LG distinguishes native antenna captions from captions controlled by streaming apps and external devices. Its current guide also gives different webOS menu paths. Identify the input and software generation before changing the TV’s Closed Caption preference.
Identify where the programme runs
Write down whether the programme comes from the TV’s antenna input, an app installed on the LG TV or a player connected by HDMI. Include the actual app name and programme. An HDMI cable entering an LG television does not make the external player a native webOS app.
For a broadcast check, the broadcaster must supply captions for the selected programme. Use a known available captioned item where possible. A saved preference with no supplied track is different from a supplied track that fails to display.
Use the matching native path
The following paths summarise LG’s checked guide. If the actual model’s menu differs, use its manual rather than selecting a similarly named picture control.
| LG generation in the guide | Native caption path after All Settings |
|---|---|
| 2026 / webOS 26 and later | General > Accessibility > Hearing Features > Closed Caption |
| 2021 onward / webOS 6.0 and later, before that newer layout | General > Accessibility > Closed Caption |
| 2020 / webOS 5.0 and earlier | Accessibility > Closed Caption |
Keep external and app controls separate
For an HDMI set-top box or streamer, use that device’s documented caption controls. For a streaming app, inspect its playback settings and the available tracks. The native TV switch should not be assumed to override a separate player’s renderer.
Record the starting state before changing one caption control. Return to the same programme and check a short sentence and a longer line at the usual viewing position. Note whether the problem is no track, wrong language, unreadable appearance or incorrect timing. Each points to a different next question.
Interpret the result by route
If native broadcast captions work but the app does not, preserve the working native setting and investigate that app’s track support. If one captioned broadcast works but another does not, check programme availability rather than treating the menu as lost.
The useful result names the input, programme and control used. If an expected native option is missing, provide LG with the model and webOS version. If only a particular player fails, provide its publisher with the app edition and the selected track. Do not include private playlist addresses in either report.