In this guide, I will show you how to get subtitles on Kodi 18.4 / 18.3 and Kodi 17.6 using the OpenSubtitles.org and Subscene.com subtitle services. The methods I have described here work for Kodi on FireStick, Windows PC, Mac, Nvidia Shield, Android, and all other Kodi supported devices.
Kodi subtitles become essential sometimes, especially when the audio quality isn’t great or when I must keep the volume low to avoid causing disturbance to the others around. At night, I bring down the volume to the barely-audible level and cannot do without the subtitles. Of course, when I am watching a video in a foreign language, I need my subtitles.
Well, these are my reasons to add subtitles to Kodi and since you are reading this guide, I am assuming you have your own. This is precisely why I have put together this walkthrough to show you how to get subtitles on Kodi. Keep reading!
Important!!! Some addons require subtitles to be enabled within addon settings for the subtitles to work. If the subtitles don’t work for you, make sure you enable it within the addon. I have provided the steps later in this guide.
How to Get Kodi Subtitles Using OpenSubtitles
Opensubtitles is probably the best subtitles service for Kodi. This service has subtitles in a wide range of languages and for nearly all the movies and TV shows that have been released so far.
If you are looking for Kodi subtitles, OpenSubtitles will always be my first recommendation. And, while exploring the subtitles on Kodi, you will see it for yourself that OpenSubtitles has the best ones.
So, without much ado, let’s learn how to get subtitles on Kodi from OpenSubtitles.org.
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Step 1: The first thing you want to do is register for an account at OpenSubtitles.org. Unfortunately, the subtitles for Kodi from OpenSubtitles cannot be used without the registration. Go to https://www.opensubtitles.org and click the Register link at the top of the page.
Follow the onscreen instructions to register and to create a username and password
Step 2: Now launch Kodi and select ‘Add-ons’ on the left panel on the home screen
Step 3: Open the Package Installer option on the top-left of the screen. It looks like an open box.
Step 4: Click ‘Install from repository’ on the next screen
Step 5: Click ‘Kodi Add-on repository’ when you see the list of the repositories. This is the official Kodi repository that comes pre-installed with Kodi
Please note that if you haven’t installed at least one repository other than Kodi Add-on repository, you will not see the list of the repositories above. Instead, after clicking ‘Install from repository’ in step 4, you will be taken directly to the screen that I have added to step 6.
Step 6: Click ‘Subtitles’ when you see this window
Step 7: Now click ‘OpenSubtitles.org’ from the list
Step 8: Click ‘Install’ button that you see on the bottom-right of the next screen
Step 9: Now wait for the ‘Opensubtitles.org add-on installed’ notification (top right; see image below)
Step 10: Now click ‘OpenSubtitles.org’ one more time and then click the ‘Configure’ button on the next window
Step 11: You will now see the following dialogue box. Click ‘Username’ and enter the username you created for Kodi subtitles at OpenSubtitles.org in Step 1
Click ‘Password’ and enter your OpenSubtitles account password. Click ‘OK’ once done.
Step 12: Return to Kodi home-screen and click ‘Settings’ (the cog icon)
Step 13: Open ‘Player settings’ on Kodi 17.6 or just ‘Player’ on Kodi Leia.
Step 14: On the bottom left, where you see the cog icon, make sure Standard (or anything other than Basic) is selected. Now select the ‘Language’ option on the left panel of the next window
Step 15: On the right, click ‘Languages to download subtitles for’ in ‘Download Services’ to choose your preferred language for subtitles for Kodi. For most of us, the default language will be English.
Step 16: Next, click ‘Default TV show service’ to set up Kodi subtitles for TV shows.
Step 17: Now click ‘Get more…’ button for the list of all the available subtitles for Kodi. Select ‘OpenSubtitles.org’ and click it to download it. As you can see, I have already downloaded OpenSubtitles.org, therefore it is appearing on the list.
Step 18: Once you have downloaded OpenSubtitles.org, click it (as shown in the image below) to set it up as the Kodi subtitle service.
Step 19: Now click ‘Default movie service’ and repeat Step 18
Step 20: This is how the screen will look like once you install and set up Opensubtitles on Kodi
Well, this is pretty much you need to do to add Kodi subtitles. Now, go ahead and play the TV show or movie of your choice and click the subtitles icon on the bottom right. OpenSubtitles will look up for the subtitles for the title you are playing.
