How to Change Language on Prime Video: A Comprehensive Guide

Amazon Prime Video offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, catering to a global audience. As such, the ability to switch between different languages for audio and subtitles is crucial for many users. Whether you’re learning a new language, prefer watching content in your native tongue, or simply want to explore different dubbing options, Prime Video’s language settings provide flexibility. However, navigating these settings can sometimes be confusing. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of changing languages on Prime Video across various devices, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content exactly how you want it.

Understanding Prime Video’s Language Options

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, it’s important to understand what language options Prime Video offers. Typically, you’ll find two main language settings to adjust:

• Audio Language: This determines the language in which the dialogue and sound effects are presented. You might find options for the original language of the content as well as dubbed versions in various languages.
• Subtitle Language: This controls the language of the text that appears at the bottom of the screen. Subtitles can be helpful for viewers who are hard of hearing, those watching in noisy environments, or anyone who wants to understand the dialogue more clearly, especially when the audio is in a different language.

The availability of language options can vary depending on the specific title you’re watching and the region you’re in. Some content may only offer one or two audio and subtitle options, while others might have a wider selection.

Changing Language on Prime Video: Step-by-Step Guides

The process for changing languages on Prime Video differs slightly depending on the device you’re using. We’ll cover the most popular platforms:

1. Changing Language on Web Browsers (Desktop or Laptop)

If you are watching Prime Video on a computer through a web browser, here’s how to change the language settings:

1. Open Prime Video: Go to the Prime Video website (www.primevideo.com) in your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
2. Sign In: Log in to your Amazon account if you’re not already signed in.
3. Select Content: Browse or search for the movie or TV show you want to watch.
4. Start Playback: Click on the title to start playing the video.
5. Locate Language Menu: During playback, hover your mouse over the video player. This will reveal the player controls. Look for the speech bubble icon (usually representing subtitles) or the settings icon (usually a gear). The exact appearance may vary slightly depending on the browser and Prime Video updates.
6. Access Audio & Subtitles: Click on the icon you identified in the previous step. A menu will appear, displaying available audio and subtitle languages.
7. Select Desired Language: Choose your desired audio language from the ‘Audio’ section. Then select your preferred subtitle language from the ‘Subtitles’ section.
8. Confirm Changes: The changes should take effect immediately. The video may briefly pause and then resume playing with the selected audio and subtitle language. If it doesn’t, try refreshing the page.

Additional Notes for Web Browsers:

• Default Language: Prime Video might default to the language you’ve set for your Amazon account. If you want to change this permanently, you may need to modify your account settings on Amazon.
• Accessibility Settings: Prime Video may also have accessibility settings that might influence the presentation of subtitles. Explore these settings if you are having trouble seeing subtitles or if their appearance isn’t to your liking.

2. Changing Language on Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)

The process for changing languages on Prime Video using the mobile app (available on iOS and Android) is very similar:

1. Open the Prime Video App: Launch the Prime Video app on your smartphone or tablet.
2. Sign In: Sign in to your Amazon account if you are not already logged in.
3. Select Content: Search or browse for the movie or TV show you want to watch.
4. Start Playback: Tap on the title to begin playing the video.
5. Locate Language Options: During playback, tap the screen to reveal the playback controls. You’ll usually find either a speech bubble icon or a gear icon. The specific icon may vary based on app updates.
6. Open Audio & Subtitles Menu: Tap on the icon to open the menu that shows available audio and subtitle languages.
7. Choose Languages: In the menu, you’ll see options for audio and subtitles. Choose your preferred audio language in the ‘Audio’ section and then select your preferred subtitle language in the ‘Subtitles’ section.
8. Apply Changes: The changes usually take effect immediately. The video may pause and then restart with your selected languages. If not, close the app and restart it or restart the playback.

Additional Notes for Mobile Devices:

• App Updates: Ensure your Prime Video app is updated to the latest version to have all the newest functionalities and language options.
• Download Settings: If you have downloaded content, the language settings are typically saved with the download. If you are switching language settings while watching downloaded content you may need to redownload the title to apply changes.

