Roku Subtitles Driving You Crazy? Here's How to Turn Them OFF!

6 minutes on read

If Roku subtitles are suddenly appearing, and you're finding them more distracting than helpful, you're not alone. The problem often lies within the settings of either the Roku device itself or the specific streaming service app you're using, like Netflix. Knowing how to navigate these menus is key. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to turn off subtitles on Roku TV, so you can regain control over your viewing experience and enjoy your favorite shows and movies without unwanted text.

Roku Subtitles Driving You Crazy? Here's How to Turn Them OFF!

If you're seeing subtitles on your Roku TV and you don't want them, you're not alone! It can be frustrating, but thankfully, turning them off is usually quite simple. This guide will walk you through the different methods for disabling subtitles on your Roku device. We'll cover everything from in-video settings to system-wide preferences to make sure you know exactly how to turn off subtitles on Roku TV.

Understanding Why Subtitles are On

Before diving into the solutions, it's helpful to understand why subtitles might be appearing in the first place:

  • Accidental Activation: It's very easy to accidentally activate subtitles while watching a video. A simple press of the '*' button (the asterisk) on your Roku remote can often toggle subtitles on and off within the video itself.

  • App Defaults: Some streaming apps might have subtitles enabled by default. This is especially common with foreign films or TV shows.

  • System-Wide Settings: Your Roku device has system-wide subtitle settings that can override app-specific settings.

Method 1: Turning Off Subtitles During Video Playback

This is often the quickest and easiest solution. Most apps allow you to control subtitles directly while watching a video.

Using the Asterisk (*) Button

  • While watching a video, press the "*" (asterisk) button on your Roku remote.
  • A menu will usually appear. Look for options like "Captions," "Subtitles," or "CC".
  • Select the option and choose "Off".

This method works for many popular apps like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.

Locating Subtitle Settings Within the App's Menu

Some apps might have their subtitle controls located in a different menu.

  • Pause the video.
  • Look for a settings icon (often a gear or three dots).
  • Navigate to the audio or subtitle settings.
  • Disable the subtitles.

It's important to note that these changes only affect the current video you're watching within that specific app. You may need to repeat this process for other videos or in other apps.

Method 2: Disabling Roku's System-Wide Subtitle Settings

If you consistently see subtitles across all apps, your Roku's system-wide settings are likely the culprit. Here's how to turn them off:

Accessing the Accessibility Menu

  1. Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  2. Scroll down and select Settings.
  3. Choose Accessibility. In older Roku versions, this setting might be under "Captions".
  4. Select Captions mode.

Configuring Caption Mode

Here, you have several options:

  • Off: This completely disables all system-wide captions and subtitles. This is the option you'll likely want to choose.
  • On Always: This forces captions to always be displayed.
  • On Replay: Captions will be displayed during replays.

Select Off to turn off subtitles across your Roku device.

Understanding Caption Style Settings

Below the "Caption mode" option, you might see "Caption style." These settings allow you to customize the appearance of subtitles (font, color, size, background) if they are enabled. If you have captions turned off, these settings won't matter. However, if you decide to use captions in the future, you can adjust these settings to your liking.

Troubleshooting Common Subtitle Issues

Even after following the above steps, you might still encounter issues. Here are a few things to consider:

  • App Glitches: Sometimes, an app itself might have a bug that causes subtitles to appear unexpectedly. Try closing and reopening the app, or even reinstalling it.

  • Hardware Issues: In rare cases, a faulty Roku device might cause subtitle problems. Try restarting your Roku device (Settings > System > Power > System restart).

  • Service-Specific Problems: Streaming services sometimes experience server-side issues that can affect subtitle settings. Check the service's help pages or social media for updates.

    Summary of How to Turn Off Subtitles

Here's a quick table summarizing the different methods and when to use them:

Method When to Use Steps
Asterisk (*) Button Subtitles appear in one specific video. Press * button during playback > Find "Captions" or similar option > Select "Off".
App Menu Subtitles appear in all videos within a specific app. Pause video > Access Settings > Find Audio/Subtitle settings > Select "Off".
Roku System-Wide Settings Subtitles appear across all apps. Home > Settings > Accessibility > Captions Mode > Select "Off".
Restarting App/Device/Troubleshooting If none of the above work and you still have rogue subtitles appearing. Close and reopen App, Restart Roku, Check Service help pages, look for app updates.

Video: Roku Subtitles Driving You Crazy? Here's How to Turn Them OFF!

Roku Subtitle Troubles? Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions about disabling subtitles on your Roku device. We'll help you turn those pesky captions off for good!

Why are subtitles automatically appearing on my Roku?

Roku doesn't automatically enable subtitles universally. It's more likely that either the individual channel you're watching has subtitles enabled in its settings, or you accidentally turned on Roku's accessibility feature for closed captions. Knowing this is key to understanding how to turn off subtitles on Roku TV.

How do I permanently disable subtitles on Roku for all channels?

The most reliable way to ensure subtitles stay off is through Roku's accessibility settings. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Captions mode. Then, select "Off." This will generally turn off subtitles on Roku TV system-wide.

What if subtitles are still showing even after turning them off in Accessibility?

Some streaming channels override the Roku system settings. If this happens, you'll need to disable subtitles directly within that channel's settings menu. Look for a "Subtitles," "Captions," or "Accessibility" option within the channel's video player or settings.

I've tried everything, and subtitles still appear on one specific channel. What else can I do?

If you've exhausted all other options, try uninstalling and reinstalling the channel. This will reset its settings and might resolve the subtitle issue. As a final resort, contact the channel's support team, as they may have a bug or specific setting causing the problem. They are the best source to solve how to turn off subtitles on Roku TV within their app.

And that's all there is to it! Hopefully, you're now enjoying subtitle-free viewing. If those pesky captions ever reappear, you know exactly how to turn off subtitles on Roku TV. Happy streaming!