Change the subtitles or audio language for the Apple TV app and iTunes Store movies and TV shows

Some video content from the iTunes Store and Apple TV app includes alternative audio languages or other accessibility features such as closed captions (CC), subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH), and audio-described (AD) content. You can use these features on your iOS device, computer, Apple TV, and in some other apps and services.

Find video content with subtitles or alternative audio languages

Go to a movie or show's information page in the iTunes Store or Apple TV app, then scroll down to the Languages section.

Alternative audio languages are listed to the right of Additional. If a language lists only Subtitles or CC next to it, then the movie doesn't contain an audio track in that language — only subtitles or closed captioning.

Find video content with accessibility features

Go to a movie or show's information page in the iTunes Store or Apple TV app, then scroll down to the Accessibility section.

You can also search for "closed caption," "subtitles," "SDH," or "AD" in the iTunes Store.

About iTunes Store and Apple TV app accessibility features

Accessibility features available in the iTunes Store and Apple TV app include closed captions, subtitles, and audio-described content. Availability of these features varies by country or region.

Closed-captioned content is a visual transcription of a video's dialogue, as well as any non-verbal communication. CC content also might help identify the speaker in a video.

Subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing content is similar to closed captions, but SDH content might be available in some situations where CC is not, and might be available in additional languages.
 

Audio-described contentuses a spoken audio track to describe what's happening onscreen. Learn more about audio-described content.

 


How to change the subtitle or audio language

If the video you're watching includes CC, SDH, AD, or alternative audio languages, your media player should offer a way to use these accessibility features, most often through the Audio & Subtitles menu, often indicated with the Speech Bubble icon.

Other apps or web-based media players might show a CC button or other custom controls.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

  1. While watching a movie, tap the screen to open the playback controls.
  2. Tap  the Speech Bubble icon.
  3. Choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default, go to Settings > General > Accessibility. Scroll to the Media section and tap Subtitles & Captioning. Tap Closed Captions + SDH to turn it on. If you want to customize captions or subtitles, tap Style, then choose from the options.

On your Mac or PC

  1. Move your pointer over the video.
  2. Click the Speech Bubble icon .
  3. Choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default, follow these steps:

  • On a Mac, choose Apple () menu > System Preferences from the menu at the top of your computer screen. Click Accessibility, then click Captions in the sidebar. Select "Prefer closed captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose from the options on this screen.
  • On a PC, choose Edit > Preferences from the menu at the top of the iTunes window, then click the Playback tab. Select "Prefer Closed Captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose different options from the menu to the right of Caption Style or click the Configure button.

On your Apple TV

  1. While watching a video, swipe down on your remote's Touch surface.
  2. Swipe right to see the Subtitles or Audio menus.
  3. Swipe down and choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning. Choose "Closed Captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose Style, then choose from the options.

On Apple TV (2nd generation) or Apple TV (3rd generation), hold down Select on your remote for three seconds while a video is playing to see the Subtitles tab.

On your smart TV

  1. While watching a video in the Apple TV app, click the down arrow on your TV remote. Some manufacturers might use different buttons.
  2. Go to the Subtitles or Audio menu.
  3. Choose one of the language or subtitle options that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or to turn on CC or SDH by default, go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning. Choose "Closed Captions and SDH" to turn it on. If you want to customize captions and subtitles, choose Style, then choose from the options.

On your iPod nano (7th generation)

  1. While watching a video, tap the screen to reveal the playback controls.
  2. Tap the Speech Bubble icon to open the Audio & Subtitles menu.
  3. Choose the language or subtitles that you want to use.

If you don't see an option for SDH, or you want to turn on CC or SDH by default, go to Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning. You can also customize captions and subtitles from this screen.


Learn more

  • Some apps and websites provide custom caption controls for videos. If you don't see caption controls when watching a video from an app or website, contact the app developer or website owner for more information.
  • If you're using AirPlay to stream your movie from an iOS device or iTunes on a computer to an Apple TV, you can change the audio language or accessibility features from your iOS device or computer as you watch. If you have an AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV, you can find the settings to turn on subtitles in the AirPlay settings on your TV.