Netflix subtitles are usually turned on from the video player for the show or movie you are watching. There is also a profile language preference that makes most titles use your chosen language by default.
The button location changes by device, but the menu is generally called Audio & Subtitles.
Does this affect you?
Use this if you want subtitles or captions on Netflix for a smart TV, streaming device, phone, tablet, or browser, or if subtitle options are missing or will not stay on.
Turn on subtitles during playback
- Start playing a show or movie.
- Press Down on a TV remote, or tap the screen on a phone or tablet.
- Open the speech bubble, dialogue icon, or Audio & Subtitles menu.
- Choose the subtitle language you want.
- To disable subtitles, return to the same menu and choose Off.
Subtitles appear immediately and usually do not require restarting the episode. You may need to repeat this for a new title the first time you watch it.
Set a default subtitle language
- Open netflix.com in a phone or computer browser.
- Sign in and choose the profile you want to change.
- Go to Account.
- Open Profile & Parental Controls for that profile.
- Adjust Language or Subtitle Appearance, depending on what you need.
This is a profile-wide account setting, so it syncs across TVs, phones, tablets, and browsers that use that profile. You can still override subtitles for an individual title during playback.
Fix subtitles that are missing or fail
- Check whether that title offers subtitles in your preferred language.
- Fully close and reopen the Netflix app.
- Check for TV, streaming device, or app updates.
- Try another title. If subtitles work elsewhere, the issue may be specific to that show or movie.
- If no subtitles are offered for a title, that is usually a licensing or content availability limitation.
Captions, appearance, and downloads
Standard subtitles usually show dialogue. Closed captions, often labeled CC, may also identify speakers and describe important sounds. Choose the CC option when available if you need that extra context.
Subtitle Appearance on netflix.com can change size, font, color, and background. Some TV apps support fewer styling options than browsers or mobile devices.
Downloaded titles keep the subtitle language selected for the download in many cases. If offline subtitles are wrong, change the language and redownload the title or check the download’s playback settings.
Sources
- Netflix Help Center – Turn subtitles and captions on or off (2025)
- Netflix Help Center – Change your subtitle appearance (2025)
- Netflix Help Center – Audio and subtitle languages (2025)