Among all the functionalities that we can find on mobile devices today, it was impossible not to have a tool that allows us to put subtitles on our Android smartphone . This functionality has been with us since Google decided to add it in the Android 10 version, it did not matter the brand of the phone, each and every one of those who had their software and this version, could enjoy this addition.
In addition, we are facing one of those characteristics that will be very useful to us at some point or another, since it allows us to read dialogues and not have to depend solely on the voice. However, like all smartphone functions, it can also give us some other problem. Fortunately, there are different tips and actions that will help us to fully resolve these errors.
The subtitle problem
Before going on to see how we have to fix the subtitles , the truth is that we must first know what problem exists with this accessibility tool. To begin with, although they began to be implemented in Android 10, the truth is that it was not until Android 11 when it began to work correctly on most devices. So, if you don’t have that version of the operating system yet, this is probably your problem.
In addition, for a time there was a ‘bug’ in this tool with which, no matter how much we activated this functionality, they did not appear in the panel of the mobile device. And not only this, but we also find several drawbacks when using the tool that Google adds, and that is that they are only available in English, so we will not be able to use them in Spanish.
Although it is not the only detail against that we find. As much as you have successfully enabled this tool, the truth is that it will never work in some multimedia and call applications. In the case of the latter, for example, automatic captions have not been developed so that it can be used in calls with more than two people. And, in the case of multimedia apps, it could be the case that they are not compatible.
Another factor that may have led you to think that it does not work is that Android subtitles do not work with music, and it will also work better when voices are not clear and there is background noise. In addition, another of the great problems of these is that it will seem that they are disabled when we activate the battery saving mode of our mobile device. This is an automatic measure that we cannot configure from any section as a general rule, since the use of the battery of Android subtitles can consume a large amount of energy.
How to fix it
Luckily, there are different factors that we can take into account when trying to recover them on our device again. Or even have them if we have not been able to find them on the Android phone itself. Therefore, we will not only see the configuration that we will find in the settings of our smartphone, but we will also give you two more keys so that you can solve this small problem that has left you without this tool available, or at least not visible.
Check the settings
One of the first key factors will be to check whether or not we have the proper configuration of this tool on the phone. Therefore, what we will have to do for this is to go to the menu of this function within the Settings of our smartphone.
Although, we must bear in mind that, in some model than another, the access path can change. But, as a general rule, the first place we will have to look will be the Accessibility section . And it is one of those functionalities that were developed for people who have hearing problems.
Therefore, we must follow these steps:
- Enter settings.
- Look for the Accessibility section.
- Inside, we will have to locate the Subtitles option , as we show you on the screen.
In case it does not appear, we can use the upper search bar in the settings to write Subtitles and automatically go to this section. We will have two options: Instant subtitles and Subtitles preferences. Within the first, we must make sure that we have the switch activated in Use automatic subtitles .
In the case of the Subtitles Preferences section, we will have to make sure that we have the Show titles button enabled. Of course, this same option already warns us that it will only be applied in apps that are supported, that is, compatible with this functionality. In addition, we must ensure that the size and style of these are correct. Well, a bad configuration will make it seem that they are not visible on the screen of the mobile device.
Update your mobile
As we told you at the beginning, one of the first problems we will face is that they do not work properly from minute one. The main culprit will be the Android version of the phone that we have in our possession. Therefore, you should check if you have any pending operating system updates. And it is that, it was from Android 11 when all the problems of this accessibility function of smartphones were solved with Google software. To do this, we must follow these steps, although they may vary depending on the brand of the phone and its respective customization layer:
- Go to Settings.
- Enter the section of System / About the phone / About the phone.
- Click on System updates.
Within this section, the terminal itself will tell you what version of Android you have installed and if there is any pending update for your smartphone.
Restart the phone
One of the great remedies, which is capable of solving a large number of common errors in Android phones, is the easy action of restarting the phone. The truth is that, although it seems silly, a simple shutdown and quick start of the terminal can lead to us being able to use the smartphone normally again. This is because some internal process of the mobile has been ‘frozen’ and has triggered some of its tools not working as they should. Therefore, if you still have not been able to use the subtitles correctly , try restarting your mobile.