Subtitles not working? Enable Subtitles in the addon Settings
Some addons must have subtitles enabled for the subtitles to work. You can do that from within the addon settings. I am using Exodus Redux addon in this example. However, the steps work much the same for other addons.
Here are the steps:
1- Go to Add-ons > Video add-ons from the Kodi home screen and open Exodus Redux addon
2- Scroll down on the main screen of Exodus Redux and click Tools
3- On the next window, click SETTINGS: Subtitles
4- Make sure the Subtitles option in the left menu is still selected
On the right, switch ON the option Enable Subtitles
5- Click OK to save the changes
How to Get Subtitles on Kodi Without Registration
I have no second thoughts about the fact that Opensubtitles is the best Kodi subtitles service. But, it is also true that it takes a little doing to set it up on Kodi. If you want to install subtitles on Kodi rather quickly, I have another option for you – Subscene Kodi subtitle service.
Subscene may not have as many subtitles for Kodi as OpenSubtitles but it can do the job fairly well for the most part. And, you can set it up directly from within Kodi without having to register an account.
Let me show you how to add subtitles to Kodi using the Subscene.com service in quick and easy steps
Step 1: Go back to the Kodi home-screen and click ‘Settings’ on the top-right (just under the Kodi logo). Now, click ‘Player Settings’ from the list of the options (or ‘Player’ on Kodi Leia 18)
Step 2: Now, select the ‘Language’ option on the left panel and under ‘Download Services’ on the right click ‘Languages to download subtitles for’ to change/select the desired language Kodi subtitles. English is the default language and if English is the language you want, leave this option untouched.
Step 3: Now click ‘Default TV show service’
Step 4: Click ‘Get more…’ button and download the Subscene.com subtitle service for Kodi. I had already downloaded it and that is why you can see it on this list. Once you have installed Subscene.com, it will also appear on your list
Step 5: Now click ‘Subscene.com’ to make it your default Kodi subtitles service
Step 6: Now click ‘Default movie service’ and repeat Step 5.
You have now successfully set up Subscene.com and it will fetch you the available subtitles for Kodi for the specific title you are playing.
Note: Selecting Subscene.com as your default subtitle service for Kodi does not mean you cannot use Opensubtitles anymore. While looking up for the subtitle when the title is playing, you can always choose Opensubtitles or any other subtitle service you may have installed.
Conclusion
Kodi experience sometimes becomes more enjoyable with the subtitles. OpenSubtitles and Subscene are the two best subtitles for Kodi. Subscene is a quicker way to get the subtitles on Kodi. However, on occasions, you will notice that Subscene subtitles are out of sync with the video. That seems like a setback but it doesn’t have to be. While playing the video you can always offset the subtitle by delaying or advancing it to bring it in sync. Offsetting usually works. But, when it doesn’t, you can always go with OpenSubtitles. I have barely experienced any syncing issues with it.
So, this is how we set up Kodi subtitles using the top two subtitle services. If you have any questions, feedback or suggestions, feel free to fill us in through the comments section below.
Related:
How to install Kodi on FireStick
Best and Working Kodi Addons
Best Kodi Builds
How to Update Kodi on FireStick
How to Stop Buffering on Kodi
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In answer to my own comment, the problem was with the user and password. They needed to be done in the opensubtitles.org. After that all is well.
I have used opensubtitles on another kodi device. So I have registered. My question is how to get the subtitles on my new device, I can’t follow the instructions here because ?m revistered already and the help screens don’t match what I have on my kodi.
Please explain where to find how to install opensubtitles without registering again.
Will Open subtitles work even if the movie is English/American? Can’t get it to work.
Hi Roseann, it should. Are you getting any specific error message?
Kodi Xenon Diggz build works great, except…..the subtitles…….When I select the subtitle the sound is still ok, video becomes unstable, interface starts lagging and …..No subtitles. After disabling subtitles video and interface restores normality. Please help !
Hi, I would rather suggest you try another build. Here is our list: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
Thank you for your suggestion ! Am on T95Q tvbox, what build would you recommend or better….are you using ? Thx in advance !
