How to Get Netflix Subtitles in Just About Any Language (2023) (2024)

I travel a lot, so I get how inconvenient it is that Netflix only gives you subtitle choices for a few languages depending on your location. If you travel or move to a country where you don’t speak the language, chances are the subtitles will only be available in a few local languages. However, there are a couple solutions to fix this.

I prefer to use a VPN to access the subtitles I want because it also lets me watch more Netflix content. A VPN is a simple app that changes your online location, which allows you to access Netflix shows in other countries (and the respective subtitles). However, you can also change Netflix’s display settings to alter the subtitles available to you. This guide will detail both methods.

Of the 35 VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is my favorite for unlocking foreign subtitles. It can access Netflix content in more than 20 countries, plus unlocks subtitles in all of the 60+ languages Netflix supports. It also comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN out risk-free. If you’re not happy with it, you have 30 days to claim a full refund.

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The Benefits of Using a VPN to Get All Netflix Subtitles

Due to language setting restrictions, you can usually only access a few subtitle languages depending on the show you want or your location. One way to get more subtitles is to change your language settings. However, this method changes the language of your entire Netflix account, which can make it harder to navigate. Plus, you’ll need to make changes each time you want different subtitles.

A VPN is the best way to get more Netflix subtitles because it unlocks more subtitle options with less hassle.By redirecting your internet traffic through a private server, a VPN changes your virtual location and makes it look like you're surfing the web in another country. For example, if you're located in Japan, connecting to a German server will let you watch shows with German subtitles, which normally aren't available.

Another benefit of the VPN method is that it lets you access different Netflix libraries from anywhere. Like subtitles, your Netflix library depends on your virtual location, so changing it will bypass regional geoblocks. This is particularly useful when you're traveling abroad and can't watch your favorite Netflix shows from home (or access the subtitles you're used to).

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How to Get Netflix Subtitles in Any Language

There are a couple of ways to change your Netflix subtitle settings, but the standard options available via Netflix may not work to give you the language you need. Here are all the ways to change your Netflix subtitles:

How to Change Netflix Subtitles Language With a VPN

With this method, you don't have to change your account interface to another language because Netflix enables region-specific subtitles on all its shows.

1. 1. Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it has excellent speeds to stream without lag, and servers across the globe to access the most languages.
      It’s even backed with a money-back guarantee
   2. Connect to a server in the country you need. For example, if you want your subtitles in Japanese, connect to a server in Japan.
      There are multiple servers across the globe
   3. Find the show you want to watch. Click to play, then pause the movie or show.
      Just click on the show or movie and pause it to change subtitle and language settings
   4. Click into Audio and Subtitles. You’ll find this at the bottom of the paused screen below the play bar.
      You can also set any available audio dubbing using this icon
   5. Enable subtitles. Enjoy any movie or TV show with the subtitles of your choice.
      International Netflix shows can have different subtitle options than your home library

Pro Tip: Connecting to a US server lets you access the US Netflix library, which has the largest variety of subtitle options. ExpressVPN gave me consistent access to US Netflix on every US server I used, while other VPNs sometimes struggle to unblock it, so I'd recommend it.

How to Change Netflix Subtitles Languages Through Your Account Settings

While you don't need a VPN for this method, it changes everything — including your Netflix interface prompts. If you're looking to add subtitles temporarily (for example, if you’re learning a foreign language), this may not be the best method for you.

1. 1. Go to your account. You can find and access this on the Netflix homepage.

      Netflix account settings are accessible from the homepage

   2. Open language settings. Go to the “Profile & Parental Controls” section, select your username, and click “Change” in the language column.

      Language settings are easy to locate

   3. Change to the country of your choice. Choose your display language to get the language subtitle you're after. You can also tell Netflix which languages you prefer so they can filter shows accordingly.

      There are many languages to choose from

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Best VPNs to Get Netflix Subtitles in Any Language in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Superfast Speeds to Seamlessly Change Your Netflix Subtitles

ExpressVPN has outstanding speeds which prevent irritating buffering or lag. I tested a number of its serversin different countries and had speeds of over 400 Mbps. Since you only need 5 Mbps to stream in HD and 25 Mbps for 4k, this was more then enough. You can enjoy your favorite Netflix shows with subtitles without having the screen freeze up when you’re trying to relax.

There is a vast global network of servers, which means you are more than likely to find a Netflix library with the subtitle language you need. It has multiple servers in South America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, which potentially gives you way more choice than the limited languages available in your current region. I looked at the shows that were available to me when I accessed these libraries, and was impressed with the choice of programs and movies in each location.

ExpressVPN is compatible with virtually any device you might have. It supports multiple concurrent device connections, allowing you to use it both at home and while traveling. I tested it by connecting my Macbook, iPhone, iPad, and an old Android phone and experienced no streaming or connection interruptions. The VPN also has a MediaStreamer feature that can be connected to your router, enabling you to watch subtitled Netflix content on your smart TV or gaming console.

