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Change subtitles, audio tracks, and playback quality

Last updated on Jul 10, 2026

Change subtitles, audio tracks, and playback quality

Use this article when you want to choose subtitles, switch audio tracks, adjust subtitle timing, or lower playback quality for a video in Phyn.

The options available during playback depend on the media file, your device, and your Jellyfin server. Some files have many audio and subtitle tracks. Others have only one track or none at all.

Track availability: Phyn can only show the audio and subtitle tracks that Jellyfin reports for the selected media source. If a subtitle or audio language is missing from the file, Phyn cannot select it during playback.

Before you start

You need:

  • A movie, episode, or supported video item that plays in Phyn.
  • Audio or subtitle tracks available on that item.
  • A server connection unless you are watching a completed download.

If the video does not open at all, start with playback troubleshooting before changing tracks.

Open player controls

  1. Start playing a movie or episode.
  2. Tap or click the player to show controls.
  3. Look for track, subtitle, settings, or quality controls in the player interface.
  4. Choose the option you want to change.

Controls can look different on phone, tablet, desktop, and TV layouts. The available buttons also depend on the media and platform.

Change subtitle track

If the item has subtitles, open the subtitle controls and select the track you want. Phyn may show labels such as Select subtitle track, Subtitles, or the language name depending on the screen.

Use this when:

  • You want subtitles in another language.
  • You want to turn subtitles off.
  • You want to switch between embedded and external subtitle tracks.
  • A subtitle track is selected but appears incorrect for the audio language.

If the subtitle option is missing, the item may not have subtitle tracks, or Jellyfin may not be reporting them for the selected media source.

Adjust subtitle timing and display

Phyn includes subtitle display controls where supported. These can include:

  • Font size for subtitle size.
  • Delay for subtitle timing.
  • Move for subtitle position.
  • Subtitle preview behavior when the player is ready.

Use timing controls when subtitles appear slightly early or late. Use position and font-size controls when subtitles are hard to read or overlap the video.

Small adjustments work best: Change subtitle delay in small steps, then watch a few lines before adjusting again. Large changes can make it harder to tell whether the subtitle file itself is wrong.

Change audio track

If the video includes multiple audio tracks, open the audio or track selection control and choose the track you want.

This is useful when:

  • The video starts in the wrong language.
  • You want a commentary track or alternate mix.
  • The selected audio track has no sound.
  • A surround audio track does not work well on the current device.

If switching audio fixes playback or sound, the original audio track may not be supported by your device or may require Jellyfin to transcode.

Change playback quality

Lower playback quality when video buffers, stutters, or fails on a slower connection. Quality controls may ask Jellyfin to send a lower bitrate version or transcode the video.

Try lowering quality when:

  • Playback buffers repeatedly.
  • You are away from home on a slower connection.
  • Your server upload speed is limited.
  • The video is very high bitrate.
  • The device struggles with the current file.

Lower quality can make playback more reliable, but it may reduce image detail and can make your Jellyfin server work harder if transcoding is required.

Why changing tracks can affect playback

Audio and subtitle choices can change how Jellyfin sends the video to Phyn. Some combinations direct play cleanly. Others may require transcoding because the device does not support the selected audio codec, subtitle format, or container.

If playback fails only with one subtitle or audio track selected, try another track or turn subtitles off temporarily. Then use media information to report the exact codecs if you contact support.

If the option you need is missing

Check whether:

  • The item has the track in Jellyfin Web.
  • The track is available on the selected version or media source.
  • You are watching a downloaded copy with fewer selectable tracks.
  • The file has external subtitles that Jellyfin has not detected.
  • Phyn is updated to the latest available version.

If Jellyfin Web also does not show the track, fix the media file or Jellyfin metadata first.

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