How do I use subtitles on BBC iPlayer?


You can get subtitles on programmes you watch on the BBC iPlayer website and apps, including programmes you download.

The icon to select subtitles is a speech bubble which you'll see on the playback screen. On the website and TV app, you can choose the size of the subtitles to suit your needs. We’re planning to bring this feature to the BBC iPlayer mobile/tablet app in the future.

BBC iPlayer app on connected TVs

  1. Start playing an on-demand programme or live stream
  2. Bring up the playback menu (you can use the enter/select, play/pause or arrow/direction buttons on your remote)
  3. Use the arrow/direction button then the enter/select button to select the speech bubble icon at the top left of the screen. You can also choose the 'Subtitles on/off' button underneath the playback bar to quickly switch on/off subtitles.

Screenshot of the iPlayer TV app playback screen. The subtitles icon is highlighted, as is the quick subtitles option at the bottom

In the subtitle menu within the speech bubble, you can switch subtitles on and off, and you can also adjust the size.

Image of the accessibility menu on the iPlayer TV app

You can turn off subtitles in the same way. We’ll remember your subtitle preferences until you switch off the device, or turn off or change subtitles.

BBC iPlayer website on a computer, mobile or tablet

  1. Start playing a live or on-demand programme (you might see a trailer first)
  2. Click on the subtitle (speech bubble) icon at the bottom right corner of the playback screen
  3. The toggle will switch to pink when subtitles are on, and the speech bubble will be white.

Image of the playback screen on the iPlayer website with the subtitles icon highlighted

You can change the size of subtitles at any time via the subtitle icon. 

Image showing the subtitle options on the iPlayer website playback screen


BBC iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets

  1. Start playing an on-demand programme
  2. Tap anywhere on the playback screen to display the playback options.
  3. Tap on the speech bubble on the top right

Image of the playback screen on the iPlayer mobile app. The accessibility icon (a speech bubble) is highlighted on the top right of the screen

You'll see a few accessibility options: AD, SL and Subtitles. There is a toggle next to each one. To switch on subtitles, tap the toggle and it will switch to pink. You can switch subtitles off in the same way. 

Image of the iPlayer mobile playback screen with the accessibility options open. The subtitles toggle is highlighted

Are subtitles available on downloaded programmes?

Yes - just download the programme you want to watch and follow the steps above for the mobile/tablet app.

Are subtitles available on live channels?

Yes! Subtitles are available on all live BBC channels, although there may be some exceptions on our non-English speaking channels (BBC Alba and S4C).

Whilst we try to make subtitles available on as many browsers and operating systems as possible, there are times when this isn't possible, particularly on older devices.