How to Get Subtitles on Kodi 2025 With OpenSubtitles The Experts Guide

Get Subtitles on Kodi with OpenSubtitles: This guide will show you how to add subtitles to Kodi using OpenSubtitles.org. The instructions are compatible with all Kodi-supported platforms, including FireStick, FireStick 4K/4K Max, Windows, Mac, Nvidia Shield, Android devices, and more. As global content becomes increasingly accessible, subtitles are now essential for enhancing the viewing experience on Kodi. With the rise of platforms like Netflix, international shows and movies have become more mainstream. The internet and social media continue to expose audiences to diverse content from around the world.

Subtitles play a crucial role in bridging language gaps. Whether it’s watching a Norwegian drama or a Japanese anime series, English subtitles have made it possible to enjoy content in any language. But subtitles aren’t only useful for translating foreign speech. They also help in situations where you need to keep the volume low—like in a public space—or when dialogue is difficult to hear. They’re also a valuable tool for viewers who are hard of hearing.

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How to Enable Kodi Subtitles Using OpenSubtitles.org

OpenSubtitles is widely regarded as one of the most reliable subtitle services for Kodi. It supports multiple languages and provides subtitles for nearly every popular movie or TV show.

Follow these steps to set up and use OpenSubtitles on Kodi:

Step 1: Create an OpenSubtitles Account

  1. Visit OpenSubtitles.org and click on Register at the top of the page.
  2. Fill in your username, email address, and password. Agree to the terms of service and complete the CAPTCHA. Then click Register.
  3. Go to your email inbox and confirm your account by clicking the verification link. Once verified, log in.

Step 2: Install the OpenSubtitles Add-on in Kodi

  • Open the Kodi app and go to the Add-ons section on the left side of the home screen.
  • Click the Package Installer icon (the open box) in the top-left corner.
  • Select Install from repository.
  • Choose Kodi Add-on repository (this comes preloaded with Kodi).
  • Scroll down and click on Subtitles.
  • Locate OpenSubtitles.org in the list and click on it.
  • Press the Install button in the bottom-right corner.
  • Wait for the notification confirming the add-on was installed.

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Step 3: Configure Your OpenSubtitles Account in Kodi

  1. After installation, click OpenSubtitles.org again and choose Configure.
  2. In the dialog box, enter your OpenSubtitles username and password. Click OK to save.

Step 4: Set OpenSubtitles as Your Default Subtitle Service

  1. From Kodi’s home screen, click the Settings gear icon.
  2. Select Player.
  3. In the bottom-left corner, make sure Standard or higher is selected (click it until it changes).
  4. Choose the Subtitles tab from the left-hand menu.
  5. On the right, click Languages to download subtitles for and select your preferred subtitle language.
  6. Click Default TV show service and select OpenSubtitles.org from the list.
  7. Do the same for Default movie service.

Important Notice Before Streaming on Kodi

Before you begin streaming with Kodi add-ons or builds, it’s essential to understand that your streaming activity is visible to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and government authorities. If you access copyrighted content — such as movies, TV shows, live TV, or sports — it could potentially lead to legal consequences.

Fortunately, there’s a reliable way to protect your privacy and secure your streaming experience: use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN hides your real IP address — in your case, and shields your online activity from monitoring, throttling, and geo-restrictions.

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How to Set Up ExpressVPN for Kodi (in 3 Easy Steps)

  1. Step 1: Get an ExpressVPN subscription from here. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
  2. Step 2: Download the ExpressVPN app on your streaming device using this link. If you’re using a FireStick, follow the steps below starting from Step 4.
  3. Step 3: Launch the app and tap the Power icon to connect to a secure server. Your Kodi activity is now protected.
  4. Step 4: Sign up for ExpressVPN here, if you haven’t already.
  5. Step 5: On your FireStick home screen, click Find and then select Search.
  6. Step 6: Type ExpressVPN in the search bar and choose it from the suggestions.
  7. Step 7: Click Download to install the app.
  8. Step 8: Open the app and sign in using your registered email and password.
  9. Step 9: Tap the Power icon to connect to a VPN server. That’s it — your FireStick is now protected with the fastest VPN for Kodi.