3. Changing Language on Smart TVs and Streaming Devices (e.g., Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, PlayStation, Xbox)

Changing language options on smart TVs and streaming devices typically follows a similar structure to the mobile app, but button configurations and interface designs may differ between devices. Here is the general procedure:

1. Open Prime Video App: Launch the Prime Video app on your Smart TV or streaming device.
2. Sign In: Sign in to your Amazon account.
3. Choose Content: Browse or search for the movie or TV show you want to watch.
4. Start Playback: Select the title to begin playing it.
5. Access Language Options: During playback, navigate to the playback controls. On most devices, you’ll usually see an on-screen menu with various icons. Look for the subtitle or settings icon (it may be a speech bubble, a gear or three dots depending on your device model).
6. Open Audio & Subtitles Menu: Select the appropriate icon with your remote to access the menu which displays available audio and subtitle languages.
7. Select Languages: Use the remote to select your preferred audio language from the ‘Audio’ section and your preferred subtitle language from the ‘Subtitles’ section.
8. Confirm Changes: The changes will generally apply immediately. The video may pause and resume with the new language settings. If not, restart the playback or exit and re-enter the app.

Additional Notes for Smart TVs and Streaming Devices:

• Device Specific Interface: The menu layout and the exact location of the settings may vary depending on your device model and its operating system. Consult your device’s user manual if you are having difficulty finding the options.
• Remote Control: Make sure you are comfortable using the remote control for navigation within the Prime Video app on your device.
• Software Updates: Ensure that both your Prime Video app and your streaming device’s software are updated to the latest version to avoid potential issues.

Troubleshooting Common Language Issues

Sometimes you may encounter issues with language settings on Prime Video. Here are a few common problems and their potential solutions:

• No Audio or Subtitle Language Available:
  • Content Limitation: Some movies or TV shows may simply not offer your preferred language. This is due to rights licensing and production factors.
  • Regional Restrictions: The available languages may vary depending on your region. If you are traveling internationally, some languages that you normally see at home may not be available.
• Subtitles Not Displaying or Displaying Incorrectly:
  • Subtitle Settings: Double-check your subtitle settings in the Prime Video player. Ensure that you’ve selected a language, the subtitles are enabled, and that there are no accessibility settings that may be affecting subtitle display.
  • Network Issues: Sometimes network connection issues can prevent subtitles from loading correctly. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
  • App Bugs: There may be a bug in the app. Close and reopen the app, or if the issue persists, try updating to the latest version.
• Audio Not Changing:
  • Selected Audio: Make sure that you have actually selected the preferred audio language and haven’t accidentally selected the same language.
  • Replay Required: After changing audio languages, it may be necessary to briefly replay the content for the audio change to take effect.
  • Device Bugs: As mentioned above, ensure your app is up to date and if it persists try rebooting the device you are using.

Tips for a Seamless Language Experience

To maximize your viewing experience with different languages on Prime Video, consider these tips:

• Explore Different Language Options: Don’t hesitate to explore different language settings, especially if you’re trying to learn a new language. Watching shows with subtitles in the target language can be a great way to enhance your learning.
• Adjust Settings As Needed: If the subtitles are too small or the language doesn’t suit your needs, change the settings anytime. Prime Video is quite flexible, allowing you to modify these settings mid-playback.
• Leave Feedback: If you are frequently disappointed about the lack of specific languages, consider leaving feedback to Amazon. This might result in improved accessibility and better language choices over time.
• Check System Updates: Regularly check for both app and operating system updates on all your devices. Software updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements that can affect language playback features.

Conclusion

Changing languages on Prime Video is usually straightforward, but the steps can vary slightly across different devices. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be equipped to navigate the language settings on web browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs/streaming devices. Remember to explore the available options, troubleshoot any issues, and customize your viewing experience to your preferences. With the right language settings in place, you can unlock a whole world of entertainment on Prime Video, no matter where you are or what language you prefer.