The only issue I found is that its pricing plans can be more expensive than other VPNs. Prices start at $6.67/month, but I got a 49% discount along with 3 free months when I signed up for the longer plan, which was great value for money.

Try ExpressVPN without any risk — it’s backed by 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you find you don’t like it you can get a refund. I contacted customer service on day 28 and asked the rep to cancel my account. The rep asked why I wanted to quit, but soon approved my refund. My money was back in my account within 2 working days.

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2. CyberGhost — Huge Server Network to Find Netflix Subtitles in Any Language

CyberGhost has a very impressive server network spanning multiple countries so you can connect to a country of your choice to access the Netflix library subtitles. There are multiple locations in each region. In my tests, I watched Netflix on servers in Europe, Asia, and the US, and each location connected quickly and gave me reliable connections while I streamed movies all day.

Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost has fast speeds that are perfect for streaming Netflix with the subtitles you need. During my tests, I had over 360 Mbps on all the servers I tried, meaning that none of the shows and movies I watched were interrupted by lag. When I’m watching a movie with subtitles, buffering and jumps in the action are even more frustrating than usual. But you don’t have to worry about interruptions with this VPN.

You get 7 device connections so you can watch Netflix with subtitles on your phone, laptop, and other devices. Even with multiple connections, I didn’t see any drop in quality. You can also hook the VPN up to your router and watch Netflix on devices that don’t normally support a VPN, such as a PS4 or Xbox.

A drawback associated with this VPN is its relatively high monthly subscription cost. Nevertheless, the extended-term plan is priced at just $2.03/month, and it includes all the exceptional features found in the pricier plans.

Try CyberGhost for free with its money-back guarantee. If it isn’t the right choice for you, just cancel before the 45 days are up and get a full refund. To see if this was as easy as it says, I went on Live Chat and asked to cancel. The rep wanted to know about my experience with the VPN but was friendly and helpful. After a 5 minute chat, my request was approved. I had my money back in my account in just 4 days.

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3. Private Internet Access — Vast Server Network to Watch Netflix With Subtitles in Any Language

Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers in multiple countries which means that you can find the Netflix library with the subtitles you need. I tested numerous locations in Europe, South America, and Asia, and all of them gave me superfast connections without any problems. The servers never showed any signs of congestion, and I watched for hours without disconnects.

Much like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN, PIA works seamlessly with most well-known platforms. This allows you to watch Netflix with subtitles on all your favorite devices. Following a simple online guide, I set it up on my router. In roughly 15 minutes, the whole system was operational, enabling me to stream Netflix on the big screen of my smart TV through my PS5.

In my experience, PIA's speeds can be inconsistent at times. Nevertheless, the speed was more than adequate for me to watch Netflix with HD subtitles, and I didn't experience any buffering or delay issues, so this wasn't an issue.

This VPN often has great discounts available on its already reasonable prices, and at the moment you can get it for just $2.03/month. Although all its subscriptions come with the same features, the long-term plans offer the best overall value.

It offers a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning that you can try it for free. Canceling PIA was nice and simple. I messaged support on the last day of the guarantee and requested a refund. The rep asked why I didn’t want the VPN anymore, but happily approved my request after a couple of minutes. My money was back in my account within 4 days.

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FAQs on How to Get Netflix Subtitles in Any Language

Can I change my Netflix subtitles on Fire Stick, smart TVs, and iOS?

You can change your Netflix subtitles on any device when you use a VPN. A VPN lets you connect to a country of your choice, unblocking subtitle languages that would normally be inaccessible in your region. You can stream with a VPN on all major devices, including iPad and other iOS devices, macOS, Windows, and Android. Quality VPNs give you the option to configure the technology to your router, meaning that you can connect it to devices that don’t normally support VPNs. This includes streaming services such as Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, etc, smart TVs including Apple TV, Samsung TV etc, and gaming consoles covering PS4 and 5, Xbox, and more.

Can I change my Netflix subtitles language with a VPN?

You can change your Netflix subtitles language by using a VPN. All you need to do is get a quality VPN with fast speeds for flawless streaming, and multiple countries in its server network. When you connect to a server in the country that uses the language you need, you’ll unblock subtitles for that language.

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Get More Netflix Subtitles Today

You no longer have to endure frustration due to Netflix's language restrictions. By utilizing a VPN, you can bypass the limitations based on region and gain access to the specific geographical area where your desired language is spoken. This enables you to enjoy your favorite shows while having the option to view them with subtitles in that language.

I recommend ExpressVPN because it comes with incredible speeds for streaming without lag, and a huge network of global servers so you can find the language you need. You can even test all its features risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like it, you can get a full refund within 30 days.

To summarize, the best VPNs for getting Netflix subtitles in any language are…