Enable subtitles on Roku by opening a title, pressing the Options button, and selecting Subtitles from the menu
To turn on subtitles while watching Disney Plus on Roku, start playing any show or movie. Once the video is running, press the Options button (the button with three horizontal lines, usually in the middle-left area of your Roku remote). A menu will appear on screen. Look for Subtitles or Closed Captions in that menu and select it. You will then see a list of available languages — choose the one you want, or select On if that option appears.
The subtitle language you choose will stay active for that title only. If you switch to a different show or movie, you may need to repeat these steps, though Roku sometimes remembers your last selection. Not every title offers subtitles in every language, so your options depend on what Disney Plus has provided for that specific content.
Key Takeaways
- Press the Options button on your Roku remote while a video is playing to access the subtitle menu.
- Subtitle availability varies by title and language — Disney Plus does not offer subtitles in all languages for all content.
- Your subtitle choice applies only to the current title; switching shows or movies may require you to set subtitles again.
- If subtitles do not appear after you select them, the title may not have subtitles available in your chosen language.
What to do if the Options button does not work
On some Roku remotes, the button layout differs slightly. If pressing the middle button does not open a menu, try pressing the asterisk button (*) or the star button instead — these often serve the same function. You can also try pressing the up arrow on your remote while a video plays; this sometimes brings up playback controls that include a subtitle option.
If none of these buttons work, check your Roku remote model number (usually printed on the back) and search the Roku support site for the correct button layout. Different Roku devices and remote versions use slightly different controls, so knowing your exact model helps you find the right button.
Subtitle options available on Disney Plus
Disney Plus offers subtitles in multiple languages for most titles, but the exact languages available depend on the show or movie. Common options include English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, and others. Some titles, particularly older content or certain international releases, may have subtitles in fewer languages or none at all.
You can also choose between Subtitles (which show only dialogue) and Closed Captions (which include sound effects and music cues, marked with descriptions like "[music playing]"). If both options are available, the menu will let you pick which one you prefer. Closed captions are especially useful if you are deaf or hard of hearing, as they describe audio elements beyond just the spoken words.
Changing subtitle size and appearance
Disney Plus on Roku does not offer built-in controls to change subtitle size, font, or color directly within the app. However, your Roku device itself may have accessibility settings that affect how subtitles appear across all apps. To access these, go to Settings on your Roku home screen, then look for Accessibility or Captions. From there you can adjust text size and background color for closed captions system-wide.
If you need larger or more readable subtitles, adjusting these Roku-level settings will affect Disney Plus and other streaming apps that support them. Not all Roku models have the same accessibility options, so the exact menu path may vary depending on your device.
Subtitles keep turning off between episodes
If you are watching a series and subtitles turn off when you move to the next episode, this is usually a Roku or Disney Plus behavior rather than a glitch. Some versions of the app reset subtitle settings between episodes, while others remember your choice. Restarting the Disney Plus app or restarting your Roku device can sometimes fix this, though it may not be permanent.
If subtitles consistently turn off, try enabling them again and checking whether your Roku software is up to date. Go to Settings > System > System Update to see if an update is available. Older Roku software sometimes has bugs with subtitle persistence that newer versions fix.
Troubleshooting when subtitles do not appear at all
If you select subtitles but nothing appears on screen, the title may not have subtitles available in your chosen language. Try selecting a different language from the subtitle menu — if other languages appear as options, at least one should work. If the subtitle menu shows no languages at all, that particular title does not have subtitles available on Disney Plus.
Another common cause is that subtitles are enabled but positioned off-screen or in a color that blends with the video. This is rare on Roku, but restarting the app or your device can reset the display. If subtitles still do not show after restarting, the title itself may not support them, and you would need to choose a different show or movie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set subtitles to turn on automatically for every show I watch?
Disney Plus on Roku does not have a global setting to auto-enable subtitles across all titles. You must turn them on for each show or movie individually. However, Roku sometimes remembers your last subtitle choice within a single viewing session, so if you enable subtitles early in your watching, they may stay on for the next title — though this is not may provide.
Why do some Disney Plus titles not have subtitles?
Older content, certain international releases, and some original productions may not have subtitles in all languages or any language at all. Disney Plus adds subtitles gradually, so a title without subtitles today may have them added later. If a title you want to watch lacks subtitles, you can check back in a few weeks to see if they have been added.
Do I need a special Roku remote to use subtitles?
No. Any Roku remote can access subtitles through the Options or menu button. The exact button name varies by remote model, but all Roku remotes have a way to open the playback menu where subtitles are located. Check your remote's button labels or the Roku support site if you are unsure which button to press.
Can I use subtitles in a language Disney Plus does not offer?
No. You can only choose from the languages Disney Plus has provided for that specific title. If your preferred language is not listed, you would need to select a different available language or watch without subtitles.