Subtitles (closed captions) on Peacock can be turned on or off directly through the app on a smart TV, streaming player, or smartphone. Generally speaking, there is no difference in how subtitles are enabled or disabled on different device types. However, the option can be difficult to find on some devices due to the lack of any closed captioning options in the settings menu of Peacock apps.
Peacock launched in 2020 and brings together popular shows and movies from the Universal and NBCUniversal vaults. Apps are available to download on multiple device types, including smart TVs and smartphones. In addition, Peacock shows, movies, and originals can also be watched on devices directly through a web browser.
As is the case with many streaming services, Peacock includes a number of accessibility options in a bid to improve the experience. Closed captioning support is a prime example, with the feature adding a text-based copy of the episode or movie’s dialogue and related audio.
Whether subtitles are needed will depend on the individual, but understanding how to turn them on or off can affect any viewer at some point.
Turn Peacock subtitles on or off
There is no option to turn Peacock subtitles on or off through a smart TV app’s settings menu. Therefore, the only way to control when closed captioning is active is while watching a video.
Turn subtitles on or off: most smart TVs and players
- Press select or down (while watching a video)
- Navigate to and click on Subtitles & Audio (speech bubble icon).
- Click a language option next to Subtitles to turn on
- Alternatively, click Off to turn off
Turning subtitles on or off on a mobile device works in pretty much the same way. Again, as there’s no option to enable or disable closed captions through the smartphone app’s settings menu, subtitles do have to be controlled while watching a show episode or movie.
Turn subtitles on or off: mobile
- Tap on the screen (while watching a video)
- Tap on the speech bubble icon (top right corner)
- Tap a language (next to Subtitles) to turn on
- Alternatively, click Off to turn off
Subtitles can also be enabled or disabled on most Apple TV players by following the same general instructions while watching a video.
Turn subtitles on or off: Apple TV
- Click the center of the remote’s clickpad (while watching a video)
- Navigate to and click on the speech bubble
- Select a language (next to Subtitles)
- Alternatively, click Off to turn off
Subtitles on Peacock are disabled by default and there will be times when a viewer needs to turn them on to improve their viewing experience. However, once enabled, they will remain on until disabled again. This also applies when streaming across devices. For example, if enabled on a smart TV, subtitles will remain on when accessing Peacock on a smartphone or any other device through the same account.
In cases where a single Peacock subscription is shared between family members, there may be times when someone enables closed captioning, resulting in someone else needing to disable them again at a later time. This issue can be avoided by making use of Peacock profiles. If closed captions are enabled on one Peacock profile, the change will only apply to that profile going forward.
Issues with subtitles on Peacock
In addition to no clear option to turn subtitles on or off through the settings menu in Peacock apps, some users have encountered other issues. One is instances where subtitles do not remain on permanently. In other words, closed captioning has to be enabled each time a new video is played. This should not be happening and doesn’t appear to be an issue on all platforms and devices. For those encountering this specific issue, and in need of permanently enabling subtitles, it may be worth trying a different device.
Another common issue with Peacock’s approach to subtitles is the difficulty in adjusting the size. As there is no subtitles section in the app settings, there are also no customization options. However, subscribers can make permanent adjustments to the font color, size and more by vising the Peacock website and clicking on Customize in the Subtitle Appearance section. This section can be found by first clicking on Account and then on Settings.
Although this isn’t the most convenient solution, if the subtitles are too large or too small, it is currently the only way to make changes.
Other common issues include subtitles not remaining on the screen long enough, or sometimes not working at all. Unfortunately, there are currently no fixes for these problems. Some devices, such as Apple TV, do offer the option to universally enable captions at the system level through the device’s settings menu. While this can be a solution, and one Peacock recommends, subscriber miles will vary. This system-wide accessibility features relies on the app supporting the feature and the Peacock app might not abide by the system-level accessibility preference on all platforms.
Peacock subtitles summary
Peacock does offer the option to enable closed captioning for episodes, movies and other content available to stream through its apps. However, there is no specific subtitles section in the settings menu. Instead, subscribers are expected to turn subtitles on or off while watching a video by accessing the playback menu and clicking the speech bubble icon.
While closed captions are available through Peacock, the implementation is not perfect. Users may find that subtitles are too small, disappear too quickly, or don’t work at all. In addition, some users may also encounter an issue where they don’t remain on permanently, requiring the subtitles to be reenabled each time an episode or movie starts.
Updated December 2022
