HBO Max allows you to access your favorite content from WarnerMedia, including DC, TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network, The CW, Crunchyroll, and more. Closed captions are available for those with accessibility requirements, but if you have no need for the feature and it accidentally turns on, you may want to switch it off. Here’s how to turn off closed captions in HBO Max across a variety of different platforms.
Further reading
Closed captions vs. subtitles
First, we need to establish the difference between closed captions and subtitles. Closed captions are text translations of the audio that you hear; these are typically provided for individuals who are hard of hearing. Subtitles, on the other hand, are designed for audiences who can hear but may need additional information, such as text translations from a foreign language. Subtitles can not be manipulated, but closed captions can be turned on or off when needed.
Adjust closed captions in HBO Max
You can access HBO Max on numerous platforms, including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Samsung smart TVs, mobile tablets, and the HBO website. Find your device below, and follow the provided instructions to enable or disable closed captioning.
Mobile devices (iOS & Android)
Step 1: While watching a video, tap the screen.
Step 2: Tap the CC button that appears on-screen.
Step 3: Select to turn closed captions on or off.
HBO website
Step 1: While watching a video, hover your mouse over it.
Step 2: Click the CC button that appears on-screen.
Step 3: Select either On or Off.
Amazon Fire TV
Step 1: While a video is playing, press the Play/Pause button on your remote.
Step 2: Scroll down using the navigation ring to select either On or Off.
Step 3: Click the middle button of the navigation ring to change the state.
Roku TV
Step 1: While a video is playing, press the Star button on your remote.
Step 2: Go to Settings, then Closed Captioning.
Step 3: Select Off to turn captions off or select one of the On options.
Note: On options include On Always for captions to always appear, On Replay for captions to only appear after pressing the replay button, and On Mute for captions to only appear when the volume is muted.
Apple TV
Step 1: While a video is playing, swipe down on the remote’s touch surface.
Step 2: Select Subtitles after swiping right.
Step 3: Select to turn the captions On or Off.
Samsung smart TVs
Step 1: When a video is playing, grab your remote and press the Down button.
Step 2: Several options should then pop up; highlight the CC option. From there, you can decide whether to enable closed captioning or turn the function off.
Customizing closed captions
You can quickly customize captions to your specific preferences through size or font for viewers who need closed captions to comprehend or enjoy videos fully. Unfortunately, only some platforms offer this caption customization feature. To see if it’s available on your streaming service, navigate to Settings and then the Subtitles menu. If it’s eligible, you’ll find a modification option on your dropdown list.
Depending on which device you’re streaming from, you can modify closed captions in a few additional ways. Certain apps allow users to alter the text size to larger or smaller options, but other platforms could have more advanced customizations to choose from. For example, users may change background colors on captions to make the text easier to read or modify the text color or opacity itself. Some services even allow users to swap out fonts to find an option that works best for them.
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