Whether you’re hard of hearing, watching in a noisy environment, or simply want to catch every word of your favorite show, enabling closed captions on Apple TV can significantly enhance your viewing experience. Apple TV offers accessible and customizable subtitle features that work across a wide range of apps and streaming services.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to turn on closed captions, personalize their appearance, troubleshoot subtitle problems, and ensure they work consistently across all content.
What Are Closed Captions?
Closed captions are a textual representation of the spoken dialogue and sound effects in a video. Unlike subtitles, which typically only translate dialogue, closed captions also include background sounds like [applause], [laughter], or [door slams].
Apple TV supports both subtitles and closed captions, and understanding the difference helps you select the right setting based on your needs.
Why Use Closed Captions on Apple TV?
- Accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments
- Comprehension aid for fast-paced dialogue or accents
- Quiet viewing when audio volume is low
- Language learning by pairing spoken and written words
How to Enable Closed Captions on Apple TV
The good news is that turning on closed captioning is quick and simple. The method depends on which version of Apple TV you are using.
For Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (tvOS 13 or later)
- Go to Settings
- Select Accessibility
- Choose Subtitles and Captioning
- Toggle on Closed Captions and SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Once enabled, captions will appear automatically when supported by the app or video.
Quick Access with Siri Remote
- While watching a show, swipe down on the Siri Remote touchpad
- Go to Subtitles
- Choose English CC or the relevant closed captioning option
This is great if you want to turn captions on or off temporarily while watching content.
How to Customize Closed Captions on Apple TV
Apple allows you to personalize how captions look on screen, making them easier to read based on your visual preference.
Steps to Customize Appearance:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning
- Select Style
- Choose one of the default styles or create a new one
You can adjust:
- Font type and size
- Text and background color
- Opacity and outline
- Edge styles like raised or drop shadow
Caption Customization Options
| Setting | Description |
| Font Style | Change font to classic, modern, or typewriter |
| Text Size | Choose from small to extra large |
| Text Color | Set text color (white, yellow, etc.) |
| Background Color | Set color behind captions |
| Opacity | Make background transparent or solid |
| Edge Style | Add shadows or outlines for visibility |
Apps That Support Closed Captioning on Apple TV
Most major streaming apps on Apple TV support closed captioning. However, settings may vary slightly.
Popular Apps Supporting CC:
- Apple TV+
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- Amazon Prime Video
- HBO Max
- YouTube
In each app, you’ll usually find subtitle settings in the playback menu. For the most seamless experience, make sure closed captions are turned on both in the app and in your Apple TV settings.
How to Enable Closed Captions from iPhone (Apple TV Remote App)
If you use your iPhone as an Apple TV remote, you can still access closed captioning settings easily.
- Open the Remote app on your iPhone
- Control playback and swipe down for additional options
- Tap the Subtitles icon
- Select Closed Captions or SDH
This is especially handy if you’ve misplaced your Siri remote.
Closed Captioning for Apple TV App on Other Devices
If you’re using the Apple TV app on smart TVs, iPhones, iPads, or even on the web, enabling closed captions is just as straightforward.
On iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning
- Toggle on Closed Captions + SDH
On Mac:
- Navigate to System Settings > Accessibility > Captions
On Smart TVs:
Use the TV’s accessibility or subtitle settings menu to manage closed captions if the Apple TV app is installed natively.
Troubleshooting Closed Captions on Apple TV
If your closed captions aren’t working correctly, here are a few things to check.
Restart Apple TV
Sometimes a simple restart can fix subtitle glitches. Go to Settings > System > Restart.
Check App Settings
Certain apps may override Apple TV settings. Look for subtitle options in the app’s own playback or settings menu.
Update tvOS
Outdated software may cause compatibility issues. Go to Settings > System > Software Updates and install the latest version.
Use SDH Instead of Standard Subtitles
In some cases, enabling SDH (Subtitles for Deaf and Hard of Hearing) is more reliable than standard subtitles.
When Closed Captions Might Not Work
There are some limitations when using closed captions:
- Live broadcasts may not support real-time captions
- Older videos or DVDs may lack embedded subtitle tracks
- Third-party apps may have limited compatibility with Apple’s settings
If captions are missing on only one app, the issue is likely with that app’s content provider.
FAQs
How do I turn on subtitles on Apple TV during playback?
Swipe down on the Siri Remote while watching and select Subtitles, then choose your desired caption option.
What’s the difference between subtitles and closed captions?
Subtitles translate spoken language, while closed captions also include sound effects and non-speech information.
Can I change the size of closed captions on Apple TV?
Yes, go to Accessibility settings, select Subtitles and Captioning, then Style to customize font size and appearance.
Are closed captions available on all streaming apps?
Most major apps support them, but availability can vary by app or specific video.
Will my settings apply across all Apple devices?
Only if you’ve enabled iCloud syncing for accessibility settings. Otherwise, each device must be configured separately.