Symptoms
- Captions appear on every channel or app despite turning them off
- Captions turn off briefly then reappear
- Setting exists in TV menu but doesn't seem to do anything
- Captions only appear on some apps but not others
Likely causes
- CommonCaptions enabled at the source device level (cable box, streaming app), overriding the TVA cable box or streaming app can have its own independent caption setting that takes priority over the TV's setting.
- CommonTV's accessibility caption setting is separate from the picture menu caption toggleSome TVs have two different caption controls, and turning off one doesn't disable the other.
- PossibleApp-specific caption preference saved to your accountSome streaming services save a caption preference to your account that follows you across devices.
What to do
- Check the TV's accessibility settings menu specifically, not just the general picture or audio menu, for a captions toggle.
- If using a cable or satellite box, check its own menu for a separate closed captioning setting and disable it there too.
- For streaming apps, check the app's own settings or your account's playback preferences for a captions default.
- Restart the TV and source device after changing the setting to confirm it saved.
- Check if captions only appear on specific content, which may mean they're embedded and forced on by the broadcaster for that program.
- As a last resort, a factory reset can clear a stuck caption setting, though this also resets other preferences.
When to call a pro
This is always a settings issue; check both the TV and any connected box or app rather than assuming the TV alone controls captions.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.