How To Turn Closed Captioning On or Off on HBO GO

HBO GO is an additional service that may come with Amazon Prime or cable subscription. But despite being an extra, the content that HBO GO offers is almost second to none. On top of that, you get to use the service across different devices and there are a bunch of features to enhance the viewer experience.

Quick and easy access to closed captioning (CC) is one of those features. However, some users struggle to turn the feature on, even though it is accessible in a few taps or clicks. The following sections will provide you with all the tips and tricks to enable CC on HBO GO regardless of the device you are using.

HBO GO CC on Smart TVs

Most smart TV brands like Samsung, Sony, or LG support CC via HBO GO. To get the subtitles, you need to use the TV’s remote and press the down key to reveal the video menu. Of course, this only applies when you start playing the video.

The CC icon/button should be at the bottom of the screen, navigate to it, and select On or Off option from the pop-up window. In theory, this should work like a charm every time. But there are times when the CC icon doesn’t appear or it just won’t turn on.

There are two reasons for this – CC is either turned off on your TV or the video just doesn’t have any CC. However, you should note that the majority of videos on HBO GO have at least English subtitles.

How to Check for Video Subtitles?

Go to the main/video-selection menu on HBO GO, and open details for the video you’d like to play. There should be a CC/Subtitles listing with the available languages.

How to Turn on CC on Your TV?

Use the remote of your smart TV to access the main menu and select Settings. Most models feature Preferences or Accessibility which is you find the Closed Captioning. For example, on LGs and Sonys Closed Captioning is the first menu that pops up under Accessibility.

Once inside the CC menu make sure to turn it on and confirm/save the settings. You can navigate via arrow keys on the remote and select by pressing the OK button. The CC menu should also allow you to make some adjustments on the subtitle as well.

In general, you can change the subtitle size, color, or background and save it as a custom preset.

HBO GO App Trick

Remember, HBO GO is an online video service that syncs all the settings across the devices you use it with. So if you struggle to turn the CC on or off, it’s advisable to make sure the option is enabled/disabled within the app itself.

Launch the app on your smartphone or tablet and look for the CC button. It’s located in the lower right section of the screen when you enter the viewing mode. Just tap on the CC button and the subtitles should appear on your TV.

It’s important to note that both your smart device and TV need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Otherwise, the trick is not likely to work.

HBO GO on Streaming Devices

Being a service, HBO GO is available on most popular streaming/media devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV. Though, it’s worth noting that Apple has a special deal with HBO but you still get to enjoy the same media and features.

One way or the other, the HBO GO CC won’t play, unless it’s enabled on the streaming devices. Here is a quick guide on how to do it:

Apple TV

Use the physical Apple TV remote or the Remote app to access Settings, and then select General. Go down the General menu to Accessibility and enter it. You’ll be able to see Closed Captions + SSH under Subtitles and Captioning.

Enter the menu and select one of the available options – Classic, Large Text or Edit. If you choose edit you can change the subtitles’ appearance.

Roku

Press the Home button on your Roku remote, go to Settings, and select Accessibility. Navigate to Captions and choose one of the available modes. For example, ON always displays CC, On Replay displays it when you press the Replay button, and “When mute” shows CC only when the volume is all the way down.

Amazon Fire TV

Hit the Menu button on the remote, choose Subtitles and Audio, and toggle the button under Subtitles and Captions on or off. It’s that simple.

Chernobyl Is the New GoT

Chernobyl or any other series, you shouldn’t have any troubles launching CC on HBO GO. What’s more, this service probably has one of the largest selections of CC languages out there. The important thing is to make sure that CC is turned on within the service itself and on the device you use it with.