iPad can provide subtitles, closed captions, and transcriptions so you can follow along more easily with audio and video. On supported models, you can also get automatic subtitles, including in another language.
In a supported app, subtitles and closed captions can be turned on when they’re available, and you can customize how they look. You can also choose accessible captions, like subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH). Subtitles transcribed from spoken audio are labeled in the list of subtitles, too.
Note: Generated subtitles and viewing subtitles in multiple languages is supported on iPadOS 27 or later and is available on iPad mini (A17 Pro) and iPad models with M1 or later. Generated subtitles are available in English (U.S. and Canada) when the content doesn’t include them.
Turn on subtitles and captions in supported apps
If a supported app has subtitles and closed captions for the video content you’re playing, you can turn them on. iPad usually shows standard subtitles and captions. Special accessible captions are another choice when available, including subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing (SDH).
Note: You may see subtitles appear automatically in supported apps. Those transcribed from spoken audio are labeled “Transcribed” in the list of subtitles, and those translated into another language are labeled “Translated”.
- While playing video content, tap the Legible Options button.
- Choose from the list of available subtitles and captions.
Customize the subtitles and captions in supported video apps
- Open Settings, tap Accessibility, and then tap Subtitles & Captioning.
- If you prefer closed captioning or subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing when available, turn on Closed Captions + SDH.
- Tap Style and choose an existing caption style or create a new style based on the following:
- Font, size, and color
- Background color and opacity
- Text opacity, edge style, and highlight
Manage when subtitles automatically appear
In a supported app, subtitles may appear automatically when your iPad is muted, when you skip back a few seconds, or when the video is in another language. The same goes for generated subtitles from videos in Photos and Messages.
- Open the Settings app on your iPad.
- Tap Accessibility, tap Subtitles & Captioning, and tap Automatic Subtitles.
- Do any of the following:
- Automatically show subtitles in your preferred language: Turn on When Languages Don’t Match.
- Automatically turn on subtitles when volume is muted: Turn on Show When Muted.
- Temporarily turn on subtitles when you skip back in a video: Turn on Show on Skip Back.
View generated subtitles in another language
With on-device translation, iPad can generate subtitles in another language in supported apps. Translation works when a video has English subtitles available. If you’ve added more than one preferred language in Settings, you can see the subtitles translated into one of your other languages.
- While playing video content, tap the Captions button.
- Tap Languages, then choose the language you’d like to view subtitles in.
See also
