It’s no secret that streaming devices like Chromecast can make it easier to enjoy your favorite shows and movies. But what happens when the subtitles don’t work? I recently encountered this problem and spent a lot of time trying to find a solution. In this blog post, I’ll share the causes of Chromecast subtitles not working and how to fix them. If you’re having this issue, you’ll want to read on for my tips and tricks to get your subtitles up and running again.
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Unsupported subtitle format | Ensure subtitle file is in a Chromecast-compatible format (CEA-608/708, TTML, WebVTT). |
| Subtitle file location | Make sure the subtitle file is in the same folder as the video. |
| Damaged or corrupt subtitle file | Download the subtitle file again or try a different source. |
| Compressed subtitle file | Extract the subtitle file from the zip format. |
| Different names for subtitle and video files | Ensure both the video and subtitle files have the same name. |
| Incorrect VLC video casting to Chromecast | Follow the step-by-step guide for casting VLC videos with subtitles to Chromecast. |
| Reboot Chromecast | Restart the Chromecast device using the Google Home app or by unplugging it for at least 60 seconds. |
| Clear Chromecast cache | Clear the cache on Chromecast with Google TV. |
| Factory reset Chromecast | Perform a factory reset by holding down the power button for around 25 seconds while the device is plugged into the TV. |
| Subtitles not working on HBO or Netflix | Restart both the streaming app and the Chromecast device, update the streaming app if needed, and ensure subtitles are turned on in the app. |
5 Reasons Why Chromecast Subtitles Aren’t Working
Thankfully, it’s simple to identify the causes that make your subtitles vanish! Usually, it’s one of the following scenarios:
- The subtitle file is in a format that Chromecast doesn’t recognize
- The file isn’t located in the same folder as the video you want to play
- Damaged or corrupt subtitle file
- The subtitle file is compressed
- The name of the subtitle file is different from the video’s name
With all of these factors in mind, let’s go ahead and suggest a few fixes to the problem.
How to Solve the Issue of Chromecast Subtitles Not Working (Step-By-Step)
Getting the subtitles to work on your mirrored video should be a piece of cake if you go through these steps.
Step 1: Double-Check the Subtitle File’s Format
The main reason why Chromecast won’t play subtitles is that it doesn’t support the format. So, the first thing you should do is to check the properties of your file to make sure it’s recognized by the device.
Here are the formats that should work fine with Chromecast:
- CEA-608/708
- TTML
- WebVTT
If you find out that your file doesn’t follow one of these formats, your best bet is to try and download another one that does.
Step 2: Ensure the File Isn’t Damaged, Misplaced, or in Zip Format
The format might be right, yet the subtitles will refuse to work. Don’t fret, because it’s likely the file you’ve got is damaged, in a separate folder, or needs to be extracted from a zip format.
First, you’ll have to move the file to the same folder as the video if it’s not there. Then, decompress the file, if it’s in zip format, by doing this:
- Right-click on the subtitle file
- Select Extract All from the drop-down menu
- Follow the instructions that appear on the screen until the process is complete
If you get this far without subtitles showing on your TV screen, then the file is likely corrupt. Here, the best thing you can do is to download the subtitle file once again from the website where you first got it.
Sometimes, the file will remain resistant to working even after you’ve downloaded it for a second time. If this happens, we suggest you try getting it from another website; chances are it’s been damaged already when it was uploaded.
Remember to make sure that both the video and subtitle files have the same name before you try to cast them to your TV.
Step 3: Understand How to Cast VLC Videos to Chromecast With Subtitles
It’s important to know the right way to cast VLC videos to your Chromecast device. You might be unintentionally doing something wrong that’s preventing subtitles from showing on your TV screen.
Here’s how to cast VLC videos with subtitles:
- Start the VLC Media Player and click on Media at the top menu bar
- Click on Stream, then pick the file that you want to play
- Head over to the right side of the screen and select the three-dot icon
- Select a subtitle format and make any necessary adjustments
- Play the video and wait until the “Insecure site” message shows up
- Click “View Certificate” then “Accept Permanently” after you take a look at Chromecast’s security certificate
- The subtitles should show up on your paired TV screen after that
Reboot the Chromecast
Often, an easy solution is to simply restart your Chromecast device.
- To do this, open the Google Home App, Touch and hold the device’s title, tap settings, more settings then reboot.
- Alternatively, you can simply unplug the Chromecast for at least 60 seconds which will reboot the Chromecast.
Clear the cache
It would also help to try clearing the cache of your Chromecast.
To clear the cache on Chromecast with Google TV, you need to follow these simple steps:
- Go to your profile icon and select Settings, then System, then Storage, then Internal shared, storage then Cached data. Select “Clear cached data for all apps,” then click Ok
Factory reset the Chromecast.
As a last resort, you can also try factory resetting the Chromecast.
While the device is plugged into the TV, hold down the power button for around 25 seconds. The device would flash red, then white. Once it flashes white and your TV goes blank, release the button.
How to Make HBO Or Netflix Subtitles Work on Chromecast?
Even though this scenario rarely happens, it’s still possible and easily fixable.
The first thing you’ll have to do is restart both the streaming app and the Chromecast device. If that doesn’t work, chances are the app needs an update, so you’ll have to install that.
Sometimes, you may be unaware that you’ve already turned the subtitles off manually. Therefore, you’ll need to ensure those are on, which will likely solve your issue once and for all!
Final Thoughts
The causes of Chromecast subtitles not working aren’t that hard to discover. Whether the file’s located in a different place from the video, is corrupt, or has a dissimilar name, you can fix these issues in a manner of minutes!
If none of these scenarios apply to your subtitle file, chances are it’s in a format that Chromecast won’t play.
Now that you know all the solutions to your problem, you can finally fix those subtitles and watch your favorite Korean drama!
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