If you are watching a TV series or movie on the Netflix streaming service, it only takes a few clicks to activate subtitles. Almost all devices capable of using the platform support subtitles. However, it is important to remember that not all videos are subtitled and that, in many cases, the only language available is English.
Steps
Method 1 of 11: PC and Mac
Step 1. Open the video you want to add subtitles to
Go to the page you are interested in on the browser.
Step 2. Move your mouse over the playing video
The controls will appear.
Step 3. Click the Dialogs button
It looks like a cartoon. If you don't see it, the video you are watching is not subtitled.
Step 4. Use the drop down menu to select the subtitles you want
Availability varies by content. Once you have made your choice, the subtitles will appear immediately.
- If you can't see the subtitles you have selected, try disabling your browser extensions. Read Disabling Add-ons to find detailed instructions for the main browsers.
- Many users have encountered problems with Internet Explorer and the Netflix Windows application. If you use any of these means to watch Netflix videos and can't get subtitles to work, try switching to a different browser.
Method 2 of 11: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Step 1. Open a video with the Netflix app
You can enable subtitles for all movies that support them.
Step 2. Press the screen to bring up the playback controls
You have to do this while the video is running.
Step 3. Press the Dialogs button in the upper right corner
It has a cartoon icon. The audio and subtitle options will appear.
Step 4. Select the "Subtitles" tab if necessary
The list of available subtitles will open. On the iPad you will see both entries at the same time.
Step 5. Press the subtitles you want to use, then press "OK"
The subtitles will be loaded immediately and movie viewing will resume.
Method 3 of 11: Apple TV
Step 1. Make sure your Apple TV is up to date
If you have models 2 or 3, you must use version 5.0 or later of the software. If you have an Apple TV 4, you need to install tvOS 9.0.
Step 2. Open the subtitle menu while the Netflix video is playing
The method to do this differs according to the Apple TV model:
- With Version 2 and 3, you have to press and hold the central button on the remote control.
- With Version 4, you need to slide your finger down on the remote control touchpad.
Step 3. Choose subtitles
Use the remote control to select the ones you want. Press the Select button to confirm your decision.
Method 4 of 11: Chromecast
Step 1. Open the Netflix app on the device controlling your Chromecast
You will activate subtitles with that device. This is usually an Android or iOS system.
Step 2. Press on the Chromecast screen to bring up the playback controls
The video must be open in the Netflix app.
Step 3. Press the Dialogs button
You can find it in the upper right corner, with the balloon icon.
Step 4. Press the "Subtitles" tab, then choose the ones you want
Once you press "OK", the subtitles will appear on the video you are watching.
Method 5 of 11: Roku
Step 1. Choose the video you want to watch
Do not launch it, as you will activate subtitles from the Description screen.
If you have a Roku 3, you can access the "Subtitles" item during playback by pressing Down on the remote
Step 2. Click on "Audio & Subtitles"
You will find the button on the Description page of the video.
Step 3. Choose the subtitles you want to use
The available options are decided by the creators of the video.
Step 4. Press "Back" to return to the Description page
The choice of subtitles will be saved.
Step 5. Play the video
The subtitles you have chosen will appear on the screen.
Method 6 of 11: Smart TVs and Blu-ray Players
Step 1. Launch the Netflix app
On many Blu-ray players and Smart TVs the Netflix application is installed, which allows you to play the videos offered on the platform. The steps to enable subtitles vary from device to device, and older ones may not even be supported.
Step 2. Choose the video you want to watch
This will open the Description page.
Step 3. Select the "Audio and Subtitles" item with the remote control
If you don't see this option, look for the balloon icon. If there is no icon either, the device does not support subtitles.
On some models, you can open the menu by pressing Down on the remote control while the video is playing
Step 4. Choose the subtitles you want to use
They will appear as soon as you start the video.
Step 5. Go back to the Description page and start the movie
The subtitles will be visible immediately.
If you can't follow these steps, your device doesn't support Netflix subtitles
Method 7 of 11: PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4
Step 1. Play the video you are interested in
The PS3 and PS4 support subtitles as long as the content you are watching has them available. The operation is the same for both consoles.
Step 2. Press Down on the controller
The Audio and Subtitles menu will open.
Step 3. Select "Audio and Subtitles", then press X on the controller
You will have the possibility to choose between the various subtitles available.
Step 4. Choose the subtitles you prefer
They will appear immediately after selecting the language.
Method 8 of 11: Wii
Step 1. Open Netflix and select the movie you want to watch
Don't play it right away, just open the description page.
Step 2. Use the Wii Remote to click the Talk button
It has the balloon icon and you can find it on the right side of the screen. If you don't see the button, your device doesn't support subtitles.
Child profiles do not have the ability to change subtitles or audio options on the Wii
Step 3. Choose the subtitles you want to use
Use the Wii Remote to select the language.
Step 4. Play the video
The subtitles will appear immediately.
Method 9 of 11: Wii U
Step 1. Play the video using the Netflix channel
On the Wii U, you can put subtitles on during playback.
Step 2. Select the Dialogs button on the GamePad screen
The subtitle menu will open. If you don't see the button, the video you're watching isn't subtitled.
Step 3. Choose the subtitles you want to use
Press on the screen or use the GamePad controls to select the subtitles you prefer.
Step 4. Play the video again
The subtitles will immediately appear on the screen.
Method 10 of 11: Xbox 360 and Xbox One
Step 1. Play the video you are interested in
Xbox One and Xbox 360 support subtitles, as long as the video has them. The operation is the same for both consoles.
Step 2. Press Down on the controller while the video is playing
The "Audio and Subtitles" menu will appear.
Step 3. Select "Audio and Subtitles", then press A on the controller
You will be able to choose the subtitles you prefer.
Step 4. Choose the subtitles you prefer
They will appear immediately.
Step 5. Disable system subtitles if you are unable to disable them
If you have enabled subtitles in the console settings, they will appear on Netflix videos even if they are not available.
- If you are using the Xbox 360, press the Guide button on the controller and open the "Settings" menu. Select "System", then "Console Settings". Open "Screen", then "Subtitles". Press on "Off" to disable them. Videos should return to being without subtitles.
- If you are using an Xbox One, press the Guide button on your controller and open the "Settings" menu. Open "Screen", then "Subtitles". Netflix videos should no longer have subtitles.
Method 11 of 11: Android
Step 1. Open a video with the Netflix app
If the device is able to install the application, it means that it supports subtitles.
Step 2. Press the screen while the video is playing
The controls will appear.
Step 3. Press the Dialogs button to open the subtitle options
It looks like a comic and you can find it in the top right corner of the screen.
If you don't see the button, the video you're watching isn't subtitled
Step 4. Press the "Subtitles" tab, then choose the ones you want
Once you have made your choice, press "OK". The subtitles will appear immediately.
Advice
- You must watch a video for five minutes after turning on subtitles for the setting to be saved. The same is true if you want to disable them.
- Subtitles are not available on classic Roku models, but are present on Roku 2 HD / XD / XS, Roku 3, Roku Streaming Stick, and Roku LT versions.
- Newer TV shows and movies don't always have subtitles available, but you should find them after 30 days.
- All movies and TV series (at least for the US version of Netflix) should offer some kind of subtitle. When the National Association for the Deaf filed a lawsuit against the company for not providing subtitles, Netflix agreed to add them to all videos starting in 2014.
