This guide outlines how to get subtitles on Kodi with OpenSubtitles.org. The methods described here work for Kodi on FireStick, New FireStick 4K, New FireStick 4K Max, Windows PC, Mac, Nvidia Shield, Android, and all other Kodi-supported devices.
In the earlier days of filmmaking, the actors had to speak loudly to ensure their voices reached the microphone, resulting in clearer dialogue.
The advancement in microphone technology allows the actors to speak more softly, and the dialogues are sometimes incomprehensible even to the native speaker, which is why subtitles are a necessity.
That’s not the only reason, though. There are several more. For instance, you may need subtitles if you have to keep the volume low for any reason. Furthermore, subtitles can be handy when watching a video on a mobile device in a noisy place. You may also need subtitles to watch content in a foreign language.
I will show you how to configure subtitles with Kodi addons.
Important: Some addons require subtitles to be enabled within addon settings for the subtitles to work. You may enable the subtitles within the addon if they don’t work. I have provided the steps later in this guide.
Attention, Kodi Users!
Kodi Addons and builds offer unlimited streaming content, but could also get you into legal trouble if caught streaming free movies, TV shows, or sports. Currently, your IP is visible to everyone. Kodi users are strongly advised to always connect to a VPN while streaming online. A good Kodi VPN hides your identity, bypasses government surveillance, geo-blocked content, and ISP throttling (which also helps in buffer-free streaming).
I personally use ExpressVPN, which is the fastest and most secure VPN. It is very easy to install on any device including Amazon FireStick. You get 3 months free and save 49% on its annual plans. Also, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied, you can always ask for a refund.
Read: How to Install and Use the Best Kodi VPN
How to Get Kodi Subtitles Using OpenSubtitles
OpenSubtitles is probably the best subtitle service for Kodi. It offers subtitles in various languages for nearly all the movies and TV shows.
Let’s learn how to get subtitles on Kodi from OpenSubtitles.org.
1. Go to https://www.opensubtitles.org and click the Register link at the top of the page.
2. Enter your username, email, and password, and confirm the password. Select the checkbox to agree to the terms of use and the captcha box to confirm you’re not a robot. Next, click Register.
3. Open your email and click the confirmation link to confirm your account. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to log in.
Now that you have an OpenSubtitles account, you can configure the subtitles on Kodi.
4. Launch Kodi and select Add-ons on the left panel on the home screen.
5. Open the Package Installer option at the top left of the screen. It looks like an open box.
6. Click Install from repository on the next screen.
7. When you see the list of repositories, click Kodi Add-on repository. This is the official Kodi repository that comes pre-installed with Kodi.
8. Click Subtitles when you see this window.
9. Click OpenSubtitles.org from the list.
10. Click the Install button on the following screen.
11. Now wait for the Opensubtitles.org add-on installed notification (seen below in the top-right corner of the screen).
12. Now click OpenSubtitles.org again and click the Configure button on the next window.
13. You will now see the following dialogue box. Click Username and enter the name you created for Kodi subtitles at OpenSubtitles.org in Step 1.
Click Password and enter your OpenSubtitles account password. Click OK once done.
14. Return to the Kodi home screen and click Settings (the gear icon).
15. Open Player.
16. On the bottom left, where you see the gear icon, ensure Standard is selected. Select Subtitles.
17. On the right side of screen, click Languages to download subtitles for Kodi. Choose your preferred language for subtitles.
18. Click Default TV show service to set up Kodi subtitles for TV shows.
19. Select OpenSubtitles.org and click it. As you can see, I have already downloaded OpenSubtitles.org. Therefore, it appears on the list.
20. Click Default Movie Service and select OpenSubtitles.org.
21. This is how the screen will look like once you install and set up OpenSubtitles on Kodi.
To add Kodi subtitles, you only need to play the movie or TV show and click the CC icon in the media player settings. Then, you can stream your content with subtitles.
Before you start streaming with Kodi Addons or Builds, I would like to warn you that everything you stream on Kodi is visible to your ISP and Government. This means, streaming copyrighted content (free movies, TV shows, live TV, and Sports) might get you into legal trouble.
Thankfully, there is a foolproof way to keep all your streaming activities hidden from your ISP and the Government. All you need is a good VPN for Kodi. A VPN will mask your original IP which is and will help you bypass Online Surveillance, ISP throttling, and content geo-restrictions.
I personally use and recommend ExpressVPN, which is the fastest and most secure VPN. It is compatible with all kinds of streaming apps and devices.
NOTE: We do not encourage the violation of copyright laws. But, what if you end up streaming content from an illegitimate source unintentionally? It is not always easy to tell the difference between a legit and illegal source.
So, before you start streaming on Kodi, here's how to get VPN protection in 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Get the ExpressVPN subscription HERE. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Meaning, you can use it free for the first 30-days and if you are not satisfied with the performance (which is highly unlikely), you can ask for a full refund.
Step 2: Click HERE to download and install the ExpressVPN app on your streaming device. If you are using a FireStick, I have given the exact steps starting with Step 4 below.
Step 3: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That's all. Your connection is now secure with the fastest and best VPN for Kodi.
The following are the steps to install Kodi VPN on your Fire TV devices. If you have other streaming devices, follow Step 1-3 above.
