The fastest way to disable subtitles on your Samsung TV
To turn off subtitles on a Samsung TV, press the Menu button on your remote, navigate to Subtitles (or Caption), and select Off. The exact path depends on your TV model and whether you're watching live TV, a streaming app, or an HDMI input — but the principle is the same across all Samsung TVs made in the last decade.
If you're watching through a streaming service like Netflix or YouTube, the subtitle controls may live inside that app instead of in your TV's main menu. We'll walk you through both scenarios below, plus what to do if subtitles keep reappearing on their own.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung TV subtitles are usually controlled through the main Menu, under Subtitles or Caption settings, where you can turn them completely off.
- Streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, and YouTube have their own subtitle controls inside the app that override your TV's settings.
- If subtitles are stuck on, check both your TV settings and the app settings — one of them is likely set to force subtitles on.
- Some Samsung models let you set subtitles to "Off by Default" so they stay off unless you manually turn them back on.
- If you're using an external device (cable box, Roku, Fire Stick), that device's subtitle settings may override your TV's controls.
Turning off subtitles on live TV or HDMI inputs
When you're watching cable, satellite, or an antenna broadcast, or using an external device plugged into your Samsung TV, use your TV remote to access the subtitle menu. Press Menu on the remote, then look for Subtitles, Caption, or Closed Captions — the label varies by model year. Select that option and choose Off.
On some older Samsung models, you may need to go through Picture and Sound or Broadcasting first before you see the subtitle option. If you can't find it in the main Menu, try pressing the CC button directly on your remote if your model has one — this toggles captions on and off without opening the menu.
If subtitles are coming from an external device (like a cable box or streaming stick), you may need to turn them off in that device's settings instead. Check the device's remote for a CC or Subtitle button, or dig into its settings menu. Your TV's subtitle controls won't override a device that's sending captions as part of its signal.
Disabling subtitles in Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and other apps
Streaming apps store their own subtitle settings separately from your TV's main menu. Open the app, start playing a show or movie, and look for a Settings icon (usually a gear or three dots) on the playback screen. Tap it and look for Subtitles, Captions, or Audio and Subtitles. Select Off or None.
In Netflix, go to your account settings (not the playback menu) and scroll to Playback Settings. You can set subtitles to off by default for your profile, so they won't turn on automatically on future shows. Disney+ and Hulu have similar profile-level settings under Account or Settings. YouTube stores subtitle preferences in the playback menu during each video — turn them off there, and they'll stay off for that session.
The reason app settings matter is that they override your TV's caption controls. Even if your Samsung TV's subtitles are set to Off, Netflix can still display subtitles if its own setting is turned on. Check both places if subtitles keep showing up.
What to do if subtitles won't turn off
If subtitles are stuck on no matter what you do, start by checking three things in order: the streaming app's subtitle setting, your TV's subtitle setting, and your external device's subtitle setting (if you're using one). Whichever one is set to "On" or "Always On" is the culprit.
On your Samsung TV itself, go to Menu > Subtitles and make sure it's set to Off, not On or Auto. Some models have an Auto setting that turns subtitles on when the sound is muted — if that's enabled and you've muted your TV, subtitles will appear. Switch it to Off to prevent this.
If you're using a cable box, satellite receiver, or external streaming device, check its remote for a CC or Subtitle button and press it to cycle through the options. You may also need to dig into that device's settings menu — the path varies widely depending on the brand. A quick search for "[device name] how to turn off subtitles" will point you to the right menu.
Setting subtitles to stay off by default
Many Samsung TV models let you configure subtitles to remain off unless you manually turn them on. This prevents subtitles from reappearing after a software update or when you switch inputs. Go to Menu > Subtitles and look for an option called Default, Default Setting, or Subtitle Preference. Set it to Off.
For streaming apps, set your default at the account or profile level rather than just turning them off for one video. In Netflix, this is under Account > Playback Settings. In Disney+, it's under Account Settings. Once you set it there, subtitles will stay off across all devices you use to watch that account, not just your Samsung TV.
Troubleshooting subtitles that reappear after updates
Samsung TVs occasionally reset some settings after a software update. If subtitles suddenly reappear after your TV updates, go back to Menu > Subtitles and turn them off again. This is normal and not a sign of a problem — the update straightforward restored default settings.
To minimize this, check your TV's settings a few days after any major update. If subtitles have been re-enabled, turn them off and set your default preference again. Some users also find that unplugging the TV for 30 seconds after an update and plugging it back in helps the new settings stick, though this is not always necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do subtitles turn on automatically when I mute my Samsung TV?
Your TV likely has the Auto subtitle setting enabled. This feature turns subtitles on whenever the volume is muted, to help you follow dialogue without sound. Go to Menu > Subtitles and change the setting from Auto to Off. This will prevent subtitles from appearing when you mute.
Do I need to turn off subtitles separately for each input (HDMI, cable, streaming)?
Not necessarily. Your TV's main subtitle setting applies across all inputs, but streaming apps and external devices have their own controls that can override it. If subtitles are on in Netflix but off on cable, check Netflix's app settings first — that's usually where the problem is.
Can I turn off subtitles on my Samsung TV without using the remote?
Yes, if you have the SmartThings app on your phone, you can use it as a remote to navigate to Menu > Subtitles and turn them off. You can also use voice commands on some newer Samsung models — say "Turn off subtitles" to Bixby if your TV has that feature enabled.
What if my Samsung TV doesn't have a Subtitles option in the Menu?
Older Samsung models sometimes hide subtitles under different names. Look for Caption, Closed Caption, or Broadcasting in the Menu. If you still can't find it, try pressing the CC button on your remote directly — this often toggles captions without opening the menu.
Why are subtitles still on even though I turned them off in my TV settings?
A streaming app or external device is likely overriding your TV's settings. Check the subtitle controls inside the app you're watching (Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, etc.) or in your cable box or streaming stick's settings. Turn subtitles off there, and they should disappear.