Want to remove closed captions from your DirecTV programming? This comprehensive guide will teach you how to easily disable closed captions on DirecTV set-top boxes and streamlined streaming platforms.
What Are Closed Captions and Why Use Them?
Closed captions display dialogue and audio descriptions on your TV screen during programming. They are invaluable for those with hearing impairments, useful in noisy environments, and aid comprehension.
Here are some key benefits of closed captions:
- Assist viewers with hearing loss to fully access TV content
- Enable viewing in loud areas like bars, gyms, parties
- Help non-native speakers improve language skills
- Boost comprehension and retention
- Allow viewers to fully enjoy programming by reading missed dialogue
- Useful when volume needs to be kept low
Federal regulations require captions on most TV broadcasts to ensure accessibility. DirecTV provides user-adjustable closed captions and subtitles across platforms.
Directions to Turn Off Closed Captions on DirecTV Models
DirecTV makes it simple to toggle closed captioning on/off across receivers and streamlined apps. Follow these step-by-step directions for your device:
Turn Off Captions on DirecTV Satellite Set-Top Boxes
The vast majority of DirecTV satellite boxes have consistent methods to enable/disable closed captioning:
- While watching programming, push the INFO button on remote
- Select the CC icon and choose “Closed Captioning”
- Push remote RIGHT arrow to toggle captions off
- Push EXIT or BACK to finish

This works for most HD and advanced models like:
- Genie DVRs (HR20 – HR24)
- H21, H23
- R22
Additionally, under CC you can customize appearance by adjusting font style, color, size, opacity, and more to meet vision needs or preferences. This allows optimizing captions for readability and to avoid blocking important on-screen elements like graphics or scoreboxes in sports programming available through services like MLB.tv or ESPN on DirecTV.
Alternative Method for Older DirecTV Boxes
Some older DirecTV receivers may use legacy menus requiring these steps:
- Push MENU button during programming
- Navigate to Parental, Fav’s & Setup
- Select System Setup
- Choose HDTV set up
- Toggle Closed Captioning on/off
This method works on some DIRECTV Plus DVRs and standard definition models.
Turn Off Captions on DirecTV Stream Device Apps
The DirecTV Stream platform (formerly ATT TV/DirecTV Now) functions through mobile apps, browser streaming, and Osprey set top boxes. You can also integrate DirecTV with other services like fuboTV, Spectrum TV, and Dish TV.
Here’s how to disable closed captions:
Mobile App
- Open DirecTV Stream app during program
- Tap remote icon (bottom right)
- Select CC icon
- Choose Off
Browser Streaming
- Click Settings icon (top right)
- Go to Closed Captioning
- Select Off
Osprey Device
- Push INFO on remote during streaming
- Navigate to CC
- Select Off
Additionally, you can customize appearance, language, text style if enabling captions.
Key Reasons to Disable Closed Captions on DirecTV

Why turn off closed captions? While they certainly serve a purpose, there are legitimate reasons you may want captions disabled:
- Find captions distracting
- Don’t require audio assistance
- Watching content in a quiet environment
- Sharing screen for presentation
- Prefer uncluttered picture
- CC text overlays important graphics/scoreboxes
Familiarize yourself with methods to toggle captions on/off when needed. DirecTV makes it quick and convenient across devices.
Expert Tips to Improve Your DirecTV Closed Caption Experience
Beyond basic on/off functionality, DirecTV offers robust customization so you can optimize closed captions to perfectly suit preferences and accessibility needs:
- Adjust text size for easier reading
- Change font style for clearer characters
- Alter text color/opacity for enhanced visibility
- Switch caption background colors for maximized contrast
- Set language for accurate translations
- Display captions only when muted
- Shift text position to avoid obstructing key graphics
- Configure individual channel CC defaults
Explore options under CC menu when enabled. Fine-tuning text elements greatly improves readability and minimizes distractions.
FAQs About Controlling Closed Captions on DirecTV
Here are answers to common questions about manipulating closed captions on DirecTV platforms:
Q: Do all DirecTV boxes allow disabling closed captions?
A: Yes, nearly every model features capacitive settings, apart from a few outdated SD receivers.
Q: Can I access closed captioning customization on DirecTV Stream apps?
A: Yes, mobile, browser, and Osprey devices permit altering text size, color, position, etc.
Q: Why don’t captions display correctly after making adjustments?
A: Try rebooting device after updating settings. If issues persist, reset customizations to default then reconfigure.
Q: Do language settings affect DirecTV closed captioning?
A: Yes, altering primary audio language can automatically change CC text language in tandem.
Q: Can I default closed captions to “off” on every channel?
A: Unfortunately no universal setting exists currently. However, you can set defaults on a per channel basis.
Q: Who should I contact for persistent closed captioning issues?
A: Reach out to DirecTV technical support online or by phone. They can diagnose specific equipment issues.
Key Takeaways on DirecTV Closed Captions
Here are the critical points on controlling closed captioning on DirecTV receivers and streaming:
- Press INFO then CC icon to toggle on/off across devices
- Customize appearance under CC menu – size, font, color, etc
- Reboot box after adjusting settings for correct display
- Set channel-specific defaults for personal preferences
- Contact tech support for troubleshooting unique issues
- Disable captions for unobstructed viewing in quiet environments
- Keep enabled for noisy spaces or hearing accessibility needs
Understanding closed captioning tools ensures you optimize DirecTV platforms for personal preferences and viewing environments.