Audio descriptions add spoken narration for important visual action in supported movies and programmes. The feature is separate from VoiceOver, which reads the Apple TV interface, and it only works when the video or app makes an audio-described track available.

Turn on the accessibility preference

  1. Open Settings. Start from the Apple TV Home screen.
  2. Select Accessibility. This section groups the main visual, hearing and interaction options.
  3. Select Audio Descriptions. Turn the preference on.

This tells supported playback experiences to use an audio-described track when one is available. It does not create narration for a video that has no AD track.

Choose an AD track during playback

While a video is playing, show the playback controls. Swipe up on the clickpad or touch surface, open Audio Options, and select an Audio Descriptions option. The exact list depends on the video, the app and the available language tracks.

Why the option may not appear

  • The current movie or programme may not include an audio-described track.
  • The track may not be available in the language or region you are using.
  • A third-party app may place its audio controls in a different menu.
  • Feature availability can vary by Apple TV hardware model and software version.

If the AD option is missing only in one app, check that app's current accessibility or playback documentation before changing system-wide settings.

Understand the remote shortcut

Apple documents a three-press action on the clickpad centre or touch surface when VoiceOver is already on. In that situation, it can turn audio descriptions on. When VoiceOver is off, the same action turns closed captions on or off instead.

You can also add Audio Descriptions to the Apple TV accessibility shortcut if you want quicker access to the feature.

If you use the Apple TV app on another device

The Apple TV app on a supported smart TV, streaming device or games console has its own path. Open the app sidebar, select Settings, then open Accessibility > Audio Descriptions. Availability still depends on the device and content.

Common questions

Does every video on Apple TV include audio descriptions?

No. The producer or distributor must provide an audio-described track, and availability can vary by title, language, region and app.

Can I enable audio descriptions for just one video?

Yes, when an AD track is available in the playback Audio Options menu.

Are audio descriptions the same as closed captions?

No. Audio descriptions are spoken narration of visual action. Closed captions display text for dialogue and other relevant audio.

Official sources and review note

Last checked September 9, 2026. Feature, content, language and regional availability can change. Follow the current instructions for your Apple TV model or the device running the Apple TV app.