Fix Live Captions Not Working in Chrome: 4 Simple Methods to Enable

If you’re facing the issue of Live Captions not working in Chrome, you’re not alone. Google Chrome’s Live Caption feature is a game-changer for accessibility, automatically generating captions for videos, podcasts, live streams, video calls, and other audio media. This feature makes content more inclusive, especially for those with hearing impairments or anyone who prefers captions. However, if Live Captions aren’t working on your Chrome browser, don’t worry! This guide shares four simple methods to enable Live Captions on Chrome desktop, mobile, and Windows, ensuring you can enjoy captioned content seamlessly.

Why Are Live Captions Not Working in Chrome?

Live Captions may fail to work due to disabled settings, outdated browser versions, or compatibility issues. On Chrome, the feature might not be enabled by default, or system settings on Windows or mobile devices could interfere. Below, we outline four easy-to-follow methods to fix Live Captions not working in Chrome and enhance your browsing experience.

4 Simple Methods to Enable Live Captions in Chrome

1. Enable Live Captions on Google Chrome for Desktop

If Live Captions aren’t working, you can manually enable them in Chrome’s settings. This method is quick and works on the latest Chrome versions.

Steps to Enable Live Captions on Desktop:

1. Open Google Chrome on your computer.
2. Click the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
3. In the Settings menu, click Accessibility on the left pane.
4. Toggle on the Live Caption option in the right pane.
5. Restart Chrome to apply the changes.
6. To test, play a video on any website (e.g., YouTube), click the media control icon near the extensions, and enable the Live Caption toggle.

This method resolves most cases of Live Captions not working in Chrome on desktops.

2. Enable Live Captions on Google Chrome for Mobile

Chrome for Android and iOS also supports Live Captions, but the feature may need to be activated manually.

Steps to Enable Live Captions on Mobile:

• Launch Google Chrome on your Android or iOS device.
• Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select Settings.
• Scroll to the Advanced section and tap Accessibility.
• Toggle on the Live Caption option.
• Play a video or audio file to test if captions appear automatically.

Enabling this setting ensures Live Captions are not working in Chrome and are fixed on your mobile device.

3. Use the Substital Extension for Chrome

If Chrome’s built-in Live Captions aren’t working, third-party extensions like Substital can help. Subtotal adds captions to videos on platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and more.

How to Use Substital:

• Open the Chrome Web Store and search for Substital.
• Click Add to Chrome and confirm to install the extension.
• Play a video on a supported platform, then click the Substital icon in the Chrome toolbar.
• Search for or upload subtitles for the video.
• Enable captions through the extension’s interface.

While Substital requires manual subtitle searches, it’s a reliable workaround for Live Captions not working in Chrome.

4. Enable Live Captions on Windows 10/11

Windows 10 and 11 have a native Live Captions feature that works system-wide, including with Chrome. This can serve as an alternative if Chrome’s captions fail.

Steps to Enable Windows Live Captions:

• Click the Start button and select Settings.
• Navigate to Accessibility > Captions (under the Hearing section).
• Toggle on the Live Captions option.
• Wait for Windows to download the necessary files.
• Customize caption appearance by clicking Edit in the Caption Style section.
• Play a video in Chrome to test the captions.

This method bypasses Chrome’s settings and fixes Live Captions not working in Chrome using Windows’ built-in feature.

Additional Tips to Ensure Live Captions Work Smoothly

To prevent future issues with Live Captions not working in Chrome, follow these tips:

• Update Chrome Regularly: Ensure you’re using the latest version of Chrome to access new features and bug fixes.
• Check Audio Output: Verify that your device’s audio is active, as Live Captions rely on audio input.
• Clear Browser Cache: Remove cached files in Chrome to fix potential glitches (Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data).
• Test on Supported Media: Live Captions work best with English audio; test on compatible content like YouTube videos.
• Disable Conflicting Extensions: Turn off other caption or media extensions that may interfere with Chrome’s Live Captions.
• Restart Your Device: A quick reboot can resolve temporary system issues affecting captions.
• Check Language Settings: Ensure your system and Chrome are set to a supported language for Live Captions (e.g., English).

These steps help maintain a smooth experience with Live Captions in Chrome and other platforms.

Conclusion

Dealing with Live Captions not working in Chrome can be frustrating. Still, these four simple methods—enabling captions on Chrome desktop mobile, using the Substital extension, or activating Windows Live Captions—can get you back on track. Whether you’re watching videos, joining video calls, or streaming podcasts, Live Captions make content more accessible. Keep your browser updated, check settings, and test on supported media to ensure smooth performance. If you need more help with Live Captions not working in Chrome, drop a comment below, and we’ll assist you further!

FAQs About Live Captions Not Working in Chrome