How to Make Subtitles Bigger on a Smart TV: Step-by-Step Guide
Subtitles, the words along the bottom of the screen, make a real difference when the dialogue is mumbled or the room is noisy. The trouble is they often start out small. Most smart TVs and streaming apps let you turn them on and make them larger, so they’re easy to read from your chair.
There are two places this can be set: in the TV’s own settings, and inside each app like Netflix. Here’s how to handle both. If you are choosing a new television too, our guide to the best smart TVs for seniors is a good place to start.
Quick answer
To turn subtitles on, open Settings on your TV and look for Accessibility, then Subtitles or Captions. Switch them on and choose a larger text size. Apps like Netflix also have their own subtitle settings, usually reached by the speech-bubble icon while a show is playing. Set both and you’ll get large, clear subtitles everywhere.
Turning subtitles on for the whole TV
1. Open Settings
Press the cog or Settings button on your remote to bring up the menu. If there’s no cog, look for Menu. This opens the TV’s own options.
2. Find Accessibility
Look for a section called Accessibility, sometimes called General or Preferences. This is where TVs keep the settings that make the screen easier to see and hear, including subtitles.
3. Switch on Subtitles or Captions
Choose Subtitles or Captions and switch them on. Some TVs call them closed captions, often shortened to CC. Once on, they’ll appear whenever a programme offers them.
4. Make the text larger
In the same place, look for a size or style option. Choose Large or Extra Large. Some TVs also let you pick a clearer colour or add a dark band behind the words, which helps them stand out against a bright scene.
Setting subtitles inside an app
Streaming apps often handle subtitles themselves. In Netflix, ABC iview or similar, start playing a show and look for a speech-bubble or subtitles icon on the playback bar. Select it and choose your language, usually English. To change the size, look in that app’s own settings, often under your account or a subtitles appearance menu. Setting both the TV and the app gives you the best result.
Good to know
- Subtitles only show when a programme provides them. Most films and series do, but some live TV may not.
- Closed captions, or CC, are the same thing as subtitles for most purposes.
- If subtitles vanish when you switch apps, set them inside that app as well as on the TV.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: bigger subtitles on a smart TV
What’s the difference between subtitles and captions?
For most purposes they’re the same. Captions, often labelled CC, are the words shown on screen for the dialogue.
Why are my subtitles still small after I changed the TV setting?
Some apps use their own size setting. Change it inside the app as well, usually under that app’s subtitle or accessibility options.
Can I make the words easier to see against bright scenes?
Yes. Many TVs let you add a dark band or box behind the text, which makes it stand out clearly.
Do subtitles work on every show?
Only when the programme provides them. Most films and series do. Some live broadcasts may not have them.
Will subtitles stay on once I set them?
Yes, on the TV they stay on until you turn them off. Within an app, they usually stay on for that app too.
