Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

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

Start playing the video, open its playback controls, and choose the title’s available option under Subtitles, Captions, or Audio & Subtitles. The control and gesture vary by app and device, and a language that is not listed for that title cannot be selected there.

Turn on subtitles or captions while a video is playing

  1. Start the show or film you want to watch.
  2. Reveal the playback controls. Tap or click the video on a phone, tablet, or computer; on a TV, use the remote as directed by the app. Some apps use an on-screen settings or keyboard icon instead.
  3. Open the menu labeled Subtitles, Captions, Closed Captions, or Audio & Subtitles.
  4. Choose a listed subtitle or caption track. If you want spoken dialogue in another language, choose an available audio track instead.

These options are generally inside the video player rather than the device’s home-screen settings. Exact controls differ across touchscreens, computers, TV remotes, apps, and titles.

Where to find the language controls in each app

App How to open the controls What to select
Netflix Start playback. Tap or click the screen on a phone, tablet, or computer; on many TVs and connected players, press up or down on the remote. On Apple TV, Netflix’s instructions use a swipe up or up-arrow action. Choose Audio & Subtitles, then select an available subtitle, caption, or audio track. Netflix lists languages available for that title; downloaded titles show the two most relevant languages. Netflix instructions
Prime Video During playback, open the Closed Caption or Subtitles control. Tap the screen if needed to reveal controls. Some connected devices require a subtitle language to be selected before playback. Choose a listed caption or subtitle. For spoken dialogue in another language, choose an alternative audio track in the playback controls. A track marked [Audio Descriptions] adds narration describing scenes; it is not a subtitle language. Device support and appearance controls vary. Captions help · Audio tracks help · Smart TV subtitles help
Disney+ While playing, open the keyboard/settings icon. It is at the top right on web and mobile and at the bottom right on TV-connected devices; some TVs show a three-dot icon. Choose the available audio language, subtitles, or closed captions. Disney+ language instructions
Apple TV app Open the playback controls. Choose the Subtitles button, turn subtitles on, then select Languages to choose another available track. Apple Support instructions

Choose the track that matches what you need

  • Subtitles: commonly show dialogue, often translated into another language.
  • Captions or closed captions: may include dialogue and other sound cues. When offered, select the caption track if you want those cues as well as spoken words.
  • Alternate audio: changes the language spoken in the program; it does not turn on subtitles.
  • Audio description: narration describing scenes for viewers who want that assistance. Prime Video identifies this separately in the track name.

Services do not use these labels uniformly. Choose the track whose label best matches your need and check the result in playback.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If the language you want is missing

Check the title’s available tracks

The menu shows options available for that particular title and viewing context, not every language a service supports. Availability can vary by title, country or region, and device support. Netflix also limits the language list shown for downloaded titles to the two most relevant languages. A missing option may not be recoverable through a general setting.

Try Disney+ app language for another available version

If the version you want is not among the tracks, Disney+ advises trying the app language; this may expose a version if one exists for that language. It does not guarantee that every title has that version. Disney+ says available audio, captions, and subtitles vary by country or region and content title. Disney+ language availability guidance

Set a default where the app provides one

Apple documents a default subtitle-language setting on Apple TV: Settings > Video and Audio > Audio > Subtitle Language. This is a device-level option for Apple TV; do not assume a preference carries over to every streaming app or device. The other service instructions here describe selecting tracks in playback, rather than a shared cross-app default.

Best Value
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.
Rank #4
Google Streamer 4K – Fast Streaming Entertainment with Voice Search Remote, Watch Movies, Shows, Live Channels and Netflix in HDR, Smart Home Control, 32 GB Storage, Porcelain
  • The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
  • HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
  • See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
  • Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
  • Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Rank #3
TIMBOOTECH Wireless HDMI Transmitter and Receiver 4K, 5G Wireless Extender
  • 【SCREEN MIRRORING VIDEO/AUDIO to BIG SCREEN】TIMBOOTECH wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver are designed to wirelessly cast 4K HDR video and audio to big display without delay. You could cast any content from laptop/camera/cable box to HDTV, projector, monitor. Perfect for home theater, live sports, outdoor movie projection, business presentations, large conferences, gaming, and teaching
  • 【PLUG & PLAY, EXTENTION MODE】This wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver is auto-paired before the factory, which is truly plug-and-play. No apps, no Bluetooth, and no Wi-fi are required. Simple and efficient for saving your time and keeping your office or room tidy. [Note: External antenna cable is for RX] 【Mirror and Extend Mode】Effortlessly duplicate or extend your computer or laptop screen to showcase different content on a big screen
  • 【4K 30Hz HOME THEATER EXPERIENCE】This wireless HDMI transmitter and receiver kit have a resolution of 720p, 1080p, and 4K. You can enjoy the most realistic and immersive experience on a 4K compatible big screen. Add a new feature to your old TV! With this HDMI extender, you can cast all apps you know, like Net-flix, Hulu+, Dis-ney+. Transform your living room or backyard into a captivating home theater
  • 【165FT/50M WIRELESS TRANSMISSION】Utilizing a 2.4G/5G transmission protocol, the signal is stronger and more stable, extending the transmission range up to 165FT/50 meters in line of sight. Even when passing through walls or obstacles, it maintains a reliable connection. It allows you to watch online videos on your bedroom TV while receiving signals from another room's set-up box. It is also ideal for multi-camera projects or long-distance surveillance. [Note] Transmission distance and speed may be affected by crossing through solid walls
  • 【WIDE COMPATIBILITY】This wireless HDMI kit is lightweight and easy to carry with you on anywhere like the outdoor business, yard, garden, RVs, camping, etc. Compatible with most HDMI output devices, laptop, computer, Blu-ray Player, surveillance camera, DVD, DSLR, Set-top boxes, Cable/Satellite boxes, PS5, tablet, i-Phone, i-Pad, and more. Suitable for conference rooms, home entertainment, and multimedia education
Rank #2
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.

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.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi