightforward when using CBS All Access.

1. First, open the browser of your choice and log in to your CBS All Access account.
2. Then, select the content you want to watch and once it is playing, hit the ‘Pause’ button on your keyboard.
3. This will bring up a pop-up menu at the top right corner of the screen where you can turn on or off subtitles.
4. You can also customize the font size, style, opacity, or color according to your preference.
5. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to enjoy content with captions or subtitles any time you want!

Activating Closed Captioning for HBO Max Streaming Service

HBO Max streaming service offers closed captioning so that viewers can enjoy their favorite shows and movies with subtitles.

To turn on the closed captioning feature:

1. First, navigate to the app’s settings.
2. From there, select the ‘Subtitles’ or ‘Closed Captioning’ option and select the ‘On’ option.
3. You can then adjust the font size and color of the captions to suit your preference.
4. Once you are done, save your settings and you will now be able to watch your favorite shows and movies with subtitles.

How to Activate Closed Captioning on a Firestick Device for HBO Max Streaming Service

Follow the steps below to Activate Subtitles on Firestick:

1. Choose the streaming media you want to watch and press the Play/Pause button.
2. Then press the hamburger icon button (Menu button). 
3. Select Subtitles and Audio.
4. Finally, select the audio language you’d like to use for the subtitles.
5. Alternatively, click the down direction on the remote, and turn Closed Captioning on.
6. Then choose English CC or your preferred audio language before returning to your show by pressing the Menu button again.

How to Activate Closed Captioning on a Roku Device in HBO Max

Follow the steps below to Activate Subtitles on Roku in HBO Max:

1. Press the Play/Pause button and then press the * button.
2. Click on Closed captioning and turn your subtitles On.
3. Click the Back button in the upper left of the remote to return to the show.

Alternatively you can use advanced method for more options including mode, preferred language, and style by pressing Home button –> Settings –> Accessibility –> Captions mode/language/style.

How to Activate Closed Captioning on an Android or iPhone Device in HBO Max

Follow the steps below to activate the subtitles for your favorite HBO Max shows on Android or iPhone:

1. Find the movie or show you’d like to watch,
2. Hit the Play button.
3. Then tap the screen to bring up the CC icon.
4. You can then toggle the subtitles on or off.
5. Subtitles are off by default, so be sure to turn them on before watching your show.

Note: Subtitle customization isn’t possible on mobile devices at the moment; you’ll have to use a web browser instead.

How to Activate Closed Captioning on a PC or Mac Device in HBO Max

Follow the steps below to activate closed captioning on a PC or Mac in HBO Max:

1. Launch your preferred browser.
2. Log in to the HBO Max.
3. Look for the movie you’d like to play.
4. Then, simply click on the CC icon and turn them ON or OFF.

Note: You cannot customize the subtitles for HBO Max on Apple TV, but you can do so if you visit a web browser on a PC.

How to Activate Closed Captioning on a Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sony, Vizio)

Activating closed captioning for HBO Max on a smart TV is easy. You can follow the steps below:

1. Pause the playback.
2. Navigate to the CC icon with your remote, and toggle the subtitles on or off.
3. Depending on your device, this may vary slightly, but generally, it’s just a matter of selecting “closed captions” from an audio/subtitle menu.

For Samsung TVs

You can launch the Samsung TV Settings.

Go to Accessibility then select Caption Settings to turn subtitles on or off.

With LG TVs

1. Press Select on your remote and scroll down
2. Choose Audio and Subtitles.
3. Then select Closed captions from the options and choose English CC.

Unfortunately, Panasonic TVs don’t currently offer support for HBO Max as they run on a proprietary smart TV OS which does not support HBO Max at this time

Turning On subtitles for BBC iPlayer

You can turn on subtitles for BBC iPlayer on the Website and TV App, Connected TVs, Mobile & Tablet Apps, or Downloaded Programmes using the steps below.

On the Website and TV App

Follow the steps below to turn on subtitles on the BBC iPlayer website or TV app:

1. Open BBC iPlayer.
2. Play your favorite program.
3. Select the speech bubble icon from the playback screen.
4. Then choose the size of the subtitles to suit your needs.

