Streaming devices

Subtitles won't turn off or turn on when needed

This is almost always a setting saved per-app or per-account rather than a bug, and each streaming app manages captions separately from the TV.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–10 minutes
DIY cost
$0

Symptoms

  • Subtitles appear on every show despite being turned off before
  • Can't find the subtitle option within the show being watched
  • Subtitles turn off but come back on the next episode
  • Captions show in the wrong language

Likely causes

  • CommonSubtitle setting saved at the account level, not the device levelSome services remember caption preferences per profile across all devices.
  • CommonTV's own closed captioning setting is forcing captions system-wideA TV-level accessibility setting can override individual app settings.
  • PossibleApp defaults reset after an updateUpdates occasionally revert user preferences to default.
  • PossibleWrong audio/subtitle track selected for that specific titleSome content has multiple subtitle tracks and defaults to one unexpectedly.

What to do

  1. Check the TV's own accessibility or closed caption settings and make sure system-wide captions are turned off.
  2. Open the streaming app's account settings (often under playback or subtitle preferences) rather than just the in-show menu.
  3. During playback, use the subtitle/audio icon to manually turn off captions for that title.
  4. Log out and back into the streaming app to refresh saved preferences.
  5. Check if the setting needs to be changed on the streaming service's website instead of the app.
  6. Update the app to the latest version in case of a settings bug.
  7. If it only happens on specific titles, it may be a content-specific default rather than a device issue.

When to call a pro

No professional needed; this is always a settings issue.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.