Step 4: Subscribe to ExpressVPN HERE (if not subscribed already).
Step 5: Go to Fire TV Stick home screen. Click Find followed by Search option (see image below).
Step 6: Type Expressvpn in the search bar and select when it shows up.
Step 7: Click Download.
Step 8: Open the ExpressVPN app and Sign in using the email ID and password that you created while buying the ExpressVPN subscription.
Step 9: Click the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s all. Your FireStick is now secured with the fastest VPN.
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 The Crew 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 The Crew addon. Scroll down on the main screen and click Tools.
2. On the next window, click SETTINGS: Subtitles
3. Ensure the Subtitles option in the left menu is still selected. On the right, turn on the Enable Subtitles toggle.
4. Click OK to save the changes.
With the subtitles enabled in the addon settings, you should see subtitles when you play your content on Kodi.
How to Get Subtitles on Kodi Without Registration
While OpenSubtitles is a good Kodi subtitle service, setting up takes a little work. You need to register for an account and then log in with the credentials on Kodi. If you are looking for a hassle-free alternative, Subscene Subtitles is excellent.
Subscene may not have as many subtitles for Kodi as OpenSubtitles, but it does the job reasonably well. You can set it up directly from within Kodi without registering an account. However, its subtitles sometimes fail to sync with the audio.
It’s a decent subtitling service and an excellent alternative to OpenSubtitles. Follow these steps to set up Subscene Subtitles on Kodi:
1. Open Kodi and click Settings.
2. Select Player.
3. Select Subtitles.
4. Under Download Services on the right, click Languages to download subtitles and select your desired language.
5. Click Default TV show service.
6. Click Get more.
7. Scroll down the options and select Subscene.com (Subscene Subtitles).
8. Wait a few moments for the Subscene Subtitles service to be downloaded.
9. Click Default movie service and select Subscene.com (Subscene Subtitles) again to make it the default.
You have successfully set up Subscene Subtitles, which will fetch the available subtitles for Kodi for the specific title you are playing.
Note: Selecting Subscene Subtitles as your default subtitle service for Kodi does not mean you can no longer use OpenSubtitles. When looking for the subtitle while the title plays, you can always choose OpenSubtitles or any other service you may have installed.
Wrapping Up
This is how to set up subtitles on Kodi. OpenSubtitles is currently the best subtitle service for Kodi. However, you must register for an account to set it up and use it on Kodi. Subscene Subtitles are equally good. You can set it up without signing up for an account. Whatever service you pick, this guide should help you set it up on Kodi.
Related:
- How to Install Kodi on FireStick
- Best Working Kodi Addons
- Best Kodi Builds
- How to Update Kodi on FireStick
- How to Stop Buffering on Kodi
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Mike says
Hi after selecting and playing the only subtitles is a message from opensubtitles.org something about subscribe to VIP subtitles
Max says
Hi Mike, please try OpenSubtitles.com instead of OpenSubtitles.org and let me know if it works.
Minh Nguyen says
After following every single step to install Opensubtitles.Org as you describe the result appear on my 2 TV show ( no subtitles found ) but it works fine on my PC.I,m using the same version 15.0.16 and Kodi 19 Matrix. I kept trying to do it many times but couldn’t get it working at all ( no subtitles found ) do I miss any ???
Max says
Hi Minh,
Did you remember to select Opensubtitles.org as the default TV show subtitles for Kodi as detailed in steps 16 through 18? If you have already completed these steps, I recommend following the article’s directions on how to enable subtitles in the addon settings. Please let me know if you continue to experience this issue after taking these steps.
Todd says
Hi
I can’t get Chinese subs to work for my inlaws. I can get English on opensubtitles but not Chinese. Any ideas on that?
Max says
Hi Todd, it depends on whether or not the content your inlaws are watching has any Chinese subtitles available.
Anthony Godshalk says
I was able to add the subtitles but when i put on a show and download the subtitles are for different shows than what i am watching. How do i fix that?
Max says
Hi Anthony, it could be a bit of “trial and error” when it comes to using subtitles with third-party addons. If the chosen subtitle doesn’t work, try another.
luna says
it doesn’t work for me, i play the movie but it doesn’t show me the option to add subtitles. maybe because i can’t configurate opensubtitles.org.
Max says
Hi Luna, are you getting any specific error while trying to configure Opensubtitles?
Jordan says
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.
Jordan says
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.
Roseann says
Will Open subtitles work even if the movie is English/American? Can’t get it to work.
Patrick says
Hi Roseann, it should. Are you getting any specific error message?
Fer3m says
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 !
Patrick says
Hi, I would rather suggest you try another build. Here is our list: https://www.firesticktricks.com/best-kodi-builds.html
Fer3m says
Thank you for your suggestion ! Am on T95Q tvbox, what build would you recommend or better….are you using ? Thx in advance !
Patrick says
Hi. Titanium, Streamline, and Misfit Mods Lite are my personal favorites. I keep using them in turn.
Leimichael Waymer says
I cannot get opensubtitles or subscene to work on my fire tv box.error code appears
Patrick says
Hi, I just checked and it works fine for me. When exactly are you getting the error message?