Hi. Titanium, Streamline, and Misfit Mods Lite are my personal favorites. I keep using them in turn.
I cannot get opensubtitles or subscene to work on my fire tv box.error code appears
Hi, I just checked and it works fine for me. When exactly are you getting the error message?
thanks for your sharing, I used to use wonderfox hd video converter factory to add subtitles to video, now, I’d like to add subtitles on kodi, this is useful.
I love you!! These instructions are so specific I did this myself, without my IT hubby!! Yay!! THANK YOU SO MUCH
**I am a bit hard of hearing & have to have subtitles in order to understand/enjoy most anything I watch
Hi Jennifer, I am really glad I could help
I’m still very new to using kodi, I don’t even know how to reset it. I just followed the instructions I found to install it, I don’t know anything about different builds or whatever. Then I just tried installing subtitles by following the instructions on this site but it didn’t work.
Hi Amanda, let me address your queries one by one.
Here is our guide on how to reset Kodi: https://www.firesticktricks.com/reset-kodi-firestick.html
You can learn about different builds here: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
About the subtitles, I just tried and they worked for me. Where exactly are you getting stuck? Let me know and I will try to assist you.
I can’t get subtitles to work on the actual kodi app or cinema hd app .. but they do work on morph tv app and bee tv and I think they work on popcorn times as well. I don’t have any idea why they work on some apps and not on others but I’ve only been using morph tv, bee tv , and occasionally popcorn time since it only works on those. I actually like those apps better than the kodi app because they have a search function. Idk if kodi has a search feature, but I couldn’t find one. Anyways, if you can’t get the subtitles on kodi and you still want them, I would try morph tv, bee tv, and/or popcorn time instead… they’re wicked easy to install and use. Hope this helps!
Hi Amanda, I am not sure why subtitles aren’t working for you on Kodi. They do fine for me. Did you try resetting Kodi? That should fix the hidden issues of Kodi app.
Also, some Kodi addons do offer a search feature. You will find that on the main screen of the addon. Just click it and look up for the content you want to watch.
Amanda did this ever work for you? I am experiencing the same issues and feel like I’ve tried everything
Hi Mariah, it works for me!
I keep getting the same error message that my username or password are empty or invalid. Have unimstunins, installed etc. I noticed when I logged onto the website that Google has their robot checker there. Is that causing issues?
Hi John, I just tried and it worked for me. You might want to go to Opensubtitles.org and reset your password
Both of those subtitle websites have been shutdown by the authorities and have been for months. Did you even check?
Just wondering the same — did you even check before commenting here? Because these are working fine for everyone else.
I’ve tried to install both open opensubtitles and subscene and neither will work. The opensubtitles add on keeps telling me “error searching for subtitles your username or password is empty or not valid” even though I entered the correct login information. I double checked by logging in on my cellphone and re-entered it several times. The subscene just tells me “no subtitles found” for every single movie/ show I’ve tried it on. Maybe i’m doing something wrong?
Hi Amanda, I just tried OpenSubtitles and SubScene and both worked for me. There is a chance you ran into a temporary glitch. Please try again and let me know
Please excuse my ignorance, I’m a newbie. My previous post and your instructions both need amending. Under Settings/Player, Left side, at the very bottom is another cog Basic. Clicking the cog changes the options in all the above settings. Choices are: Basic, Standard, Advanced, Expert. By clicking the cog to
‘Standard’ the DOWNLOAD SERVICES option will appear in ‘Language’. FYI
Hi Tommy, that’s a good observation. I clearly missed it. Probably because ‘Standard’ option is selected by default. In fact, Download Services does not appear only when ‘Basic’ is selected. I am editing the guide to make the instructions clearer.
I won’t fib, I use subtitles much of the time especially when the background music drowns out the dialog.
Here’s the rub…..Kodi, System, Player settings, language……There is no ‘DOWNLOAD SERVICES’. All that appears is Audio: Preferred Audio Language, and Subtitles: Preferred subtitle language, then of course, Reset above settings to default. That’s it! Accessibility (on left) contains subtitle for hearing and visually impaired but DOWNLOAD SERVICES appears in either. Your thoughts?