• On Mac, you can press the keys J or H to increase/decrease the subtitle delay respectively.
  • On Windows, you can use the keys H or G to increase/decrease the subtitle delay respectively.
  • On the mobile apps, tap on the subtitle icon, select subtitle delay and adjust it accordingly.

How to Adjust Subtitle Timing in VLC on Windows PC and Mac

While your video is running, you can use the keyboard shortcuts to speed up (or down) the subtitles. This is the easiest way to slow down or speed up the subtitles based on your audio.

On Mac: Pressing H will decrease the subtitle speed by 50 milliseconds, and pressing J will increase the subtitle speed by 50 milliseconds.

On Windows: Press G to decrease the subtitle delay, and press H to increase the delay in subtitles.

How to Sync Subtitle Delay in VLC on Android or iPhone

Step 1: Tap on the subtitle icon . Tap the drop-down arrow next to Subtitles, and select Subtitle Delay .

Step 2: Adjust the subtitle according to your preference.

choose the subtitle button at the bottom right corner - 1

This should sync the audio and subtitles. However, if the issue persists, you can move on to the fixes in the next section.

How to Fix Subtitles Sync Issue in VLC

Fix 1: Download and Use a Different Subtitle File

There can be issues syncing the subtitles with the content either because the file is corrupted or you might have downloaded the incorrect format.

On Smartphone

Step 1: Open VLC and tap the subtitle icon > 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.
choose the subtitle button at the bottom right corner - 2

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 .

choose subtitle and then choose add subtitle - 3

Fix 2: Use a Different Video Format or Quality

Besides changing the subtitle file, try using a different format or resolution of the same video. As mentioned earlier, 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.

Fix 3: Use Track Synchronization on PC

The VLC Media Player app for PC has a unique feature called Track Synchronization, which can help you quickly sync the audio and subtitle files.

Step 1: Open VLC and click Tools > Track Synchronization .

choose tools and then select track synchronisation 1 - 4

Step 3: Adjust Audio track and Subtitle track synchronization along with Subtitle speed and Subtitle duration factor.

adjust the subtitle delay on VLC - 5

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