Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To turn subtitles off on ESPN+, start a video and select the CC button on the player bar. ESPN says the precise controls vary by device. If captions remain, check that device’s caption settings; some text— including certain Spanish-language subtitles—is embedded in the video and cannot be switched off.
Turn off captions in the ESPN player
-
Start the ESPN+ video. If the controls disappear, use your remote, tap the screen, or move your pointer over the player to show them.
-
Find and select CC on the player bar. ESPN’s guidance is that this control toggles captions on or off on most devices.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: Fix Windows Errors and Clear Junk Files in Minutes - Free Scan →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Check the picture after selecting CC. If the text remains, it may be embedded in the video rather than a caption track the player can switch off.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick HD with Voice Remote- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
ESPN notes that the available controls and steps vary by device; there is no single menu path established for every ESPN app. ESPN’s caption and audio-language guidance also says some Spanish-language subtitles are burned into videos and cannot be toggled off.
Roku: check the app menu and device settings
Roku offers both an in-app playback menu and a system caption setting. Try the app menu first while the video is playing:
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
-
Press the Star button on the Roku remote to open the app menu.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Look for the captions option and turn captions off. The menu’s exact options can depend on the app.
Rank #3
Sale
Roku Streaming Stick Plus with Voice Remote - 4K & HDR10+- 4K streaming made simple:With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- 4K picture quality: With Roku Streaming Stick Plus, watch your favorites with brilliant 4K picture and vivid HDR color.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
-
If captions persist, open Settings > Accessibility > Captions mode on Roku and check the device setting.
Changing Roku’s setting may not affect captions controlled directly by an app. Roku explains that some apps use their own captions and skip the device setting. See Roku’s troubleshooting guidance for streaming app features.
Rank #4
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
If captions stay on or only one video has them
-
Try CC again in the player. Start with ESPN’s in-video control, since it is the general route ESPN provides.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Check the device setting. This is an additional diagnostic step, especially on Roku; it is not guaranteed to override app-managed captions.
Best Value
Roku Express HD Streaming Media Player, Black (Renewed)- Streaming made easy: Roku Express lets you stream free, live and premium TV over the Internet—right to your TV. It’s perfect for new users, secondary TVs and easy gifting—but powerful enough for seasoned pros
- Quick and easy setup: Just plug it into your TV with the included High Speed HDMI Cable and connect to the internet to get started
- Tons of power, tons of fun: Compact and power-packed, you’ll stream your favorites with ease; from movies and series on Apple TV, Prime Video, Netflix, The Roku Channel, HBO, Showtime and Google Play to cable alternatives like Hulu with Live TV and PlayStation Vue, enjoy the most talked about TV across free and paid channels
- Low cost, no extra fees: For under $30, Roku Express streaming device includes a High Speed HDMI Cable—and there’s no monthly equipment fee; with access to free TV on hundreds of channels, there’s plenty to stream without spending extra
- Simple remote: Incredibly easy to use, this remote features shortcut buttons to popular streaming channels
-
Try another program. If the text appears on only one video, it may be part of the picture, or that title may have different caption availability.
-
Contact ESPN if the issue is specific to its app. ESPN directs mobile users to Contact Support in the ESPN app’s Settings. Its caption support page also lists espn.closedcaptioning@espn.com and 1-860-766-2000.
What to know about captions on ESPN content
Caption availability is not universal across every program. ESPN says captions are available on most content and identifies live networks with captioning, while noting that only select programming on ESPN3, SEC Network+, and ACC Network Extra has captions. Availability of ESPN streaming apps on browsers, phones and tablets, streaming devices, consoles, and smart TVs does not mean their caption menus work the same way. ESPN’s live-captioning information describes availability and includes an older iOS instruction for enabling captions; it is not a verified current procedure for turning them off.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor current supported device families, see ESPN’s streaming device information.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
