On an Apple TV 4K, start the video, press Play/Pause, swipe up on the remote’s clickpad or touch surface, choose Subtitles, then select an available language, CC, or SDH track. If you mean the Apple TV app on a smart TV, phone, computer, or streaming device, the controls differ by platform.
Subtitle tracks depend on the title, language, region, and device. A missing option does not necessarily mean a setting is wrong.
Turn on subtitles during playback
Apple TV 4K
- Open the Apple TV app and start playing the movie or episode.
- Press Play/Pause on the Siri Remote to show the playback controls.
- Swipe up on the clickpad or touch surface.
- Select Subtitles.
- Choose the subtitle language, CC, or SDH option you want, if offered.
Apple documents this playback method in its Apple TV 4K playback controls guide.
Apple TV app on a smart TV or streaming device
- Start the video.
- Press the remote button that reveals the timeline or playback controls.
- Navigate to Subtitles and select an available track.
The button and menu layout vary across televisions, streaming devices, game consoles, and other platforms. Apple’s subtitle instructions for the Apple TV app cover supported devices; the remote control is not identical on every one.
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iPhone
- Play the video in the Apple TV app and tap the screen to reveal controls.
- Tap More Controls, then Subtitles.
- Choose an available subtitle or caption track.
See Apple’s iPhone subtitle and caption instructions.
iPad
- Play the video and tap the screen to show controls.
- Tap Legible Options.
- Select an available subtitle or caption track.
Apple uses a different control name in its iPad instructions.
Mac, PC, or tv.apple.com
- Start playback and move the pointer over the video.
- Click the language or subtitle control in the playback controls.
- Turn subtitles on and choose an available language.
The control may appear as a language-related icon rather than a text button. Apple groups these desktop and browser steps on its subtitle support page.
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Choose between subtitles, CC, and SDH
- Subtitles commonly show dialogue in another language or a transcription of speech.
- Closed captions (CC) can include dialogue and relevant sound information, such as speaker identification or notable sounds.
- SDH means Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; these may include dialogue and additional sound information.
Options vary by title and language, and a video will not necessarily offer all three. Apple describes accessibility caption availability in its subtitles and captions guidance.
Make captions or subtitles appear by default
Turn on Closed Captions and SDH
On Apple TV 4K, open Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning, then turn on Closed Captions and SDH. This is an accessibility preference; it is different from choosing a subtitle track for one video. It cannot display captions that the title does not provide. Apple’s Apple TV caption settings guide explains the setting.
Set automatic subtitle behavior
On Apple TV 4K, go to Settings > Video and Audio > Automatic Subtitles. Depending on the device and software configuration, available choices can include Show for Different Languages, Subtitle Language, Show When Muted, and Show on Skip Back. These are separate conditional behaviors, not a universal captions switch; options can vary. See Apple’s automatic subtitle settings guide.
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Choose another subtitle language
While the video is playing, open the playback controls, choose Subtitles, and select the language you want. On some Apple TV app platforms, the menu may use a Languages control. Only tracks available for that title and setup appear; language availability can depend on the title and your country or region. Check the movie or episode description for listed languages.
Change subtitle size, color, or background
Apple TV 4K
Open Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning > Style. Choose a preset or select Edit Styles to adjust supported options such as font, size, text color, background color and opacity, text opacity, edge style, and highlight.
Apple TV app on a smart TV or streaming device
Where supported, open Apple TV app > Sidebar > Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning > Style. Some features depend on the device. Apple documents the app’s accessibility options in its Apple TV app guide.
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iPhone or iPad
Use Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning > Style. Available controls may differ by device and software. Apple’s iPhone and iPad guides describe their caption settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Show subtitles briefly after missing dialogue
On supported Apple TV 4K playback, press left on the remote’s clickpad ring or touch surface to skip back. Each press moves back 10 seconds, and subtitles can appear for up to 30 seconds after skipping back. Automatic behavior depends on the available settings and configuration. Apple also documents a Show When Muted option in Automatic Subtitles settings.
Troubleshoot subtitles that are missing or not appearing
The Subtitles button or requested language is missing
- Check the title’s description page for its available subtitle languages and accessibility features. The title may not include the track you want.
- Confirm you opened Subtitles, not the audio-language menu.
- Reveal the playback controls using the remote or screen gesture for your device; controls differ between platforms.
- Check whether you need CC or SDH and, on Apple TV 4K, whether Closed Captions and SDH is enabled.
- Consider title and country or region availability; not every feature is offered everywhere.
- On a smart TV or streaming device, check its own caption settings or user guide. A built-in closed-caption system may manage or affect the feature.
A track is selected but captions do not show
- Pause, reopen playback controls, and confirm the intended track is selected.
- If another track is listed, try it to see whether the issue is limited to one option.
- Stop and restart playback.
- Close and reopen the Apple TV app; if needed, restart the streaming device.
- Check the title description and the device’s caption settings if the issue continues.
Restarting the app or device is practical troubleshooting, not a guaranteed fix. A missing track may reflect what the title offers rather than a fault.
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On Apple TV (3rd generation), hold Select on the remote for three seconds during playback to open the Subtitles tab. This is a legacy shortcut and differs from the Apple TV 4K playback-control procedure. Apple includes it on its subtitle support page.
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