Where to find the audio description setting depends on what you're watching

Audio description reads aloud what's happening on screen — useful for people who are blind or have low vision, but distracting if you don't need it. The setting lives in different places depending on whether you're watching cable TV, a streaming service, a smart TV, or a device like a Roku or Apple TV. Most of the time it takes two or three clicks to turn off, though the exact steps vary by platform.

The fastest way to find it: look for "Accessibility", "Audio", or "Descriptive Video Service" (DVS) in your settings menu. If you can't locate it there, the remote control itself often has a dedicated button or a quick-access menu that bypasses the main settings entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio description is usually toggled in the Accessibility or Audio section of your device or service settings, not in the main menu.
  • Many remotes have a dedicated button or quick menu for audio description that works faster than navigating settings.
  • Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ each have their own audio description toggle, separate from your device settings.
  • Cable and satellite boxes (Comcast, DirecTV, Verizon) typically control audio description through the remote's menu or accessibility settings.
  • If audio description turns back on after you disable it, your device may have a default setting that resets it — check your accessibility preferences.

Disabling audio description on streaming services

Netflix: Open the title you're watching, select the audio and subtitles icon (usually in the top right), and look for "Audio" options. If you see "English [Audio Description]" selected, switch to the standard "English" option instead. This setting applies only to that title — you may need to repeat it for other shows or movies.

Hulu: During playback, press the menu button on your remote or click the settings icon on your screen. Select "Audio" and choose the non-descriptive version of your language. Like Netflix, this is per-title, not a global setting.

Disney+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video: All three follow the same pattern — open a title, access the audio menu during playback, and select the standard audio track instead of the descriptive one. Disney+ calls it "English (Descriptive Audio)" in the audio list; Prime Video labels it similarly.

None of these services have a master "turn off audio description forever" setting. You disable it per title, which means if you watch something else, you may need to check again.

Disabling audio description on cable and satellite TV

Comcast (Xfinity): Press the Menu button on your remote, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio Description. Toggle it off. On some boxes, you can also press the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) button on the remote directly, which cycles through audio options including descriptive audio.

DirecTV: Press Menu, select Accessibility, then Audio Description, and turn it off. Some DirecTV remotes have a dedicated button for this — check your remote's label or manual.

Verizon Fios: Press the Menu button, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio Description, and disable it. This setting applies to all channels and recordings until you change it again.

Cable and satellite settings are usually global — once you turn audio description off, it stays off across all channels and on-demand content, unlike streaming services where you set it per title.

Disabling audio description on smart TVs and streaming devices

Roku: Press the Home button, go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio Description, and toggle it off. This disables it for all apps on your Roku.

Apple TV: Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio Description, and turn it off. This is a device-wide setting that affects all apps.

Amazon Fire TV: Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio Description, and disable it.

Google TV and Android TV: Go to Settings, then Accessibility, then Audio Description, and turn it off.

Samsung, LG, and other smart TVs: The path varies by brand. Look in Settings for Accessibility or Sound, then search for Audio Description or Descriptive Video Service. If you can't find it, check your TV's manual or search "[Your TV brand] disable audio description" online.

Disabling it at the device level means it turns off for all apps and inputs on that device, which is simpler than managing it per title on streaming services.

Using your remote's quick menu or dedicated button

Many remotes have a faster route than navigating settings. Look for a button labeled SAP, DVS, or AD (for Audio Description). Pressing it cycles through audio options without opening menus.

Some remotes have an Accessibility or Options button that opens a quick menu. On Comcast and DirecTV remotes, the SAP button is often the quickest way. On Roku and Apple TV remotes, you may need to press Options or Menu and look for an audio or accessibility quick-pick.

If your remote has a button you don't recognize, try pressing it during playback — it may toggle audio description directly. Your remote's manual or the manufacturer's website can confirm what each button does.

What to do if audio description keeps turning back on

If you disable audio description but it returns the next time you watch, your device or service may have a default setting that overrides your choice. Check whether audio description is enabled in your accessibility preferences at the device or account level, separate from the per-title setting.

On streaming services, log into your account settings (not just the playback menu) and look for an Accessibility or Playback section. Some services let you set a default audio preference. On cable boxes and smart TVs, go back to the main Accessibility settings and confirm audio description is set to Off, not On or Auto.

If it still resets, restart your device or log out and back into your streaming account. Sometimes a cache or temporary setting causes the issue, and a fresh start clears it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off audio description for just one show but keep it on for others?

On streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, yes — you disable it per title by selecting the audio track during playback. On cable TV and smart TVs, the setting is usually global, so turning it off affects everything you watch. If you want different settings for different content, you'd need to toggle it on and off as you switch between them.

What's the difference between audio description and closed captions?

Audio description is a separate audio track that narrates what's happening on screen — you hear it through your speakers or headphones. Closed captions are text on screen that shows dialogue and sound effects. They serve different purposes and are controlled separately in your settings.

Why does my device have audio description turned on by default?

Some devices and services ship with audio description enabled as part of their accessibility setup, or it may have been turned on during initial setup. Check your device's Accessibility settings to confirm the default is set to Off if you don't want it. You can also check your streaming account settings to see if a default audio preference is set.

Does disabling audio description on my TV affect what other people watching see?

No. Audio description is an audio track, not a video change. Disabling it only affects what you hear through your device or speakers. Other people watching the same TV would hear the same audio you do once you've turned it off.

What if I can't find an audio description setting on my device?

Not all devices or services offer audio description for all content. Check your device's manual or the service's help page for your specific model. You can also try pressing the SAP or DVS button on your remote if one exists — this often cycles through audio options without needing to access settings.