Subtitles and captions are built into Apple TV — you turn them on in Settings
Subtitles and captions on Apple TV are controlled through the device settings, not through individual apps. Once you turn them on, they appear automatically in most shows and movies that support them. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use an Apple TV box, an iPhone or iPad running tvOS, or a smart TV with Apple TV built in.
The fastest route is to go to Settings, select Accessibility, then Subtitles and Captions, and toggle the setting on. After that, subtitles will display by default whenever you play content that has them available. You can also adjust the text size, style, and background color to suit your eyesight and preference.
Key Takeaways
- Subtitles turn on through Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions on any Apple TV device.
- Once enabled, subtitles appear automatically in compatible shows and movies without needing to adjust them per title.
- You can change subtitle appearance — size, font, background color, and opacity — in the same Accessibility menu.
- Some content may not have subtitles available even after you turn the setting on, depending on what the streaming service provides.
- If subtitles appear in the wrong language, you can change the default language in Subtitles and Captions settings.
How to enable subtitles on an Apple TV box
On a fourth-generation Apple TV or newer, use your remote to navigate to Settings from the home screen. Select Accessibility, then Subtitles and Captions. Toggle the switch to on. Subtitles will now appear in any show or movie that has them.
If you want to change the language subtitles appear in, stay in the Subtitles and Captions menu and select Subtitle Language. Choose your preferred language from the list. This sets the default, though some apps let you override it for individual titles.
Adjusting subtitle appearance and style
After you turn subtitles on, you can customize how they look. In Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions, select Style. Apple TV offers several preset styles that change the font, text size, background color, and opacity all at once. Scroll through the options and select the one that is easiest for you to read.
If none of the presets work, select Custom at the bottom of the Style menu. Here you can adjust text size, font, text color, background color, and background opacity individually. Larger text and a dark background with high opacity make subtitles easier to read in bright rooms or for people with low vision.
Subtitles on Apple TV through iPhone or iPad
If you are using an iPhone or iPad to control your Apple TV, open the Control Center and tap Apple TV Remote. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions and toggle on. The same settings for language and style are available in this menu.
You can also use Siri on your iPhone or iPad to control subtitles. Say "Turn on subtitles" or "Turn off subtitles" and Siri will toggle the setting on your Apple TV. This works as long as your iPhone or iPad is on the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV.
Subtitles on smart TVs with Apple TV built in
Samsung, LG, and some other smart TV brands have Apple TV built directly into the television. To turn on subtitles, use your TV remote to access the Apple TV settings. The path is usually Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions, though the exact menu structure depends on your TV brand.
Consult your TV's manual if you cannot find the Accessibility menu, as some manufacturers place it under a different name or in a different location. Once you locate it, the subtitle controls work the same way as on a dedicated Apple TV box.
When subtitles do not appear even after turning them on
Some shows and movies do not have subtitles available, even after you turn the setting on. This is a limitation of the content itself, not your device. Streaming services like Apple TV+, Netflix, and others decide which titles get subtitles and which do not. If a title has no subtitles, no setting on your Apple TV will make them appear.
If subtitles are missing from a title that you believe should have them, check the app's settings to see if there is a separate subtitle toggle within the app itself. Some streaming apps have their own subtitle controls that override the Apple TV system setting. You can also contact the streaming service to report that subtitles are missing.
Turning subtitles on and off for individual shows
After you enable subtitles in Settings, they turn on automatically for most content. However, you can pause a show or movie and turn subtitles off for that title alone without changing your system setting. While watching, press the Menu button on your remote, then look for a Subtitles or CC option. Select it to toggle subtitles off for that playback session.
When you start a different show or movie, subtitles will turn back on automatically because your system setting is still enabled. This lets you watch without subtitles when you prefer, but have them ready whenever you need them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have subtitles in one language and audio in another?
Yes. Set your subtitle language in Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions, and set your audio language in Settings > Audio and Video > Audio Language. These are independent settings, so you can watch a show with Spanish audio and English subtitles, for example.
Why are subtitles appearing in the wrong language?
Check your default subtitle language in Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions > Subtitle Language. If it is set to a language you do not speak, change it to your preferred language. Some apps also have their own language settings that may override the system default.
Do I need to turn subtitles on for each app separately?
No. Once you turn on subtitles in Apple TV Settings, they appear in all apps that support them. You do not need to adjust the setting in Netflix, Apple TV+, or any other app. Some apps may have additional subtitle options, but the system-wide setting controls whether subtitles appear by default.
Can I make subtitles bigger without changing the font or color?
Yes. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions > Style > Custom, then adjust only the Text Size slider. Leave the other settings as they are. This changes the size without affecting font, color, or background appearance.