Enable subtitles in three steps on any device
To turn on subtitles on Paramount Plus, open the show or movie you want to watch, select the settings icon (usually three dots or lines) that appears during playback, then choose Subtitles or Closed Captions from the menu and pick your language. The subtitle track will start when ready. You can turn subtitles off the same way by selecting Off from the subtitles menu.
The exact location of the settings button varies slightly by device — on a TV remote it may be labeled CC or SUB, on a phone or computer it's usually three dots in the corner of the video player — but the process is the same across Paramount Plus apps. Once you select a subtitle language, it stays on for that video until you manually turn it off.
If subtitles don't appear after you select them, the show or movie may not have subtitles available in your region or language. Paramount Plus does not offer subtitles for every title in every language.
Key Takeaways
- Start playing a show or movie, then tap or click the settings icon (three dots or lines) during playback to find the subtitles option.
- Select your preferred language from the subtitles menu; the captions will turn on right away.
- Subtitles stay on for that video only — you will need to turn them on again for the next show or movie.
- Not every title has subtitles in every language, so availability depends on what you are watching and where you are located.
Where to find the subtitles button on different devices
On a smart TV or streaming device (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick), use your remote to hover over or select the video player during playback. A menu bar will appear at the bottom or top of the screen with playback controls. Look for a button labeled CC, SUB, or a speech bubble icon. Press it to open the subtitles menu.
On a phone or tablet (iPhone, iPad, Android), tap anywhere on the video while it is playing. A row of icons will appear in the top right corner of the player. Tap the three dots or the settings gear icon, then scroll down to find Subtitles or Captions.
On a computer or laptop (Windows, Mac), move your mouse over the video player. The control bar will appear at the bottom. Click the three dots or settings icon on the right side of the bar, then select Subtitles from the dropdown menu.
Choosing a subtitle language
After you open the subtitles menu, you will see a list of available languages. English is usually the first option. Select the language you want, and the subtitles will appear on screen within a second or two.
Some titles offer multiple English options — for example, English and English (Descriptive Audio). Descriptive Audio is a separate audio track that describes what is happening on screen for people who are blind or have low vision; it is not the same as subtitles. If you want text captions, choose plain English or your preferred language.
If you do not see your language in the list, that language is not available for that particular show or movie on Paramount Plus.
Turn subtitles off or change them mid-show
You can turn subtitles off at any time by opening the subtitles menu again and selecting Off. You can also switch to a different language without stopping the video — just open the menu and pick a new language. The change takes effect when ready.
If you pause the video, the subtitles menu will usually close. When you resume playback, your subtitle choice stays the same. You do not have to turn them back on.
Why subtitles might not show up
If you have selected subtitles but no text appears on screen, the most common reason is that the title does not have subtitles available in your region or in the language you chose. Paramount Plus does not add subtitles to every show and movie, and availability varies by country.
Less often, a technical issue with the app or your device can prevent subtitles from loading. If this happens, try closing the Paramount Plus app completely and opening it again, or restart your device. If subtitles still do not appear, the title may genuinely not have them.
Subtitle settings that carry over to other videos
Paramount Plus does not have a global subtitle setting that turns on captions for all videos automatically. You must turn on subtitles for each show or movie individually. However, once you select a language for one video, that language choice may be remembered for your next viewing — this depends on your device and app version.
If you watch many videos with subtitles, the fastest routine is to turn them on as soon as the video starts playing, before you get settled. It takes only a few seconds and saves you from missing dialogue while you hunt for the settings menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the subtitles bigger or change their color?
Paramount Plus does not offer subtitle customization options within the app itself. Your device's accessibility settings may let you change text size or color for the whole screen, but this affects everything you watch, not just Paramount Plus. Check your TV, phone, or computer's accessibility menu for caption styling options.
Do I need to pay extra for subtitles?
No. Subtitles are included with all Paramount Plus subscription tiers at no extra cost. If a show or movie has subtitles available, you can turn them on whenever you want.
Why do some shows have subtitles but others don't?
Paramount Plus adds subtitles based on licensing agreements with studios and networks. Older shows, independent films, and some live content may not have subtitles available. Availability also varies by country — a show may have subtitles in the United States but not in another region.
Will subtitles turn on automatically if I turn them on once?
No. Subtitles are off by default for each new video. You have to turn them on every time you start a new show or movie. Some devices may remember your last choice and suggest it, but you still have to confirm it.
Can I use subtitles in a language other than English?
Yes, if that language is available for the title you are watching. Open the subtitles menu and select from the list of available languages. Availability depends on the show or movie and your region.