On Connected TVs

You have to use the Connected TV remote to get video subtitles. Follow the steps below:

1. Bring up the playback menu by using your remote’s enter/select, play/pause, or arrow button /direction buttons
2. Then use these same buttons to select the speech bubble icon at the top left of your screen.
3. Here you can switch subtitles on and off as well as adjust their size.

On Mobile & Tablet Apps

1. Start playing an on-demand program.
2. Tap anywhere on the playback screen to display options, including a speech bubble icon at the top right corner which you can tap to bring up accessibility options like AD, SL, and Subtitles.
3. Use the toggle next to the Subtitles option to switch it on (the toggle will turn pink).

Downloaded Programmes

You can get subtitles for downloaded programs too by following the same steps depending upon what device you’re using – website, connected TVs, or mobile & tablet apps.

Steps to Enable Captions and Subtitles in Acorn TV

Acorn TV is a streaming service that offers a variety of British television shows and movies. To turn on captions and subtitles, you can use the Acorn TV app or website. Here’s how to do it:

Using the Web

1. Select the show or movie you’d like to watch.
2. Click the “CC” icon at the bottom right corner of the screen to enable or disable captions, or to change caption settings (like font size, color, etc.).

Roku

In order to enable captions and subtitles in Acorn TV on Roku follow the steps below:

1. Press the Star button on their Roku remote to open the Options menu.
2. Then scroll up or down to highlight the Closed Captioning option.
3. Use the left or right button on their Roku remote to select your preferred captions option.

Additionally, from the Home screen of Roku device, you can scroll up or down and select Settings, then Accessibility or Captions (depending on the model) and select Captions Mode to choose a preferred captions option.

iPhone and iPad

To enable or disable captions and subtitles on your Apple iPhone or iPad device in Acorn TV, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Acorn TV app.
2. Select a show or film and start playing.
3. Once the video has started playing.
4. Click the headphone icon in the lower right corner of your screen to select your preferred language for captions/subtitles.

Alternatively, you can control captions from the Home screen by selecting “Settings” (the gear icon in the upper right corner) and toggling the “Closed Captions for All Video” option on or off.

Apple TV

To enable or disable the captions on your Apple TV device in Acorn TV, follow the steps below:

1. While playing the program swipe down on your remote’s Touch surface to reveal the Info panel.
2. Swipe right to see the Subtitles or Audio menus.
3. Then swipe down and choose the option you want.

You can also turn captions on for all programs by default by going to…

Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning and choosing “Closed Captions and SDH”. This will ensure that all programs display captions when played on Acorn TV.

Android Devices

Enabling captions and subtitles in Acorn TV on Android devices in Acorn TV is easy. To enable or disable captions follow the steps below:

1. Open the Acorn TV app.
2. Select a TV show or film and start playing.
3. Then, select the CC icon in the upper left corner to turn captions on or off.
4. You can also control captions from the Home screen by selecting the “Settings” menu (the three dots in the top right corner) and checking or unchecking the “Global Closed Captioning” option.
5. Furthermore, if you want captions to be turned on for all programs by default, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning and choose “Closed Captions and SDH” to turn it on.

Android TV

In order to enable captions and subtitles on an Android TV while watching Acorn TV follow the steps below:

1. Press the up button twice on your Android TV remote.
2. This will open a menu that allows you to select your preferred language or disable captions altogether.
3. You can also turn captions on or off from the home screen of your Android TV by scrolling down and selecting settings, then selecting Accessibility under Preferences and Captions.
4. Finally, select Display and turn captions on or off as desired.

Amazon Fire TV

Acorn TV makes it easy to enable subtitles and captions on your Amazon Fire TV. Follow the steps below to do so:

1. While watching a program on Acorn TV, simply press Up twice on your Fire TV remote.
2. Then select your preferred language or enable/disable captions.
3. Additionally, you can also turn captions on/off from the Home screen of your Fire TV by scrolling down and selecting Settings, then under “Preferences” select Accessibility, then Captions.
4. From there, select Display and turn captions on or off. 