Subtitles Not Showing? Enable Subtitles in the Addon Settings

Some Kodi addons require you to manually enable subtitles within their settings. If you’re not seeing subtitles while streaming, you may need to activate them directly in the addon. Below are the steps using The Crew addon as an example. However, the process is similar for other addons as well:

  1. From the Kodi home screen, go to Add-ons > Video add-ons and open The Crew addon. Scroll down and select Tools.
  2. On the next screen, click SETTINGS: Subtitles.
  3. Make sure the Subtitles section is selected in the menu on the left. Then, enable the toggle for Enable Subtitles on the right.
  4. Click OK to save the changes.

Once subtitles are turned on in the addon settings, they should appear automatically when you play content.

How to Set Up Kodi Subtitles Without Creating an Account

Kodi supports several subtitle providers, but the two most popular are OpenSubtitles and Subscene. While OpenSubtitles delivers high-quality subtitle files, it does require registration on their website followed by a login inside Kodi — which can be a bit tedious. If you prefer a simpler, account-free method, Subscene Subtitles is a solid alternative. It’s easy to set up within Kodi itself and doesn’t require an external account.

Here’s how to set up Subscene Subtitles on Kodi:

  1. Open Kodi and go to Settings (gear icon).
  2. Select Player.
  3. Choose the Subtitles tab on the left.
  4. Under Download Services on the right, click Languages to download subtitles, and choose your preferred language.
  5. Click Default TV show service.
  6. Then click Get more.
  7. Scroll through the list and select Subscene.com (Subscene Subtitles).
  8. Wait a few seconds for the service to install.
  9. Click Default movie service and select Subscene.com (Subscene Subtitles) again to set it as your default.

That’s it! Subscene Subtitles will now automatically fetch available subtitles whenever you play content in Kodi.

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Wrapping Up

Subtitles enhance your streaming experience, especially when watching foreign-language shows, keeping the volume low, or assisting those with hearing challenges. In this guide, we covered how to enable subtitles inside Kodi addons and how to configure both OpenSubtitles and Subscene as your subtitle providers. While OpenSubtitles offers a broader subtitle database, Subscene is quicker to set up. Have a favorite subtitle service on Kodi or tips to share? Drop a comment — we’d love to hear your thoughts!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I fix subtitles not showing up in Kodi addons?

Some Kodi addons require you to manually enable subtitles in their individual settings. For example, in The Crew addon, you must go to the Tools section, open the subtitle settings, and turn on the “Enable Subtitles” toggle. Without enabling this, subtitles may not work even if they’re installed.

Can I use subtitles on Kodi without creating an OpenSubtitles account?

Yes, you can use the Subscene subtitle service in Kodi without registering for an external account. It’s available directly in the Kodi settings and doesn’t require a login, making it a hassle-free alternative to OpenSubtitles.

Why are my Kodi subtitles out of sync?

Subtitles from certain providers like Subscene may occasionally be misaligned with the audio due to timing mismatches. If you experience this, try using a different subtitle provider like OpenSubtitles, or adjust the subtitle sync manually using Kodi’s subtitle delay settings.

What’s the easiest way to add subtitles to Kodi?

The simplest way to add subtitles to Kodi is by using Subscene. Unlike OpenSubtitles, it doesn’t require registration. You can install it directly via Kodi’s subtitle settings and set it as your default subtitle service for both movies and TV shows.

Can I switch between different subtitle services while watching in Kodi?

Yes, even if you’ve set a default subtitle provider, Kodi lets you manually switch to another service during playback. This flexibility allows you to test multiple sources and choose the most accurate or best-synced subtitles for your content.

Are Kodi subtitles helpful for English content too?

Absolutely. Subtitles aren’t just for foreign-language content. They’re useful for understanding unclear dialogue, watching at low volume in public spaces, or helping viewers with hearing impairments enjoy the content more comfortably.

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