Change Language Starz: How to Switch Audio & Subtitles
To change the language on Starz, open the video player during playback and tap the speech-bubble or settings icon, then select your preferred audio track and subtitle language. This works on most devices, but the exact steps and available languages depend on your platform and the specific title you are watching.
Where the Language Options Are
Starz, like most streaming services, stores language settings inside the video player rather than in the main account menu. You will not find a global “language” tab in the app’s settings; instead, you adjust audio and subtitles per episode or movie, and the service usually remembers your choice for the next title you watch on that same device.
Look for one of these icons while the video is playing:
- A speech bubble with lines inside (common on iOS and Android apps)
- A gear or cog icon (common on smart TVs and streaming sticks)
- An “Audio & Subtitles” or “CC” button on the pause screen
On some devices, you may need to pause the video first; on others, the icons appear only when you tap the screen once to show the playback controls.
Step-by-Step: Changing Language on Popular Devices
The process is slightly different depending on what you are using. Here are the general steps for the most common platforms:
- iPhone/iPad or Android app: Tap the screen to show controls, then tap the speech bubble icon in the top-right corner. Choose your audio language from the top list and subtitle language from the bottom list. Tap “Apply” or simply close the menu.
- Apple TV or Roku: While playing, press down on the remote to bring up the progress bar. Scroll to the right until you see the audio/subtitle icon (often a speech bubble). Select it and choose your options.
- Amazon Fire TV or Android TV: Press the pause button, then select the settings gear in the top-right corner of the player. Navigate to “Audio” and “Subtitles” to make your changes.
- Web browser (starz.com): Hover your mouse over the video to reveal controls, then click the speech bubble icon in the bottom-right corner. Choose your language and subtitles from the pop-up menu.
- Smart TV (Samsung, LG, Vizio): The icon is usually a gear or a speech bubble in the top-right of the player. If you cannot find it, try pressing the “OK” or “Select” button on your remote during playback to bring up the quick menu.
If you do not see the icon, try restarting the app or checking if the title you are watching actually has multiple audio tracks—many older or less popular titles are only available in English.
Why Some Titles Have No Language Option
Starz only offers alternate audio and subtitle tracks when the content provider has supplied them. For example, a major Hollywood film like Spider-Man: No Way Home might have Spanish, French, and German audio, while a Starz original series may only have English audio with a few subtitle languages. This is not a bug; it is a licensing and file-availability issue.
If you are watching a title that was originally produced in another language (for instance, a Bollywood film or a Korean drama), the original language audio is usually available, but dubbed versions may not be. In that case, your only option is to keep the original audio and turn on subtitles in your preferred language.
How to Set Subtitles as Default
Starz does not have a single global setting that forces subtitles on for every title. However, once you select a subtitle language for one episode, the app typically remembers it for the next episode in the same series and sometimes for other titles on the same device. If you want subtitles on by default, you may need to turn them on each time you start a new movie or series.
Some devices have an accessibility setting that overrides app behavior. For example, on Apple TV, you can go to Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles and Captioning and choose a style, which may force subtitles to appear in apps that support it. On Roku, you can enable “Always on” in the caption settings, but this only works if the app sends caption data.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
Here are the most frequent issues people run into and what to do about them:
- No audio language menu: The title likely only has one audio track. Check the details page for a “Languages” section, or try a different title to confirm it is not a device issue.
- Subtitles are out of sync: Pause the video, close the subtitle menu, and restart the episode. If it persists, try switching to a different subtitle track (e.g., English [SDH] vs. English) if available.
- Language changes do not save: Make sure you are signed in to the same account on all devices. Starz syncs language preferences per profile, but only after you finish watching the episode.
- Subtitle size too small or too large: Starz does not offer in-app subtitle customization on most platforms. Use your device’s accessibility settings to adjust caption size and style.
- Audio is in the wrong language after update: Force-close the app and reopen it. If that fails, log out and log back in to refresh your profile settings.
Starz vs. Other Streaming Services
Compared to Netflix or Prime Video, Starz’s language options are more limited. Netflix offers a dedicated “Audio & Subtitles” menu with a wide range of languages for most originals, and it lets you set defaults globally. Prime Video is similar. Starz, on the other hand, is a premium add-on channel that licenses content from various studios, so the language tracks are whatever the studio provides. This means you may find Spanish and French on many movies, but less common languages are rare.
Another difference: Starz does not have a “live TV” language setting, because it is an on-demand service. The Starz app on cable providers (like Xfinity or Spectrum) may have its own language controls, but those are managed by the cable box, not the Starz app itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the language permanently on Starz?
No, there is no permanent global language setting. You can select a language for each video, and the app will usually remember it for the next video on the same device, but it may reset if you log out or use a different device.
Why is the language option grayed out?
This usually means the title has only one audio track (typically English) and no alternative subtitles beyond maybe English. Grayed-out options cannot be selected because the content provider did not supply alternate tracks.
Does Starz have Spanish audio and subtitles?
Yes, many titles on Starz have Spanish audio and subtitles, especially major studio films. The availability varies by title, and you can check by opening the audio/subtitle menu during playback.
How do I turn off subtitles on Starz?
While the video is playing, open the audio/subtitle menu (speech bubble icon) and select “Off” or “None” for subtitles. On some devices, you may need to cycle through subtitle options until you reach “Off.”
Can I watch Starz in a language other than English on the website?
Yes, the web player at starz.com supports language selection just like the apps. Look for the speech bubble icon in the bottom-right corner of the player and choose your audio and subtitle preferences.
Why do subtitles not match the audio?
This can happen when the audio is in one language (e.g., Spanish) and the subtitles are for a different track (e.g., English SDH). Make sure you select the same language for both audio and subtitles, or choose “English” subtitles if you are listening to English audio.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.