How to Turn Off Closed Captioning on Roku: A Definitive Guide

Tired of seeing text superimposed on your pristine Roku screen? You’re not alone! Closed captioning, while invaluable for accessibility, can be a nuisance when unintentionally activated. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on disabling those persistent captions and offers expert insights to troubleshoot common issues.

The Quick Fix: Disabling Closed Captioning on Roku

The simplest way to turn off closed captioning on your Roku is usually through these steps:

1. Press the asterisk (*) button on your Roku remote during video playback. This is your express lane to caption control.
2. A menu will appear. Look for an option related to “Closed Captions,” “Captions,” or “CC”.
3. Select the option and choose “Off”.

This method works for most apps. If captions persist, keep reading! We’re diving deeper into Roku’s settings and exploring app-specific nuances.

Understanding Roku’s Caption Controls: Beyond the Asterisk

Roku provides multiple ways to manage captions, catering to different user needs and scenarios. Let’s break them down.

Accessing Roku’s System-Wide Caption Settings

For a permanent solution that applies across most apps, adjust the system-wide settings:

1. Navigate to the Roku Home Screen: Press the Home button on your remote.
2. Go to Settings: Scroll and select “Settings.”
3. Accessibility: Look for “Accessibility.” If you don’t see it, look for “Captions” directly under “Settings.”
4. Caption Mode: In the Accessibility or Captions menu, find “Caption Mode.”
5. Select “Off”: Choose “Off” to disable captions globally.

Caption Mode Options Explained: A Pro Tip

Roku offers various caption modes beyond just “On” and “Off.” Understanding these can help you fine-tune your viewing experience.

• Off: Disables captions entirely. This is what you’re likely aiming for.
• On Always: Displays captions for all content, regardless of whether they are natively available.
• On Replay: Only displays captions during replays or rewinds. Useful for catching missed dialogue.
• By Replay: Similar to “On Replay,” but less aggressive. Only activates if the content actually supports captions.

Choosing the right mode can prevent unwanted captions without sacrificing accessibility when needed.

Dealing with App-Specific Caption Settings

Some apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, have their own independent caption settings that override Roku’s system-wide preferences. You’ll need to disable captions within these apps.

• Netflix: While watching a show or movie, move your cursor to the screen. A menu will appear. Look for the “Dialogue” icon (often a speech bubble). Select it and turn captions “Off.”
• Hulu: Similar to Netflix, access the playback controls during a video. Look for a “Settings” or “Captions” icon and disable captions.
• Amazon Prime Video: During playback, pause the video and look for the “Subtitles/CC” icon. Select it and choose “Off.”
• YouTube: While watching a video, tap the screen to bring up the controls. Look for the “CC” icon and toggle it off.

Remember to save your preferences within the app if prompted.

Why Captions Keep Turning Back On: Common Culprits

If captions mysteriously reappear, consider these possibilities:

• Accidental Activation: You (or someone else) may be inadvertently pressing the asterisk button.
• App Defaults: Some apps automatically enable captions based on your profile settings (e.g., Netflix profiles).
• Software Glitches: Restarting your Roku can sometimes resolve temporary software glitches that cause captions to misbehave. Unplug the Roku, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in.
• Remote Issues: A malfunctioning remote button might be triggering the caption function. Try using the Roku mobile app as a remote to see if the problem persists.

Advanced Troubleshooting: When Captions Refuse to Disappear

If you’ve exhausted the standard methods, try these advanced troubleshooting steps:

1. Factory Reset: As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your Roku. This will erase all your settings and revert the device to its original state. Be sure to note your account information and channel logins beforehand. You can find the factory reset option in the “System” > “Advanced System Settings” menu.
2. Check Your HDMI Cable: A faulty HDMI cable can sometimes cause unexpected behavior. Try using a different cable.
3. Contact Roku Support: If all else fails, reach out to Roku’s customer support for assistance. They may have specific troubleshooting steps tailored to your device and situation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about managing closed captions on Roku, designed to provide even more clarity and solutions:

1. Why are captions still showing up even after I turned them off in the Roku settings?

This often happens because the specific app you’re using has its own separate caption settings. You need to disable captions within the app itself (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, YouTube).

2. How do I turn off captions on the Roku Channel?

The Roku Channel typically uses the system-wide caption settings. Ensure “Caption Mode” is set to “Off” in the Roku settings menu. If that doesn’t work, press the asterisk button during playback to access caption options specific to the Roku Channel.

3. Can I customize the appearance of captions on Roku (font, size, color)?

Yes! In the “Accessibility” (or “Captions”) settings, you can usually find options to customize the font style, size, color, and background of the captions. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you.

4. Is there a way to quickly toggle captions on and off without going into the settings menu?

Yes, the asterisk (*) button on your Roku remote is the quickest way. Press it while watching a video to access a menu where you can toggle captions on and off.

5. My Roku remote doesn’t have an asterisk button. What do I do?

If your remote lacks an asterisk button, you can use the Roku mobile app as a remote. The app has all the functionality of a physical remote, including the asterisk button.

6. I’m using the Roku mobile app as a remote, but I don’t see the asterisk button. Where is it?

In the Roku mobile app, ensure you are in the “Remote” tab. The asterisk button is usually located at the bottom of the remote interface. If it’s not visible, try tapping on the screen while a video is playing to bring up more control options.

7. Will turning off captions in one app turn them off in all apps?

No. Each app’s caption settings are generally independent. You’ll need to adjust the caption settings separately within each app.

8. I have multiple Roku devices. Do I need to adjust the caption settings on each one individually?

Yes, Roku settings, including caption preferences, are typically device-specific. You’ll need to configure the settings on each Roku device.

9. My Roku is connected to a soundbar. Could this be affecting the captions?

Unlikely. Captions are processed by the Roku itself. The soundbar shouldn’t directly influence caption display. However, ensure the HDMI connection between your Roku and TV is secure, as a faulty connection can sometimes cause unexpected issues.

10. Can I use voice commands to turn captions on or off?

Roku Voice functionality is very limited in controlling Closed Captions. At this time, Roku voice command cannot turn captions on or off.

11. Why are captions sometimes out of sync with the audio?

Caption synchronization issues can occur due to various factors, including internet speed, encoding problems with the video, or glitches within the app. Try restarting your Roku and the app. If the problem persists, it may be an issue with the content itself.

12. What does “forced subtitles” mean, and how are they different from closed captions?

“Forced subtitles” are subtitles that appear on screen to translate foreign languages or clarify unclear dialogue within a video. They are part of the video itself and cannot be turned off. Closed captions, on the other hand, are optional text tracks that can be enabled or disabled by the viewer.