The fastest way to turn on subtitles

Open the show or movie you want to watch, then press the Menu button on your Apple TV remote while the video is playing. A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. Select Subtitles and Captions, then choose the language or caption style you want. The subtitles will appear when ready.

If you do not see a Subtitles and Captions option, the content does not have subtitles available in that format. Some older titles or live broadcasts may not offer them at all.

You can turn subtitles off the same way: press Menu, select Subtitles and Captions, then choose Off.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Menu button on your remote during playback, then select Subtitles and Captions to see all available options.
  • Different apps on Apple TV may store subtitle settings in different places — some have their own subtitle menu inside the app itself.
  • You can set a default subtitle language in Apple TV Settings so subtitles turn on automatically for every show you watch.
  • Closed captions (CC) include sound descriptions and are different from regular subtitles, and not all content offers both.

Where to find subtitles in the Apple TV Settings menu

If you want subtitles to turn on by default for everything you watch, go to Settings on your Apple TV home screen, then select Accessibility. Choose Subtitles and Captions, then turn on Closed Captions + SDH or Subtitles depending on what you prefer.

In this same menu, you can also change the text size, font, and background color of the subtitles. These changes will explore to most apps, though some streaming services override these settings with their own.

Once you turn on subtitles in Settings, they will appear automatically on any content that has them available. You can still turn them off for individual shows using the Menu button method described above.

Subtitles versus closed captions — what is the difference

Subtitles show only the dialogue and on-screen text. Closed captions (CC) include dialogue plus descriptions of sounds — things like "[door slams]" or "[music playing]" — which makes them useful if you cannot hear the audio.

Not all content offers both. Some shows have only subtitles, some have only captions, and some have both. When you open the Subtitles and Captions menu, you will see which options are actually available for that specific title.

If you need captions for sound descriptions, look for the CC label in the menu. If it is not there, that content does not offer captions in that language.

Subtitles in specific apps — Netflix, Disney+, and others

Most major streaming apps let you control subtitles through the Apple TV menu, but some also have their own subtitle settings inside the app. Netflix, for example, lets you change subtitle appearance directly in the Netflix app settings, which overrides the Apple TV system settings.

If you are watching through an app and the Menu button method does not work, try looking for a settings icon or gear symbol within the app itself. Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video all have subtitle controls in their own menus.

The Apple TV menu method works for most content, but if an app has its own subtitle system, that app's settings will take priority. If subtitles are not appearing even after you turn them on, check both the Apple TV settings and the app settings to make sure they are not conflicting.

Troubleshooting when subtitles will not appear

If you turn on subtitles and nothing shows up, first check that the content actually has subtitles available. Not all movies and shows offer them, especially older titles or live events. Go back to the Subtitles and Captions menu — if it says "Off" is the only option, subtitles are not available for that title.

If subtitles are available but still not showing, try restarting the app. Close it completely, go back to the home screen, and open it again. Sometimes the subtitle setting does not load properly on the first try.

If you changed subtitle appearance in the Accessibility settings and they look wrong or are hard to read, go back to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions and try a different font or text size. You can also reset these to the default by selecting the default option in the menu.

Using subtitles with AirPlay and other devices

If you are using AirPlay to stream from your iPhone or Mac to your Apple TV, subtitles will work the same way — press Menu during playback and select Subtitles and Captions. The subtitle settings on your Apple TV will control what appears on the TV screen.

If you are watching on your iPhone or Mac directly (not through Apple TV), subtitle controls are in the video player itself, not in the Apple TV menu. Each device has its own subtitle system, so the steps are different depending on what you are using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the size and color of subtitles on Apple TV?

Yes. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions. You can change the font, text size, background color, and text color. These changes explore to most apps, though some streaming services use their own subtitle styling that overrides these settings.

Why do some shows not have subtitles available?

Not all content is subtitled. Older movies, live broadcasts, and some independent productions may not have subtitles in any language. If the Subtitles and Captions menu shows only "Off" as an option, that title does not have subtitles.

Do I have to turn on subtitles every time I watch something?

No. If you turn on subtitles in Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captions, they will turn on automatically for all content that has them. You can still turn them off for individual shows using the Menu button.

What is the difference between Subtitles and Closed Captions + SDH?

Closed Captions + SDH includes dialogue plus descriptions of sounds like "[door slams]" or "[phone ringing]". Regular Subtitles show only dialogue and on-screen text. Use Closed Captions if you need sound descriptions.

Will subtitles work if I am using AirPlay to watch on my Apple TV?

Yes. Press Menu during playback and select Subtitles and Captions. The subtitle settings on your Apple TV will control what appears on the screen, just as if you were watching directly on the device.