How to Turn Subtitles On or Off on YouTube TV

YouTube TV has become a popular choice for cord-cutters who want access to live television and on-demand content through an internet connection. One feature that enhances the viewing experience, especially for those with hearing impairments or watching in a noisy environment, is the ability to turn subtitles on or off. Whether watching on a smart TV, smartphone, or streaming stick, enabling or disabling subtitles on YouTube TV is a straightforward process.

Subtitles (or closed captions) are subtitles that show up on the screen displaying what is being said in the video, often with additional information like sound effects. YouTube TV offers subtitle options for most shows and movies, and users can customize them for better readability.

How to Turn Subtitles On or Off on YouTube TV

Using a Smart TV or Streaming Device

If you’re watching YouTube TV on your smart TV, Roku, Apple TV, or other supported devices, follow these steps:

• Start the show or movie: Navigate to the content you want to watch and press play.
• Access player controls: Use your remote to bring up the video menu by pressing the down arrow or the select button, depending on your device.
• Select the CC (Closed Captions) icon: This icon typically appears on the playback bar. Click it to view subtitle options.
• Choose subtitle options: Select “English” or your preferred language to turn subtitles on, or select “Off” to disable them.

Using a Mobile Device

YouTube TV also supports subtitle controls on Android and iOS devices. To enable or disable subtitles while watching on a smartphone or tablet:

• Open YouTube TV app: Launch the app on your device and play the desired content.
• Tap the screen: This will bring up the video controls.
• Tap the settings icon (gear): Located in the upper right corner of the video player.
• Choose “Captions”: Select the available subtitle language or tap “Off” to disable.

Using a Web Browser

When accessing YouTube TV through a browser on your computer, here’s how you can toggle subtitles:

• Go to tv.youtube.com: Sign in and start watching the content of your choice.
• Move your cursor over the video: The video controls will appear at the bottom.
• Click the CC icon: This enables subtitles. Repeat the action to turn them off.

Customizing Subtitles for Better Accessibility

YouTube TV allows users to tailor the appearance of subtitles to improve visibility. Here’s how:

• On a mobile device or web browser, go to Settings > Captions.
• Choose from options like font size, style, color, and background opacity.
• These adjustments can make subtitles easier to read, especially for viewers with visual impairments or those who prefer high contrast text.

Troubleshooting Common Subtitle Issues

If subtitles are not working as expected, try these steps:

• Restart the app or device: Sometimes a simple reset fixes glitches.
• Check content availability: Not all programming supports subtitles.
• Ensure the app is up to date: An outdated version might not support latest subtitle features.

FAQs

Q: Are subtitles available for all programs on YouTube TV?

A: No, not every show or movie includes subtitles. Availability depends on the content provider. Most network programs do include closed captioning.

Q: Can I set subtitles to be always on by default?

A: YouTube TV does not currently allow users to set subtitles to be on by default across all content. You’ll need to enable them manually for each video.

Q: What subtitle languages are supported?

A: English is the most common, but some shows may offer Spanish or other language options depending on the provider.

Q: Can I change subtitle font or background color?

A: Yes, users can customize subtitle appearance such as text size, font style, and background color through the settings menu.

Q: Why are subtitles out of sync with the audio?

A: This could be due to a streaming glitch. Try restarting the app or checking for updates. If the issue persists, it might be a problem on the content provider’s end.

Subtitles can greatly enhance the viewing experience on YouTube TV. With simple steps to enable them on any device and customizable options available, users can enjoy content more comfortably and inclusively.