How to Get Netflix Subtitles on Any Device: 2024 Guide

If you've ever struggled to find the right subtitles on Netflix, you're not alone. In recent years, the platform has made huge progress in terms of subtitle availability, but some shows, especially the older ones, still don’t support a wide range of subtitles. The lack of subtitles in your preferred language can be due to licensing agreements, your location, or simply the device you’re using.

We tested various solutions across different devices, from smart TVs to mobile phones, to make sure you can easily set up and customize Netflix subtitles no matter where you're watching. Whether you're learning a new language or simply prefer subtitles in your native one, this guide will help you choose the best option for your needs.

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3 Ways to Get Netflix Subtitles on All Your Devices — 2024 Guide

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to getting a wider range of Netflix subtitles. However, there are a few methods that can work, depending on the title you want to watch, your location, the devices you use for streaming, and what languages you need your subtitles to be in.

Below, I’ve covered the most reliable methods that we found during our research.

1. Use a VPN

A VPN may provide a larger choice of available subtitles, depending on the title. By routing the connection through another server, these apps can provide additional subtitle options.

Using a VPN also has privacy benefits. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, so no one can snoop on what you’re doing — this protects your privacy against advertisers that want to gather your usage and content preference data. Plus, a VPN can help you achieve better speeds by preventing throttling — Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can sometimes slow your speeds on purpose (for example, during rush hours) to maintain balanced speeds for all users.

The process to get Netflix subtitles using a VPN varies depending on the device you're using. Below, I’ll walk you through the steps for different platforms, so you can safely stream your favorite shows with the right subtitles on any device.

Desktop/Mobile

1. Get a VPN. Start by installing a reputable VPN that works with Netflix. The best VPNs also offer browser extensions, which are useful if you only want to use a VPN tunnel in that browser and use your regular internet traffic for other apps.
   Most reputable VPNs are covered by money-back guarantees, too
2. Connect to a server. The closer the server is to your actual location, the better your speeds will be. Take a look at our guide for using a VPN with Netflix for more tips and tricks to boost your speed.
   It took us less than a minute to connect to a preferred server
3. Log in to Netflix. Find your favorite show and press play. Then, click the speech bubble icon to open the Audio & Subtitles menu. From here, turn on your preferred subtitles.
   There were also options for closed captions, too
4. Enjoy the show. Sit back and relax, or enjoy learning a new language via your favorite show or movie.

Smart TV, Gaming Consoles, and Other Streaming Devices

For some smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or older Fire Sticks, or streaming-compatible devices like Xboxes and PlayStations, setting up a VPN is a little more time-consuming since they don't support native VPN apps. Here’s a quick summary:

1. Choose a VPN. You’ll need one that’s router-compatible. The router installation process can be a bit tricky, so I recommend choosing one that has a native app and firmware for routers, like ExpressVPN.
2. Install the VPN on your router. This does require you to go into your router’s firmware settings, so it’s a bit more technical than installing the VPN on your other devices. Check our full guide for instructions on setting up a VPN on your router.
3. Connect to a server. I recommend choosing a server as close to you as possible, as this minimizes any speed loss.
4. Log into Netflix. Start streaming your chosen content safely. Then, navigate to the speech bubble icon at the bottom of your screen, and click OK on your remote. Find your chosen subtitle option, and click OK again.
5. Enjoy watching. Now you won’t miss any of the action.

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2. Adjust Your Netflix Language Settings

Netflix subtitle availability depends on the device you’re using and how you’re watching your chosen content. These are:

• Browsers, PC, and macOS: All available languages
• iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android: All available languages
• Smart TVs: 5-7 relevant languages
• Downloaded content: 2 relevant languages

Netflix will often automatically choose which subtitles are relevant for you based on your location and language preferences. Needless to say, it’s not always right, and many times you’ll be missing an option of subtitles you need.

So, a simple solution to get more subtitle options is simply to change the language settings in your Netflix account. However, it’s worth mentioning that for some titles, this might not work because it only has a smaller number of available subtitle languages.

To find and adjust your language settings, follow these simple steps for your chosen streaming device.

Desktop/Laptop (Windows, macOS, and Linux)

1. Log in to Netflix. Then, go to your Account page.
2. Click Profiles. Choose the profile you want to change. From there, click Languages.
3. Choose your preferred languages. On this page, you can select your display language and the languages you’d like your audio and subtitles in. Make sure you click Save at the bottom of the page.
4. Start streaming. Find a show or movie you want to watch, and check the subtitles pop-up menu — you may have new options.
   Netflix often updates the languages available for subtitles, currently you can choose from over 30.