How to Turn On Captions in Peacock TV

When subtitles are available, you can follow along with your favorite shows, movies, commentaries, advertisements, or other audio-based content more easily without distractions.

No matter what platform you use…

Peacock TV subtitles can be turned on or off using a browser, an iOS app for iPhones and iPads, an Android app for Android users, an Amazon Firestick device for Fire OS users, a Roku device for Roku OS users, or a smart TV app.

Follow the steps below to Turn On Captions in Peacock for your desired device:

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on Peacock TV Using a PC

Turning on subtitles and closed captioning on Peacock TV using a PC is easy. Follow the steps below:

# Step 1: Open Peacock TV on any browser.

# Step 2: Select the content you want to watch.

# Step 3: Once the video starts playing, a pop-up menu will appear showing Audio and Subtitles.

# Step 4: Select the “English” or “Off” option to turn subtitles on or off.

Note: Make sure to refresh the browser if the subtitles don’t load. You can also turn subtitles on or off if you pause the video.

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the iPhone Peacock App

Turning subtitles on or off on the iPhone Peacock app is quick and easy. Follow the steps below:

# Step 1: First, launch the app and begin playing the content you want to watch.

# Step 2: Then, tap on the text bubble (subtitles) button and toggle between “On” or “Off”.

Note: Refresh the browser if the subtitles do not load in less than 30 seconds.

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the Android Peacock App

Follow the steps below to  Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the Android Peacock App:

1. Launch the Android Peacock TV app and start the content you want to watch.
2. Then, pull up the playback options with your finger and tap on the “text bubble” (subtitles) button to turn them “On” or “Off.”
3. Within a few seconds, you’ll be able to enjoy the quality content that Peacock TV delivers with subtitles or closed captioning.

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the Firestick Peacock App

Follow the steps below to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the Firestick Peacock App:

1. First, launch the Peacock TV app on your Firestick and play the content you want.
2. Then, press the “Menu” button on your Firestick remote, and you will be able to access the subtitles section.
3. From there, you can choose the language of the subtitles and turn them on or off.
4. Once you make your selection, the changes should take effect in less than 30 seconds.

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the Roku Peacock App

The process of turning on subtitles and closed captions on the Roku Peacock app is simple and straightforward.

All you need to do is use the remote to access the subtitles. Follow the steps below:

1. First, launch the Peacock TV app and play the content you want to watch.
2. Then press the “*” button on the Roku remote.
3. Select “On” or “Off” to control the subtitles.
4. The subtitles should appear soon after you turn them on.

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning on the Apple TV Peacock App

To turn on or off subtitles and closed captioning on the Apple TV Peacock app, you need to use the Apple TV remote.

Follow the steps below:

1. To turn the subtitles on, press the “Select” button on your Apple TV remote.
2. You will then be able to choose the language you want to use for your subtitles, as well as turn them on or off.
3. After making your selection, the changes to the subtitles should take effect in less than 30 seconds.

Note: With the Apple TV Peacock app, you can easily turn closed captioning and subtitles on or off to suit your needs.

How to Turn On Subtitles and Closed Captioning in the Peacock TV App on a Smart TV

To turn on subtitles and closed captioning on the Peacock TV app on a smart TV, all you need to do is use your remote to access the subtitles.

Follow the steps below:

1. On an LG smart TV, press the “OK” button in the middle of the remote, then navigate to the subtitles section on Peacock TV.
2. On other devices such as Roku and Apple TV, press the “Select” or “Menu” button on the remote, then choose the “Subtitles” button with your remote to turn them “On” or “Off.”
3. Finally, on an Android TV, pull up the playback options with your finger, then tap on the “text bubble” (subtitles) button and turn them “On” or “Off.”
4. The changes should occur in less than 30 seconds.

FAQ on How to Turn On Captions and Subtitles for Streaming Services

Conclusion

In conclusion, turning captions and subtitles on your streaming service is really easy. It just requires a few simple steps to complete.

Whether you’re hard of hearing or have difficulty understanding what’s said in the video, turning on captions and subtitles can make watching videos that much more enjoyable.

So, give it a shot and start watching your favorite movies with ease!