Fix IPTV Subtitles Not Working
When subtitles don't appear, show wrong language, are out of sync, or display incorrectly in your IPTV app, the issue is usually subtitle track selection, app settings, or the stream not containing subtitles.
Common Symptoms
- ▸ No subtitle option available in menu
- ▸ Subtitles selected but not appearing on screen
- ▸ Subtitles in wrong language
- ▸ Subtitles appear but are out of sync with audio
- ▸ Subtitle text is garbled or shows wrong characters
Why This Happens
- ▸ Subtitle track not selected or available in stream
- ▸ Stream doesn't include subtitles (common with IPTV)
- ▸ Wrong subtitle encoding (character set issue)
- ▸ Subtitle delay/sync offset needed
- ▸ App player not supporting subtitle format
Quick Fixes
Try these solutions first - they resolve most issues.
While watching, look for CC or subtitle option in playback menu
Try different subtitle tracks if multiple are available
Check if channel has teletext subtitles instead of embedded
Switch video player in app settings if subtitles don't work
Many IPTV streams simply don't include subtitles
Device-Specific Instructions
Note: Menu paths may vary slightly depending on your app version and device manufacturer.
Amazon Firestick
Access subtitles
In TiviMate: while watching, press OK > Subtitles icon > Select available subtitle track
Tip: May say 'None available' if stream has no subs
Enable teletext
Some channels use teletext for subtitles. Enable teletext in app settings if available
Tip: Common for European channels
Try different player
TiviMate Settings > Player > Try different player (built-in vs VLC)
Tip: Different players handle subs differently
Adjust sync
If subs are delayed: during playback, subtitle options may have Delay setting
Tip: Adjust +/- milliseconds
Check encoding
If text is garbled: Settings > Player > Subtitle encoding > Try UTF-8 or other options
Tip: Wrong encoding shows wrong characters
Android TV / Nvidia Shield
Check subtitle tracks
During playback, look for CC icon, subtitle icon, or go to playback options > Subtitles
Tip: Icon varies by app
Enable closed captions
Android TV Settings > Device Preferences > Accessibility > Captions > Turn on
Tip: System-wide caption settings
Player settings
In IPTV app > Settings > Player > Check subtitle options and enable if disabled
Tip: May be turned off by default
External subtitles
Some apps support loading external .srt files for VOD content
Tip: Only works for movies, not live TV
Try Kodi
Kodi has best subtitle support. Add playlist to Kodi for better subtitle handling
Tip: Worth trying if subtitles are important
Smart TV (Samsung/LG)
Access CC menu
While watching, press Tools or Options on TV remote > Look for Subtitle or CC option
Tip: Interface varies by TV brand
TV caption settings
TV Settings > General > Accessibility > Subtitle/Caption Settings > Enable
Tip: Enables system-level captions
IPTV app options
In IPTV app, during playback check for subtitle selection menu
Tip: Limited options on Smart TV apps
Teletext option
If available, try teletext subtitle mode for live TV channels
Tip: Page 888 is common for English subs
Contact provider
Ask provider if their streams include subtitles - many IPTV streams don't
Tip: Not all content has subtitles
Pro Tips
- ★ Many IPTV streams simply don't include subtitles - this is not something you can fix
- ★ European channels often have teletext subtitles on page 888
- ★ VOD/movies are more likely to have subtitles than live TV channels
- ★ Kodi with appropriate addons has the best subtitle support for IPTV
When to Contact Your Provider
- ▶ Ask if their streams include subtitle tracks
- ▶ Some providers offer channels with/without subtitles separately
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't IPTV channels have subtitles?
Most IPTV streams are captures of broadcast signals and many don't include the subtitle track. Subtitles require extra bandwidth and processing. Legal streaming services (Netflix, etc.) always have subs because they're designed in. IPTV streams often strip subtitles during re-encoding.
Can I add my own subtitles to IPTV?
For VOD (movies/series), some apps like Kodi can download and sync external subtitles. For live TV, this isn't possible since the content is real-time. If subtitles are important, check if your provider offers channels that include them, or use official streaming services for critical content.