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4 Ways to Fix VLC Subtitle Delay on PC and Mobile
VLC Media Player is a versatile media player known for playing various multimedia formats. However, like most other video players, you might face a delay in the subtitles syncing with the content on screen. Thankfully, VLC’s subtitle delay can be easily solved, and that’s what we will look at in this guide.
Subtitles can help you understand content on the screen or watch foreign language. Subtitle delay can be frustrating. Here are steps you can take to prevent the issue.
How to Adjust Subtitle Timing in VLC on Windows PC and Mac
While your video is playing, you can use keyboard shortcuts to adjust the subtitle speed. This is the simplest way to speed up or slow down subtitles based on your audio.
On Mac, press H to decrease the subtitle speed by 50 milliseconds and J to increase the speed by 50 milliseconds.
On Windows, press G to decrease the subtitle delay and H to increase the delay in subtitles.
How to Sync Subtitle Delay in VLC on Android or iPhone
Thankfully, VLC offers a simple way to manually adjust subtitle delay while watching videos on both iPhone and Android. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Open VLC and tap the subtitle icon.
Step 2: Tap the drop-down arrow next to Subtitles.
Step 3: Select Subtitle delay.
Step 4: Adjust the subtitle according to your preference.
To sync audio and subtitles, try these fixes if the issue persists.
1. Check your video player settings to ensure that audio and subtitle tracks are properly selected and aligned.
2. Make sure that the subtitle files (.srt, .ass, etc.) are correctly synced with the video. You can use subtitle editing software or online tools to adjust the timing if necessary.
3. Check for any encoding issues with the audio or video files. Sometimes incompatible codecs can cause synchronization problems. Try converting the files to a different format or using a different media player.
4. If you are streaming the video online, try clearing your browser cache and restarting your internet connection. Sometimes network issues can cause synchronization problems.
By following these steps, you should be able to sync the audio and subtitles for a seamless viewing experience.
How to Fix Subtitles Sync Issue in VLC
Here are some tips to adjust subtitle timing in VLC or avoid this issue.
A wrong subtitle file can cause a delay. Issues can arise when syncing subtitles with the video due to file corruption or downloading an incorrect format. In these cases, adding a new subtitle file may be necessary.
On Smartphone
Step 1: Open VLC and tap the subtitle icon. Then, tap the down arrow next to Subtitles.
Step 2: Choose between:
- Select subtitle file: Choose a downloaded subtitle file.
- Download subtitle: Here, you can download suitable subtitle files from the internet within VLC.
On PC
Step 1: Open VLC and click Subtitle (you can also use the V key) at the top bar.
Step 2: Choose ‘Add Subtitle File.’
2. Use a Different Video Format or Quality
Besides changing the subtitle file, try using a different format or resolution. The file might have been created for another format or video quality; hence, if you can find the right one, you can solve the issue.
3. Use Track Synchronization on PC
The VLC Media Player app for PC has a unique feature called Track Synchronization. This feature allows you to quickly sync audio and subtitle files. Here’s how to use it to fix delayed subtitles:
Step 1: Open VLC and click Tools.
Step 2: Choose Track Synchronization.
Step 3: Adjust Audio and Subtitle synchronization, speed, and duration.
4. Update VLC Media Player to the Latest Version
Sometimes, an older version of VLC can cause subtitle sync issues. The older version may struggle with handling newer video formats, resulting in subtitle or video delays.
To resolve this, simply update VLC to the latest version. Visit the appropriate link below on your smartphone and select the Update option, if available.
For PC users, you can check your VLC version by opening the app and using the key combination “Shift + F1.” Then, visit the official page to check for the latest version. If you’re not on the latest version, download and install it.
FAQs on Syncing Subtitles in VLC
1. Subtitle files may not always sync perfectly with video files due to frame rates, video cuts, or encoding differences.
2. VLC does not have a feature to permanently save subtitle delay adjustments. You will need to make the changes each time you open a new video.
VLC is an exceptional ad-free player that supports multiple formats, all for free. However, its subtitle delay can negatively impact your overall experience. We hope this guide helps you resolve the issue, but if you continue to encounter problems, we recommend exploring other alternatives.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.