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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. Read the announcement
Community
July 26, 2023
7 Min

How to Enable Closed Captions—And Take Them Beyond the Screen with Nagish

Find out how to enable closed captions on TV or streaming services and how to take them beyond with Nagish app. Find everything you need to know here!

Author:
Juana Poareo
How to Enable Closed Captions—And Take Them Beyond the Screen with Nagish
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Learn how to enable closed captions on TV or streaming services, plus take it a step further and caption the world around you. Curious how? Keep reading.

Introduction 

Whether it’s catching every word in a noisy room or making sure you don’t miss a thing while watching your favorite show, captions are a game-changer. 

But what about phone calls?

If you rely on captions for TV and streaming to enhance your viewing experience, think about how transformative they could be for phone conversations, where missing a single word can mean missing the entire message. That’s where Nagish comes in—a next-level accessibility tool that brings real-time captioning to your phone calls.

Before we get into how Nagish transforms the way people communicate, let’s go over what closed captions are and how to enable them.

What Are Closed Captions?

Closed captioning is an essential feature that makes TV shows, movies, and digital content accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. But it also benefits anyone watching in a loud environment, learning a new language, or just wanting to catch every detail.

Whether you're trying to enable closed captions for the first time or need to refresh your memory, this guide will help you. 

Why Closed Captions and Subtitles for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Are Important 

Closed captions on TV play an important role in creating an inclusive and accessible viewing experience for deaf and hard of hearing people.  

For example, when watching a show or a movie in a noisy environment, toggling on the closed captions ensures that they can catch every word and action.

Don’t let life without captions slow you down.
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The Difference Between Closed Captions and Subtitles

Closed captions and subtitles are both text versions of audio content in TV shows, movies, and other multimedia content. There is, however, a major difference between the two. 

Closed captions on TV are intended for people who are deaf and hard of hearing. They turn spoken dialogue into text, as well as descriptions of other important audio elements like sound effects and background music. 

Closed captions also sometimes include names of characters speaking, they’re timed to match when they’re speaking, and the text sits on the video itself in a way that makes it easier for viewers to know what’s happening on the screen.

On the other hand, subtitles are meant for viewers who are hearing but may not understand the spoken language of what’s playing on the screen. An example would be someone watching a foreign film or TV show not in their native language.  

Subtitles usually only transcribe the spoken dialogue and don't include descriptions of other audio elements like sound effects or music. Subtitles are usually placed at the bottom of the screen, the same way as closed captions. 

While closed captions and subtitles both display written text that translates audio closed captions on TV provide a more detailed representation of all critical audio elements for people who are deaf and hard of hearing, while subtitles are mainly designed to provide translations or help understand spoken dialogue in another language for viewers who can hear. 

Now that you know the difference, let’s introduce a new way of using captions, especially outside of the entertainment screen.

Nagish: Expanding Captions Beyond the Screen

TV captions make entertainment accessible. But what about everyday conversations? Phone calls can be a major challenge for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. That’s where Nagish changes the game.

With Nagish’s real-time captions, you can:

  • Read phone conversations as they happen.
  • Stay connected without relying on traditional relay services.
  • Experience a seamless, private, and AI-powered captioning solution for all your calls.

If you love captions for TV, you’ll love Nagish for phone calls.

Why stop at watching with captions when you can communicate with them too?

Try Nagish today and bring live captions beyond your screen.

How to Access Closed Captions on Video Streaming Services

Most streaming services have built-in captioning features. Here’s how to turn them on:

Netflix

  1. Start by playing a TV show or movie.
  2. Once the video is playing, select Audio & Subtitles at the top or bottom of the screen (the bottom may not have the captions icon). 
  3. Turn on captions and select your preferred language.

Amazon Prime

  1. Start playing a film or TV show.
  2. Go to Overview.  
  3. Press up and then right to access Subtitles.
  4. Click on Closed Captions or Subtitles icon.

Hulu

  1. Start playing a show or movie on Hulu.
  2. While the video is playing, navigate to the Settings button at the bottom right.
  3. Select your preferred caption language or enable captions. 

Disney+

  1. Press the asterisk (*) button on your Roku remote control. 
  2. From the Options menu on the left side of the screen, highlight Closed Captioning.
  3. Use the arrow keys on your remote to enable closed captions.

For Smart TVs, access the Accessibility menu to enable closed captions. 

Max

  1. Start by watching a TV show or film. 
  2. Pause the video to access Audio and Subtitles icon. 
  3. Choose your caption language.
  4. For Roku, press the star (*) button to access Closed captioning.

Paramount+ 

Enabling closed captions for Paramount+ depends on the device you’re using. For all devices, however, you can access closed captions through the Accessibility menu. For your specific device, visit Paramount+ Help Center.

Peacock 

  1. Play a TV show or film. 
  2. Pause to enable the navigation bar. 
  3. Click up and right on your remote to click on the Audio & Subtitles bubble icon.
  4. Select your caption option by clicking on it. 
  5. Wait a few seconds before the captions appear. 

Apple TV+ 

  1. Choose Accessibility from the Settings menu. 
  2. Under Hearing, choose Subtitles and Captioning.
  3. Turn on Closed Captions + SDH. 

