How to Solve Plex Subtitles Not Working [Full Guide]2024

Plex is a popular media server platform that allows you to organize and stream your favourite movies, TV shows, music, and more. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to fix plex failed to download subtitle in 2024 in case you face Plex subtitles not working issue.

Part 1: How to Solve Plex Subtitles Not Working

If Plex subtitles are not working, check if the subtitle files are properly named and located. Ensure subtitles are enabled in the player settings, and verify that the correct agent is configured.

Plex allows users to easily add subtitles to Plex that provide a more inclusive viewing experience for all audiences. But sometime, you may find it is not working after you download and add subtitles to Plex. Take it easy. Here are 2 best ways to slove it. Here we go!

Way 1: Transdorm subtitle format

If Plex cannot read the subtitle format, you can transform the subtitles' format to perfectly compatible with Plex and then add subtitles file to Plex for streaming. (Plex officially announced that it supports a full array of subtitle formats, including .srt, .smi, .ssa, .ass, .vtt. )

Way 2: Use a Plex subtitle alternative

You can use another subtitle software like HitPaw Edimakor which can add and download subtitles to video easily as well.

Way 3: Move subdirectories

Move all subdirectories to another hard drive not tracked by Plex subtitles >> Do 1st step again to TV shows >> "Refresh All" for both "Movies" and "TV shows" >> Copy both subdirectories back under the top level Movies directory >> "Refresh All" for both "Movies" and "TV shows" again >> Check all added subtitles can be seen on Plex media server and preview the video. >> Done!

Part 2: How to Add Subtitle to Plex Normally

To add subtitles to your Plex media library, follow these steps:

Step 1. Enable Local Media Assets in Legacy Agents

Launch the Plex with subtitles Server application. Click on the Settings icon, usually a wrench or gear. In the left sidebar, under Manage, click on Libraries. Choose the library where you want to add subtitles. Click the three dots next to the library and select Manage Library then choose Edit.

Go to the Advanced tab. Under Agents, select Plex Movie for movies or The TVDB for TV shows. Local Media Assets is enabled and placed at the top of the list.

Step 2. Embedded Subtitles

Plex supports the different subtitle formats like SRT, SSA, ASS, SMI, PSB, DFXP or VTT. If your media files have embedded subtitles, contained within the video file, Plex can automatically detect and use them.

Step 3. External Subtitle Files

For external subtitles, place the subtitle file in the same directory as your video file. The subtitle file should have the same name as the video file. For example: Movie.mp4, Movie.eng.srt or Movie.fre.srt. You can add language suffixes to subtitle files. Alternatively, you can create a Subtitles folder within the media folder and place subtitle files there.

Step 4: Refresh Metadata

After adding files of subtitles for Plex, go back to the Plex Media Server interface. Click the three dots next to your library and select Scan Library Files. Optionally, select Refresh All Metadata to ensure Plex detects the new subtitle files.

Part 3: How to Turn off Subtitle on Plex?

Now that your settings are configured, your subtitles will automatically appear on every video you watch or remain off, based on your preference. However, you might need to toggle Plex automatic subtitles or a specific movie or TV show. Here’s how to turn them off while watching a video:

Step 1: Start Playing the Video

First, start playing the video. If the top and bottom bars have disappeared, move your cursor to bring them back into view.

Step 2: Open Playback Settings

In the bottom right corner of the screen, locate and click the button that resembles an audio mixer, which looks like three vertical bars with dots. This will open a menu with several options. From there, click on Playback Settings.

Step 3: Select Subtitle Option

Clicking on Playback Settings will bring up the playback settings menu. In this menu, you will see a dropdown menu next to the Subtitles option. Click on this dropdown menu to see the available subtitle tracks.

Step 4: Turn Off the Subtitles

You can select the desired subtitle track from the list, or if you prefer to watch without subtitles, you can click on None to turn them off. This allows you to customize your viewing experience for each individual video, ensuring that subtitles are either displayed or hidden according to your needs.

Part 3: How to Add Subtitles without Plex Subtitles

In addition to Plex add subtitles, you can also benefit from HitPaw Edimakor to add subtitles to videos:

Step 1: Acquire HitPaw Edimakor

Download and install HitPaw Edimakor on your computer, ensuring compatibility with both Windows and Mac operating systems.

Step 2: Upload Your Project

Launch HitPaw Edimakor and import the movie file if you intend to include subtitles. The user-friendly interface streamlines the upload process, catering to users of all proficiency levels.

Step 3: Utilize the "Auto Subtitles" Feature

Discover Edimakor's advanced functionalities, particularly the "Auto Subtitles" feature. This innovative tool harnesses cutting-edge AI technology to automatically generate precise subtitles based on the spoken content of the movie.

Step 4: Preview & Export

Upon completion of the auto-subtitling process, review the generated subtitles for accuracy. Once content, proceed to export the video with the incorporated subtitles.

Final Words

Fixing Plex subtitles not working issue is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you're watching a foreign film or just need a little help understanding dialogue, having subtitles available can make all the difference. And HitPaw Edimakor is also a nice solution when you still failed to solve this issue.

FAQs About Plex Subtitles