How to Turn Off Closed Caption on Netflix: A Complete Guide

Watching your favorite shows or movies on Netflix can be an immersive experience, but sometimes the closed captions (or subtitles) may appear when you don’t need them. 

While captions are a helpful feature for many viewers, such as those who are hard of hearing or non-native speakers, there are times when you may want to watch without them. This article will walk you through how to turn off closed captioning on Netflix across various devices.

Whether you’re watching Netflix on your TV, smartphone, or laptop, we’ve got simple, step-by-step instructions to make sure you can adjust the captions based on your needs. Let’s dive in.

What does Closed Caption mean?

Closed captions are a form of text displayed on a screen that provides a written version of the dialogue and other important audio information in a video.

Unlike regular subtitles, which only translate spoken dialogue, closed captions also include descriptions of non-speech elements, such as sound effects, music, or background noises (e.g., “[door slams]” or “[music playing]”). 

This makes closed captions particularly useful for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as they offer a more complete understanding of what’s happening in the video.

Closed captions can be turned on or off by the viewer (hence the term “closed”), giving them the option to choose whether to use them.

How to Turn Off Closed Caption on Netflix (Step-by-Step)

1. On Smart TVs

If you watch Netflix using a smart TV, the process to turn off closed captions is straightforward. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Launch Netflix
  • Turn on your smart TV and open the Netflix app.
Step 2: Start Playing a Show or Movie
  • Choose a movie or show you want to watch and press “Play.”
Step 3: Access the Audio and Subtitles Menu
  • While the video is playing, use your remote to pause the video and look for the options menu (often found at the bottom of the screen).
  • Select the “Audio & Subtitles” option.
Step 4: Turn Off Closed Captions
  • In the subtitles section, select “Off” to disable the closed captions.
  • Press “Play” again to resume watching your content without the captions.

2. On Streaming Devices (Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Apple TV)

If you use a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick to watch Netflix, here’s how to turn off the closed captions:

Step 1: Open Netflix
  • Start by launching the Netflix app on your streaming device.
Step 2: Play a Title
  • Select the movie or show you want to watch and begin playing it.
Step 3: Pause the Video
  • Use your remote to pause the video and navigate to the options menu.
Step 4: Access Audio and Subtitles
  • Scroll down or use your remote to find the “Audio & Subtitles” option and click on it.
Step 5: Disable Closed Captions
  • Set the subtitles to “Off” and press “Play” again to continue watching without the captions.

3. On Smartphones and Tablets (iOS and Android)

For those who prefer watching Netflix on a smartphone or tablet, turning off closed captions is just as easy.

Step 1: Open the Netflix App
  • Launch the Netflix app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.
Step 2: Select a Show or Movie
  • Browse through Netflix and select the title you want to watch.
Step 3: Tap the Screen
  • While the show or movie is playing, tap the screen to reveal the controls.
Step 4: Access Subtitles Menu
  • In the top or bottom right corner, you’ll see a “Dialog” icon (which looks like a speech bubble). Tap on it to open the “Audio & Subtitles” menu.
Step 5: Turn Off Closed Captions
  • Under subtitles, select “Off,” and the captions will disappear.

4. On Laptops and Desktops (Windows, macOS)

If you stream Netflix via a web browser on a laptop or desktop computer, follow these steps to disable closed captions.

Step 1: Open Netflix in Your Browser
  • Go to Netflix.com in your preferred web browser and log in to your account.
Step 2: Play a Video
  • Select a movie or TV show to play.
Step 3: Access the Subtitles Settings
  • Once the video is playing, move your mouse to reveal the playback options at the bottom of the screen. Click on the “Audio & Subtitles” icon.
Step 4: Disable Closed Captions
  • In the subtitles menu, choose “Off,” and continue watching without captions.

5. On Gaming Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)

If you stream Netflix on your PlayStation or Xbox console, here’s how to turn off closed captions:

Step 1: Open Netflix
  • Launch the Netflix app on your gaming console.
Step 2: Start Playing Content
  • Select a show or movie to begin watching.
Step 3: Open the Options Menu
  • Use your controller to pause the video and navigate to the options menu.
Step 4: Access the Subtitles Option
  • Select “Audio & Subtitles” from the options list.
Step 5: Turn Off Closed Captions
  • Set the subtitles to “Off” and resume your video without captions.

Common Issues with Turning Off Closed Captions on Netflix

Although Netflix makes it easy to disable closed captions, some users may encounter issues. Below are some common problems and how to fix them:

1. Closed Captions Keep Turning Back On

  • Solution: Make sure your Netflix profile settings are saved. Sometimes, the settings may reset after an app update or device restart. Check your device’s accessibility settings, as they may override the Netflix app settings.

2. Can’t Find the Subtitles Option

  • Solution: If you can’t locate the subtitles menu, ensure that your Netflix app is updated to the latest version. The options might be hidden in different menus on older versions of the app.

3. Captions Still Appear After Turning Them Off

  • Solution: If captions remain on-screen after turning them off, restart the Netflix app or your device. This often resolves any lingering subtitle settings.

Conclusion

Knowing how to turn off closed captions on Netflix allows you to tailor your viewing experience according to your preference. 

Whether you’re watching on a smart TV, smartphone, or gaming console, turning off captions can be done with just a few taps or clicks. 

If you ever find closed captions distracting or unnecessary, follow the simple steps mentioned in this guide to enjoy Netflix your way.

Remember that closed captions are a helpful tool for many viewers, so you can always turn them back on when needed. 

Now that you’ve learned how to disable them, sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite Netflix content without captions!