YouTube 

  1. Play a video.
  2. Pause and click on the CC icon. 
  3. Choose your captions language. 

YouTube TV 

This is an app that’s part of YouTube so the instructions are the same as for YouTube. If you click on a CC icon and it remains gray, that means the video owner has not added captions to the video.

Enabling Closed Captions for Satellite Services

Man and woman sitting on couch, watching TV. Man is pointing at the TV while woman is drinking a beverage and pointing the remote at the TV
Man and woman sitting on couch, watching TV. Man is pointing at the TV while woman is drinking a beverage and pointing the remote at the TV

Satellite services like DIRECTV and DISH Network also offer closed captions on TV. 

DIRECTV

  1. While watching a show, press the Down button on your remote to bring up the Info Bar.
  2. Using the arrow keys, scroll to the right and highlight the CC icon.
  3. Press the Select button to toggle through the available options.
  4. Select your preferred caption language or enable captions designed for the deaf and hard of hearing.
  5. Press the Exit button to close the Info Bar. 

DISH Network

  1. On your remote, press the Red button once or the Options button twice (depending on the model). 
  2. From the menu, navigate to Accessibility. 
  3. Toggle ON for closed captioning.  

Enabling Closed Captions on Cable TV 

Xfinity (for HD TV box):

  • Press the”Xfinity” or "Menu" button on your Xfinity remote control to access the main menu.
  • Use the arrow buttons to highlight "Setup," then press "OK."
  • Use the arrow buttons to highlight "Closed Captioning,” then press "OK."
  • Use the arrow buttons to highlight "On," then press "OK."

Charter Communications/Spectrum: 

  • Press the "Menu" button on your remote control.
  • Use the arrow buttons to highlight "Settings & Support," then press "OK."
  • Use the arrow buttons to highlight "Accessibility," then press "OK."
  • Use the arrow buttons to highlight "Closed Captioning” and “Save.”
  • Press “OK” to confirm. 

AT&T (U-Verse TV):

  • Press the "Menu" button on your U-Verse remote control.
  • Select “Options.” 
  • Scroll down to System, then press OK. 
  • Select Closed Captioning and follow the instructions. 

Verizon Fios TV (using Interactive Media Guide direct from the site):

  • Menu > Settings > System > Accessibility > Closed Captions > Service Selection
  • Select one of the Closed Caption options, press OK
  • CC1 = primary language the show is broadcast in (usually English)
  • CC2 = secondary language the show is broadcast in (usually Spanish if available)
  • CC3 thru CC6 (additional languages)
  • Press the right arrow to highlight Save, press OK, and press OK again to confirm

Cox Communications:

  • Press the CC button on your Cox remote control. 
  • If CC isn’t activated, press the down arrow button to access audio options. 
  • Highlight Closed Captioning. 
  • Press Select to toggle on.  

Optimum:

  • Press Options on remote control to access Quick Settings.
  • Highlight Closed Captions and press Select.
  • Navigate Up or Down to turn ON. 

Mediacom:

  • Press B on the remote control for two seconds. 
  • Press the Info button and select the CC icon.

The instructions may vary depending on your cable TV provider and remote control, but these steps should work for most providers and remotes.

Turning on Closed Captions for Streaming Devices

Older couple sitting on couch watching TV. Man is pointing the remote at the TV.
Older couple sitting on couch watching TV. Man is pointing the remote at the TV.

A streaming device is a streaming media player. Follow the instructions below on how to enable closed captions for each streaming device. Subtitles and closed captions are used interchangeably. 

Amazon Fire TV:

  • Play a video.
  • Press the Menu button on the Fire TV remote.
  • Select the Off button under Subtitles. 
  • Select the correct option to turn on captions. 
  • Press the Menu button again to return to your video. 

Chromecast With Google TV:

  • Play a video that you rented or bought from Google. 
  • Press Down on your remote control.
  • Select Closed captions and audio. 
  • For videos you stream from paid subscriptions, check with the service provider for more information. 

Roku:

  • Press the Home button on your Roku remote.
  • Scroll up or down to select Settings.
  • From Settings, select Accessibility. If you don’t see this option, select Captions. 
  • Select your Captions mode, Off or On Always.

Apple TV:

  • Open the Settings app and go to General and select Accessibility. 
  • Select Subtitles and Captioning.
  • Turn on Closed Captions and SDH. 

TiVo Stream:

  • On the TiVo Stream home screen, go to Settings at the top right. 
  • Choose Device Preferences. 
  • Choose Accessibility. 
  • Toggle enable on Captions display. 

Please note that these instructions may vary depending on the specific model and version of your streaming device. It's always a good idea to consult the instruction manual or your device's online support center for more detailed information. 

Conclusion 

By following these simple steps, you can easily enable closed captions on TV and popular streaming services as well as satellite services, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable viewing experience for all. 

Remember, closed captions not only benefit people who are deaf and hard of hearing but they also help hearing people in a variety of situations.

Whether you're 18 or 100, staying connected matters—and Nagish is here to help.
Sign me up now!
Juana Poareo

The founder of Being Access-able, an accessibility resource hub for brands and entrepreneurs. She also writes about accessibility and advocacy.

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Don’t let life without captions slow you down.
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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
‍Read the announcement

How to Enable Closed Captions—And Take Them Beyond the Screen with Nagish

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.