Android and iOS

1. Open the Netflix app. Tap My Netflix in the lower right corner. Then, click on Menu in the upper right corner.
2. Go to Manage Profiles. Choose the profile you want to edit, and tap Audio & Subtitles.
3. Select your preferred languages. Your choices will automatically save.
4. Start streaming. Tap the speech bubble icon when you start streaming to see if your subtitle or audio options have changed.

Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Set-Top Boxes, and Other Streaming Devices

1. Open the Netflix app. Start streaming something, then navigate to the player controls at the bottom of the screen.
2. Select Other. The list of languages available for subtitles (and audio) will appear.
3. Choose your preferred languages. They will save automatically.
4. Carry on streaming. Find the subtitle options at the bottom of your screen to see if you’ve got some new choices.

3. Use a Browser Extension

Unofficial subtitle browser extensions are a convenient way to find additional subtitle languages on Netflix. It’s worth noting that they only work on browsers, so you’re limited to streaming on your desktop, laptop, or your browser app on your smart device.

You can use a free extension like Substital or Language Reactor, which allows you to load custom subtitles, adjust subtitle appearance, or download subtitles for offline use. Language Reactor is particularly useful if you’re trying to learn a new language, as it lets you see two different subtitles side-by-side.

However, it’s worth noting that Substital (and other subtitle add-ons) are sourced by the community, so subtitles may not always be available or accurate.

We also found that these add-ons were frustrating to use. While Substital auto-detected what we were watching, we still had to manually search for the episode we wanted subtitles for in the full-screen pop-up. It also didn’t work on Firefox; we had to use Chrome for it to show any subtitle options.

How to Stay Safe While Streaming Netflix

Streaming Netflix should be a secure and enjoyable experience, but it's important to take specific precautions to protect your data and privacy. Here are essential solutions to stay safe while streaming:

• Use a VPN. A reliable VPN encrypts your data, shielding it from hackers and prying eyes. Look for high-quality VPNs for streaming that offer strong encryption, no-logs policies, and streaming-optimized servers to ensure smooth and secure viewing from anywhere. Avoid free VPNs, as they often lack robust security features and can slow down your connection.
• Secure your password. Use strong, unique passwords for your Netflix account. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access. Consider using a password manager to keep track of your passwords securely.
• Beware of phishing links. Cybercriminals often use fake phishing links to lure users into downloading malware. Always log in to Netflix through its official app or website, and be cautious of unsolicited emails or pop-ups that claim to offer free access to the platform.
• Update your software. Ensure that your web browser, Netflix app, and antivirus software are always up to date. This helps protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited while streaming.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them a target for cybercriminals. If you must use public Wi-Fi to stream Netflix, do so only with a VPN to encrypt your data and reduce the risk of interception.

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How to Customize Netflix Subtitles — Position, Size, and Color

By adjusting the appearance and position of subtitles, you can make them easier to read and more visually pleasing. Plus, customizing subtitles can also help reduce eye strain during long viewing sessions.

You can easily modify the size, color, and position of subtitles on Netflix, preventing them from blocking the view. However, the subtitle appearance option isn't available in some countries for languages like Arabic and Hebrew. Also, some older devices don’t always support all the customization options.

Web browser

1. Log into Netflix. Then, go to Account > Profiles. Choose a profile you want to edit.
2. Select Subtitle appearance. Now, adjust how your subtitles look — you can adjust the font, color, size, and more.
3. Click Save. You’re ready to start streaming.
   If you make a mistake, click on the "Reset to default" button

Android

1. Open the Netflix app. Tap My Netflix > Menu > Manage Profiles, and select the profile you want to edit.
2. Tap Subtitle Appearance. Choose your subtitle appearance settings. The new settings will automatically save.
3. Start streaming. Now you can stream your favorite content with subtitles that are easier to read.

iOS (iPhone/iPad)

Unlike with other devices, you’ll have to change subtitle settings on your iOS device itself to adjust your Netflix subtitle appearance. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings. Then, tap Accessibility > Subtitles & Captioning > Style.
2. Adjust your settings. You can either choose an existing caption style or create a new style. Make sure you click Save.
3. Open Netflix. Start streaming — your Netflix subtitles should now reflect your chosen formatting.

