Sometimes you want to watch a video quietly, catch every word in a fast conversation, understand a different accent, or simply follow along with the sound turned down. That’s where captions come in handy. The good news is that turning them on usually takes only a few taps or clicks.
If you’re wondering how to turn on captions, the exact steps depend on the app, device, and video you’re watching. Below, I’ll walk you through the most common options, including YouTube, Netflix, iPhone, Android, Apple TV, smart TVs, and other streaming devices.
What Are Captions?
Captions are text displayed on your screen while a video plays. They can show spoken dialogue and, with closed captions, may also identify relevant sounds or other audio information.
You may see captions labeled CC, Subtitles, or Closed Captions. The wording varies by platform and device.
Captions can be especially useful when:
- You’re watching without sound.
- The speaker has a strong or unfamiliar accent.
- Background noise makes dialogue difficult to hear.
- You’re learning another language.
- You want to follow a video in a quiet place.
- You need accessibility features while watching.
One thing to remember: captions aren’t available for every video. For example, YouTube notes that if a video doesn’t have captions provided or automatically generated, the captions option may not be available.
How to Turn On Captions on YouTube
YouTube makes captions easy to enable when they’re available for a video.
On a Computer
- Open the YouTube video you want to watch.
- Move your mouse over the video player.
- Look for the CC button near the bottom of the player.
- Click CC to turn captions on.
- Click it again whenever you want to turn them off.
You can also adjust caption appearance by selecting Settings → Subtitles/CC → Options. YouTube allows you to customize things such as font, size, color, opacity, background, and character-edge style.
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the YouTube app.
- Start the video.
- Tap the video once to display the controls.
- Tap the CC or Closed Captions button.
- Captions will appear if they’re available.
YouTube also provides an iPhone/iPad setting under Settings → Accessibility → Subtitles & Captioning, where you can turn on Closed Captions + SDH as a default when available.
On a TV or Game Console
- Start the YouTube video.
- Pause the video.
- Select the Captions button.
- Choose the language you want.
- Adjust caption style if desired.
YouTube says the exact availability depends on whether captions exist for that particular video.
How to Turn On Captions on Netflix
Netflix uses an Audio & Subtitles menu to control subtitles and captions.
On a Phone, Tablet, or Computer
- Open Netflix.
- Start the movie or TV show.
- Tap or click the screen to display the playback controls.
- Select Audio & Subtitles.
- Choose your preferred subtitle or caption language.
Netflix’s current instructions use this basic process across phones, tablets, and computers, although the controls can look slightly different depending on the device.
On a Smart TV or Streaming Device
- Open Netflix and start your movie or show.
- Use your remote to bring up the playback controls.
- Look for Audio & Subtitles or the subtitle/dialog option.
- Choose the language you want.
- Return to the video and continue watching.
On some televisions, language options may appear along the bottom of the screen rather than through a separate subtitle icon.
On Apple TV
While watching Netflix on Apple TV, use the remote to bring up the playback controls and select Audio & Subtitles. Netflix specifically notes that on Apple TV you can swipe up or press the up arrow to access the relevant controls.
How to Turn On Captions on iPhone
If you want captions to appear whenever supported content offers them, your iPhone has a system-level accessibility setting.
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Subtitles & Captioning → Closed Captions + SDH
Turn the setting on.
This is different from turning captions on inside a particular app. Some apps have their own caption controls, so you may still need to activate captions in the video player itself. Apple’s guidance places the default closed-caption setting under Accessibility, while individual video apps can provide their own subtitle controls.
How to Turn On Captions on Android
Android caption controls can vary depending on your phone manufacturer, Android version, and the app you’re using.
For streaming apps such as Netflix, the simplest approach is usually to start the video and look for the Subtitles, CC, or Audio & Subtitles option inside the player.
For example, Netflix instructs Android users to start a title, tap the screen, select Audio & Subtitles, and then choose an available subtitle or caption option.
If you’re watching YouTube, tap the video player and select the CC button when it is available.
How to Turn On Captions on Apple TV and the Apple TV App
The Apple TV app provides subtitles and closed-caption controls directly within video playback.
On Apple TV or a Smart TV
- Start playing your movie or show.
- Bring up the playback controls.
- Select the Subtitles button.
- Choose the subtitle or caption option you want.
- Select a language if more than one is available.
Apple also allows you to customize subtitle styles on supported devices.
On iPhone, iPad, or Android
- Start watching a video in the Apple TV app.
- Tap the screen to display playback controls.
- Tap the Subtitles button.
- Turn subtitles on.
- Choose a language if needed.
The Apple TV app also provides a Style option for adjusting how subtitles look.
How to Turn On Captions on a Smart TV
Smart TV menus differ by brand, but most streaming apps put captions inside the video player’s playback controls.
Try this general method:
- Open the streaming app.
- Start the movie, show, or video.
- Press OK, Select, or the equivalent button on your remote.
- Look for CC, Subtitles, Captions, or Audio & Subtitles.
