Whatever the reason, we’re going to show you how to enable (and disable) subtitles on Apple TV+, along with how to customize their appearance to your liking. The process is slightly different depending on what device you have, so skip to your relevant sections below.
How to Enable and Disable Subtitles on Apple TV+
The method for enabling or disabling subtitles varies depending on what device you’re using to watch Apple TV+. Note that even if you enable or disable subtitles while watching something specific (rather than through the universal settings screen), the change applies to everything you watch.
Apple TV (Device)
These instructions apply to the Apple TV device, which is different from the Apple TV app:
Swipe up on your Apple TV remote. Alternatively, on the third generation Apple TV, hold Select on your remote for three seconds while watching something. Select Subtitles (speech mark icon). Select the subtitle language. Alternatively, select Off to disable them.
Game Console, Smart TV, or Other Streaming Device
Whether you’re watching Apple TV+ on your Samsung TV, your PS5, or other streaming device, here’s how to enable or disable subtitles:
Press the down arrow on your remote/controller. With Subtitles highlighted, navigate down. Scroll across and select the subtitle language. Alternatively, select Off to disable them.
You can also manage subtitles via Settings within the app (this also works for Apple TV):
From the top menu, navigate to Settings (the cog icon). Select Subtitle Language. Choose the subtitle language, or select Off to disable them.
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (iOS)
If you’re watching via the Apple TV app on iOS:
When watching something, tap the screen to bring up the playback controls. Tap More Controls (three horizontal dots). Select Subtitles. Choose the subtitle language, or select Off to disable them.
Mac or PC
If you’re watching via the Apple TV app (Mac) or your web browser (Windows):
When watching something, move your cursor over the video or pause it. Click Subtitles (the CC icon). Choose the subtitle language, or select Off to disable them.
How to Change the Appearance of Subtitles on Apple TV+
By default, the subtitles on Apple TV+ are white text on a semi-transparent background. If you find these subtitles hard to read, you can adjust nearly every aspect of their design like font, size, text and background color, text outline, and more.
Apple TV, Smart TV, or Other Streaming Device
To change the appearance of the subtitles on Apple TV+ on the majority of devices:
From the top menu, navigate to settings (the cog icon). Select Accessibility. Select Subtitles and Captioning. Select Style. Here you can choose from a handful of presets, like Large Text and Outline Text. Alternatively, select Edit Styles > New Style. From here, select and customize each aspect in turn. Your style saves automatically after creation and each change. To scrap the design, select Delete Style twice.
iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (iOS)
On iOS, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning > Style.
For more around this, see our guide on useful iPhone accessibility features.
Mac
On Mac, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Captions.
Enjoy Everything Apple TV+ Has to Offer
Now you know how to enable subtitles on Apple TV+ and customize their appearance, you can enjoy everything the streaming platform has to offer—you never need to miss another line of dialog again.