TV or TV streaming device

1. Open the Netflix app. Then, start playing a show or movie.
2. Select the player controls. These are at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select Settings. This will let you adjust the size and style of your subtitles. If you can’t see this option, it means your device doesn't support changing the subtitle appearance of your language.
4. Return to streaming. Your subtitles should now reflect the changes you made.

How are Closed Caption (CC) Subtitles Different on Netflix?

CC (Closed Captions) subtitles provide not only the dialogue but also non-speech elements like sound effects and speaker identification. They’re typically available in English, but Netflix may offer them in different languages — we came across Japanese CC subtitles during our testing.

In the Netflix app, CC captions may also be marked as SDH (Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing). You can quickly find out if the show has these captions by looking for the SDH badge next to the title.

These subtitles offer a fuller context of the audio environment within the show or movie. While standard subtitles only translate spoken words, CC subtitles include cues such as [applause], [door creaking], or [music playing], so you can get a better understanding of what’s happening in the scene.

Enabling English CC on Netflix is done in the same menu as standard subtitles, but the availability can vary depending on the title and device. In some cases, English CC may be the only English subtitle option. That’s because the dialogue subtitles are exactly the same, but the audio captions make them more accessible to a broader audience.

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FAQs on Getting Netflix Subtitles on Any Device

How do I get English subtitles on Netflix in Japan, the US, and the Netherlands?

It depends on your streaming device and the title you’re trying to watch. The available subtitle options also tend to be based on your region and your language preferences. So, start by setting English as a preferred language in your Netflix settings.

If English isn’t appearing, it may still be available. A VPN or third-party subtitles via a browser extension may help.

Why aren’t subtitles on Netflix working?

In some cases, the specific title might not offer subtitles in your preferred language, especially for older or region-specific content. In this case, you can try finding the subtitles in your preferred language using a dedicated browser extension.

Sometimes subtitles on Netflix might not work due to device incompatibility or network problems. If you don’t see your selected subtitles or they appear intermittently, the issue could be with your device, particularly if it’s an older model or has outdated software. Start by clearing the app cache or reinstalling Netflix, which often resolves these glitches. Additionally, ensuring a stable internet connection can help prevent subtitles from failing to load.

Can I change my Netflix subtitles on Fire Stick, smart TVs, and iOS?

Yes, you can change your Netflix subtitles on Fire Stick, smart TVs, and iOS devices. On all these platforms, start by playing a video, then navigate to the Audio & Subtitles menu to select your preferred subtitle language. For iOS devices, you might need to adjust subtitle settings via the device’s accessibility options if you require additional customization, such as closed captions.

Some older TV models may have limited subtitle functionality (Netflix suggests the year 2014 as an indicator that the device may not fully support subtitle options). If subtitles don't display correctly, updating the device software or using another streaming device might be necessary.

Is it possible to get Netflix subtitles for free?

Yes, Netflix subtitles are included in your subscription and available at no additional cost. You can access and customize subtitles in various languages, including Japanese and English, on any device. The availability of specific languages may depend on your region and the content you are watching. However, accessing or customizing subtitles doesn’t incur any extra fees.

If a specific language subtitle isn’t available, then free VPNs or third-party tools are an option. However, free services aren’t all that reliable and safe for subtitles. Unofficial subtitles may not match your chosen content or sync correctly with the video.

In addition, free VPNs may not offer a wide enough range of servers for more subtitle options, and they’re rarely fast enough for streaming in the first place.

Free services always come with some security risk. After all, they have to make money somehow, and it may be from selling your data. If you need to use a free service, consider a “freemium” product — these offer a free plan with a paid subscription option, so it’s clear how they’re making their money.

Can I download subtitles on Netflix?

The best way to download Netflix subtitles is to download your chosen content to your device from the platform. Unfortunately, it doesn’t turn the subtitles into a tidy transcript for reading, but you’ll be able to access your favorite Netflix show in HD from anywhere while you’re offline.

There are other methods that create a workable transcript, but they’re really technical and require using the browser developer console and other tools.

Conclusion

Although not getting the right Netflix subtitles on your device by default can be frustrating, luckily, there are a few solutions you can try to fix this problem. Choosing the one that works for you depends largely on your location and the device you’re using.

Often third-party tools like VPNs or browser extensions give the best results. While a VPN can help you obtain subtitles already available on Netflix, a browser extension provides external subtitles that may include languages not yet available or supported by the platform.