- Select your preferred language.
- Resume playback.
For Netflix, for example, the available subtitle controls depend partly on the device and title.
If you don’t see a caption option, check whether the particular video supports captions before changing your TV’s general settings.
How to Turn On Closed Captions by Default
If you regularly use captions, turning them on by default can save you from activating them every time you watch something.
On iPhone or iPad
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Subtitles & Captioning → Closed Captions + SDH
Then enable the option.
On YouTube
YouTube also provides default caption-related settings, including appearance controls. On supported devices, you can adjust font, size, color, background, opacity, and other visual settings.
On Netflix
Netflix provides subtitle and caption preferences, including appearance settings. Depending on your device, you can adjust options such as subtitle size and style.
How to Change Caption Language
Turning captions on is only half the job if you need them in a particular language.
Usually, you can:
- Start the video.
- Open CC, Subtitles, or Audio & Subtitles.
- Find the language section.
- Select your preferred language.
On YouTube, if your preferred language isn’t listed, the platform may provide an Auto-translate option.
Netflix similarly shows the subtitle languages available for the particular title you’re watching.
How to Change the Look of Captions
If captions are too small, difficult to read, or distracting, changing their appearance can make a big difference.
Depending on the platform, you may be able to adjust:
- Font size
- Font style
- Text color
- Background color
- Opacity
- Window appearance
- Character-edge style
- Subtitle style
YouTube provides several caption appearance controls on computers. Apple also provides subtitle styling options, while Netflix offers subtitle appearance controls on supported devices.
Why Can’t I Turn On Captions?
If you can’t find the CC or subtitle button, don’t assume your device is broken. There are several possible reasons.
The Video Doesn’t Have Captions
Some videos simply don’t offer captions. YouTube specifically states that captions may be unavailable when the video owner hasn’t provided them and automatic captions haven’t been added.
The App Looks Different
Streaming services frequently use different interfaces on phones, browsers, TVs, game consoles, and streaming devices. The button may therefore appear in a different location.
Your Preferred Language Isn’t Available
A movie or video may offer captions, but not in the language you want. Netflix notes that available languages vary by title.
The Device Doesn’t Support a Feature
Some older devices or app versions may not support particular caption functions or appearance settings. Netflix and Sony both note that subtitle availability and customization can vary by device.
Captions vs. Subtitles: What’s the Difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be a practical distinction.
Subtitles generally focus on spoken dialogue, often for viewers who want the dialogue translated or displayed as text.
Closed captions can include dialogue as well as relevant information about sounds, speakers, music, or other audio cues.
For example, a closed caption might identify a sound such as music playing or a door closing, while ordinary subtitles may focus primarily on spoken dialogue.
The exact terminology and available options depend on the service and title.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn on captions?
Start the video and look for the CC, Subtitles, or Audio & Subtitles button in the playback controls. Select it and choose the available caption or subtitle language.
How do I turn on captions on YouTube?
On YouTube, open the video and select the CC button in the player when captions are available. On TVs and game consoles, pause the video and select the Captions option.
How do I turn on captions on Netflix?
Start a Netflix movie or show, open the playback controls, select Audio & Subtitles, and choose a subtitle or caption language.
How do I turn on captions on an iPhone?
For system-level captions, go to Settings → Accessibility → Subtitles & Captioning and enable Closed Captions + SDH. Individual apps may also have their own caption controls.
Why is the CC button missing?
The video may not have captions, or the service may use a different menu on your device. On YouTube, for example, the CC option isn’t available when captions aren’t provided for the video.
Can I change the caption size?
Yes. Many platforms let you adjust caption size and appearance. YouTube, Netflix, and Apple-supported devices provide different customization options.
Can I change the caption language?
Usually, yes. Open the caption or subtitle menu while the video is playing and select an available language. The languages offered depend on the specific video or program.
Can I turn captions on when watching with the sound muted?
Some platforms support this. YouTube, for example, provides a Show when muted option on supported mobile and tablet devices.
Conclusion
Knowing how to turn on captions can make watching videos much easier, whether you’re using YouTube, Netflix, an iPhone, Android phone, Apple TV, or a smart TV. In most cases, you only need to find the CC, Subtitles, or Audio & Subtitles control while the video is playing.
If you use captions regularly, it’s worth checking your device’s accessibility settings and customizing the text size or style so everything stays comfortable to read. And if the caption button isn’t available, check whether the particular video actually supports captions.
I am Noah Williams, an animal enthusiast and pet content creator who loves discovering creative ways to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners. I specialize in researching memorable pet names, naming trends, and meaningful ideas for dogs, cats, and other beloved animals.
I enjoy helping families choose names that are not only beautiful but also reflect their pet’s personality and unique qualities. My goal is to provide simple, inspiring, and practical naming advice for every type of pet owner.
My books include:
- The Ultimate Pet Names Encyclopedia
- Finding the Right Name for Your New Best Friend
Isabella Carter
Amelia Parker