The following guide shows how to get Kodi Subtitles on your device for free by using the OpenSubtitles add-on.
Whether you have trouble hearing, want to view content in a different language, or just prefer subtitles in general, this tutorial is for you!
We provide two methods for getting subtitles on Kodi for free – OpenSubtitles and a4kSubtitles add-ons.
OpenSubtitles is the more popular option but signing up for an account is required unlike a4kSubtitles.
Both of these methods will work with any add-on you prefer including those featured in our best Kodi add-ons guide.
How to Get Subtitles on Kodi (OpenSubtitles)
The process below for using OpenSubtitles is extremely simple and we recommend signing up for a free account with opensubtitles.com and integrating your account for additional options.
Best of all, you can use your OpenSubtitles account for both Kodi and other streaming APKs.
Note: If you are using a Kodi build to stream content, you can enable subtitles within the settings of the preferred add-on that your build uses for Movies and TV Shows.
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Register for an OpenSubtitles Account
The first thing we need to do to add this service is to sign up for a free account. We suggest using a StartMail Alias so you’re not providing your real email address.
1. Visit opensubtitles.com and click register.
2. Enter your login credentials and click Register again.
3. Open your email service and find the verification email from OpenSubtitles and click Confirm my account.
4. This will launch your browser. Click Log-In.
After creating a free account, we can install the add-on and sign in with our credentials from above.
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Install OpenSubtitles Kodi Add-on
1. Launch Kodi and from the main menu, open Settings.
2. Click Add-Ons.
3. Choose Install from repository.
4. Select Subtitles.
5. Click OpenSubtitles.com
6. Click Install.
7. You will then see addon installed message in the upper right hand corner.
8. Click OpenSubtitles again.
9. Select Configure.
10. Enter your user credentials created earlier and click OK.
11. Open the addon of your choice and play your preferred Movie or TV Show. To add subtitles, click the CC icon in the bottom right corner.
12. Select Download subtitle.
13. Choose a subtitle option (Preferably one with a high user rating).
14. Closed captioning will now appear.
How to Get Subtitles on Kodi (a4KSubtitles)
For those who don’t want to sign up with OpenSubtitles, you can also use the a4KSubtitles add-on that doesn’t require an account for use.
1. Click the Settings icon that looks like a gear.
2. Choose System.
3. On the left-hand menu, hover over Add-ons and click Unknown sources.
4. Click Yes and ensure your VPN is enabled to protect your privacy when using 3rd party addons.
5. Go back to the Settings page and click File Manager.
6. Click Add source.
7. Select <None>.
8. Type the following URL: https://a4k-openproject.github.io/a4kSubtitles/packages/ and click OK.
9. Type a name for this media source such as packages and click OK again.
10. Return to the Settings page and choose Add-ons.
11. Click Install from zip file.
12. Select packages or the other name you entered in Step 9.
13. Choose the file URL a4kSubtitles-repository.zip.
14. In the upper right-hand corner, you will see a4kSubtitles Repository Add-on installed message.
15. Click Install from repository.
16. Choose a4kSubtitles Repository.
17. Select Subtitles.
18. Choose a4kSubtitles.
19. Click Install.
20. Select OK.
21. You will then see the installation success message in the upper right-hand corner.
After installing the add-on, we must set it up for use which we can easily do using the guide below.
How to Setup a4kSubtitles
1. Return to the Settings page and click Player.
2. Choose Subtitles.
3. Click Default TV show service.
4. Choose a4kSubtitles.
5. Click Default movie service.
6. Click a4kSubtitles.
7. Launch the add-on of your choice. In this instance, we will open The Crew. Play the movie or TV show that you want subtitles for. Click the subtitle icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
8. Click Download subtitle.
9. Choose a Kodi subtitle file of your choice.
10. Subtitles should now appear on your Movie or TV Show.
Kodi Subtitles setup is complete. However, we strongly recommend using the steps below to integrate an opensubtitles account which will provide the highest quality options.
Integrate OpenSubtitles Within a4kSubtitles
Using a4kSubtitles on its own is a fabulous resource for Kodi subtitles. However, it may not always provide as many files as you’d like.
To get more subtitle choices, you can integrate the service with opensubtitles using the instructions below.
1. From the home screen of Kodi, select My Addons.
2. Choose All.
3. Select a4kSubtitles.
4. Click Configure.
5. Click Accounts and enter your OpenSubtitles credentials. Click OK.
6. You are now provided with files from OpenSubtitles when choosing a subtitle for your Movie or TV Show.
Kodi Subtitles Not Working? How to Fix
Sometimes, Kodi users encounter various issues with subtitles not displaying properly. If you encounter this issue, follow the steps below.
- If subtitles are out of sync with voice on the screen, go back into Subtitle icon.
- First, download a new Subtitle file and see if it works better
- If that is unsuccessful, use the Subtitle offset to sync subtitles.
If this doesn’t help solve your subtitle issue, we suggest force closing the app or potentially resetting Kodi on your device. A fresh reset can help resolve add-on issues.
Final Thoughts on Kodi Subtitles
Kodi subtitles are a great way to improve your streaming experience, especially when audio is hard to hear or you’re watching content in a different language.
With free add-ons like OpenSubtitles and a4kSubtitles, it’s easy to add high-quality subtitles to almost any show or movie.
Do you use subtitles on Kodi? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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