How to Turn Off Subtitles Closed Captions on Fire Stick

Subtitles can be a useful tool for understanding dialogue and narrative in movies and TV shows, especially in noisy environments or when watching content in a language that is not your first. However, there may be times when you want to switch off these captions to enjoy the visuals without text on the screen. Whether you find subtitles distracting or you simply don’t need them, turning off closed captions on a Fire Stick is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you customize your viewing experience to your liking.

Via Video Playback

When you’re watching a video on your Fire Stick and decide that you want to turn off the subtitles, you can usually do so directly from the playback controls.

1. Start playing the video content you’ve selected on your Fire Stick.
2. Press the up button on your Fire Stick remote to bring up the playback controls.
3. Highlight and select the “Subtitles” icon, which typically resembles a speech bubble or text box.
4. You should now see the subtitles menu. Here, you can toggle the subtitles off.
5. Once you’ve turned off the subtitles, press the back button to exit the menu and return to your video.

This method offers a quick and easy way to disable subtitles during playback, but remember that your settings may reset for each new video or when you restart your Fire Stick.

Through Accessibility Settings

The Fire Stick has an Accessibility menu where you can manage subtitles for all content if you prefer a set-and-forget method.

1. From the Fire Stick main menu, navigate to “Settings.”
2. Scroll over to and select “Accessibility.”
3. In the Accessibility settings, find and select “Subtitles & Captioning.”
4. Here, you’ll find an option to turn off subtitles. Simply toggle this option off.
5. Once you’ve disabled subtitles, you can exit out of the settings.

This option is beneficial if you rarely use subtitles and prefer not to adjust them each time you watch something new. However, if you occasionally need subtitles, remember you’ll have to navigate these menus again to turn them back on.

Within Individual Apps

Some streaming apps may have their own individual settings for subtitles which override the device’s main settings.

1. Open the app you want to watch content from (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video).
2. Start playing the show or movie you’ve chosen.
3. Bring up the app’s playback controls—this is usually done by pausing the video or pressing up on the remote.
4. Look for an option that says “Audio & Subtitles,” “Captions,” or something similar, and select it.
5. Choose the subtitle options and select “Off” or “None.”

Remember, changing subtitles in one app won’t change the settings in another, so you’ll need to repeat this process for each app you use.

Restarting Fire Stick

If you’re having trouble with subtitles not turning off, you can try restarting your Fire Stick to reset the device.

1. Navigate to the Fire Stick home screen.
2. Select “Settings” followed by “My Fire TV.”
3. Scroll down to “Restart” and confirm by selecting it.
4. Allow your Fire Stick to restart.

Restarting may solve temporary glitches, including issues with subtitle settings not being saved. However, it is generally a last resort.

Updating Fire Stick Software

Ensuring that your Fire Stick’s software is up-to-date can sometimes resolve persistent captioning problems.

1. Go to “Settings” from the home screen.
2. Select “My Fire TV” and then “About.”
3. Click on “Check for Updates” to see if a new software version is available.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update your device if needed.

Updating ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes, which might include improvements to subtitle settings. However, keep in mind updates can take some time to download and install.

Checking Network Connection

A stable internet connection is required for subtitle settings to update properly on streaming services.

1. Test your network connection by going to “Settings” and then “Network.”
2. Highlight your connected network and press the menu button (three lines) on your remote.
3. Select “Check Network” to test connectivity.
4. If your network isn’t functioning well, attempt to restart your modem/router.

This doesn’t directly affect subtitle settings, but it’s crucial for overall device performance.

Factory Reset

As an extreme measure, a factory reset can help with persistent issues but will erase all personal data.

1. Navigate to “Settings.”
2. Go to “My Fire TV” and select “Reset to Factory Defaults.”
3. Confirm your selection to start the process.

Remember, a factory reset removes all personalized settings and downloaded content.

Voice Commands with Alexa

If your Fire Stick remote has Alexa, you can use voice commands to turn subtitles on or off.

1. While content is playing, press and hold the microphone button on your remote.
2. Say either “Turn off subtitles” or “Disable subtitles.”

Voice commands are quick and convenient but may not work with all apps.

Consult the App’s Help Center

If you still have trouble, many apps have their own help centers.

1. Visit the app’s official website and look for a support or help section.
2. Search for “subtitles” or “closed captions” to find specific guidance.

This is helpful for app-specific issues but requires time to search and read through articles.

Contact Customer Support

When all else fails, reaching out to Amazon’s customer support can provide a solution.

1. Go to the Amazon help site.
2. Choose the option to contact support, either through chat, email, or phone.

This guarantees personalized assistance but may take longer to resolve your issue.

In summary, while turning off subtitles on a Fire Stick is generally straightforward, there are multiple methods depending on your specific need. The main benefits of these methods are a more enjoyable viewing experience without distractions and the ability to tailor your settings to your preferences. The primary downside is that some methods require adjusting settings for each app independently, which can be time-consuming.

In conclusion, closed captions on the Fire Stick are intended to make content more accessible, but they aren’t necessary for everyone. Thankfully, with a few simple steps, you can have control over your subtitles and enjoy your media exactly the way you prefer. Whether it’s a temporary change during a single viewing or a permanent setup, the Fire Stick provides you with the options to customize your experience to your liking. And if you encounter any difficulty, there’s always further assistance available through support channels.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I turn off subtitles for all content at once on my Fire Stick?
Yes, you can turn off subtitles for all content by accessing the Accessibility settings on your Fire Stick and toggling the subtitles option to off.

What if the subtitle settings don’t save when I turn them off?
This can sometimes happen if there is a glitch in the system or the app you are using. Try restarting your Fire Stick or checking for system updates to resolve this issue.

Are there voice commands for turning off subtitles on the Fire Stick?
Yes, if you have a voice-enabled remote with Alexa, you can issue voice commands such as “Turn off subtitles” to disable them.