# Problems with Subtitles **URL:** \ **Category:** Metadata & Adding Files\ **Tags:** server-synology, subtitles\ **Created:** [July 30, 2020, 4:46pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806 "2020-07-30T16:46:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2020, 4:46pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/1 "2020-07-30T16:46:26Z")
I am continuously having problems with subtitles. Here is what I would like to accomplish: I own some older German movies which I would like to watch with my family in the US. Since some are German audio only, I need to provide subtitles for my family. I have checked that the subtitles are available on online sources like [opensubtitles.org](http://opensubtitles.org), but when I search for them in Plex, it sometimes works and at other times it doesn’t. Occasionally, I also find the subtitle, but then I cannot download it. I am guessing that the last issue might be caused by problems at [opensubtitles.org](http://opensubtitles.org), but not sure on that. As a result, I have downloaded subtitles (same filename as the actual movie) into the folder of the movie. My expectation was the Plex would automatically recognize them when I refresh the metadata, but that doesn’t happen. Then I discovered the subtitle SubZero.bundle addin. It installed easily and I completed some configuration to get it to work. Once done, I refreshed my meta data once again, but it again failed to download subtitles automatically. How can I accomplish automatic subtitle downloads? And, yes, I know I can manually upload them. If that is the only working option, are these subtitles stored in a folder? Path? On the same topic, I am also struggling to find an option to assign an audio language when Plex cannot recognize it. Do I have to do this with an external program? Thank you for your feedback! ---
**Author:** ![OttoKerner](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/ottokerner/32/10079_2.png) [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2020, 8:47pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/2 "2020-07-30T20:47:15Z")
I recommend you to fetch the subtitles manually and put them beside your video files. > [@jst68](#): > > My expectation was the Plex would automatically recognize them when I refresh the metadata, but that doesn’t happen. This can happen if: - the subtitle file is not accessible (usually on Linux systems, check the file permissions) [https://support.plex.tv/articles/200288596-linux-permissions-guide/](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200288596-linux-permissions-guide/) - the ‘Local Media Assets’ agent has been disabled [https://support.plex.tv/articles/200471133-adding-local-subtitles-to-your-media/](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200471133-adding-local-subtitles-to-your-media/) - with tv shows, when the necessary folder structure is not present (particularly the ‘Season’ subfolder) [https://support.plex.tv/articles/200471133-adding-local-subtitles-to-your-media/](https://support.plex.tv/articles/200471133-adding-local-subtitles-to-your-media/) > [@jst68](#): > > On the same topic, I am also struggling to find an option to assign an audio language when Plex cannot recognize it. Do I have to do this with an external program? Plex cannot do this. You will need to use 3rd-party software. [Set Audio Language tag MP4/MKV](https://forums.plex.tv/t/set-audio-language-tag-mp4-mkv/114491/1) I cannot tell you how to make SubZero work. Please ask in its release thread [[REL] Sub-Zero 2.6.5.3268 - Subtitles done right](https://forums.plex.tv/t/rel-sub-zero-2-6-5-3247-subtitles-done-right/118396/1) ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 12:04am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/3 "2020-07-31T00:04:47Z")
Thank you for your feedback! Plex is running on a Synology NAS here. Latest version. I guess I should have mentioned that in my original mail. I believe folder access to be sufficient, but I will double check. Will also double check on the Local Media Asset Agent, but I believe it to be running. Definitely have the correct structure for TV show folders. Is there a log where I could see issues related to the metadata refresh for subtitles? It would certainly be nice if we could edit the audio language for MP4/MKV files. I will also work on posting the question in the Sub-Zero thread, but wanted to first see if I could get it to work using standard functionality. ---
**Author:** ![OttoKerner](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/ottokerner/32/10079_2.png) [@OttoKerner](https://forums.plex.tv/u/OttoKerner)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 11:23am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/4 "2020-07-31T11:23:46Z")
Could you post a screenshot of the folder, with the video and subtitle file names? I’d like to confirm something. Do also keep in mind that there are several different agents for each media type. To be on the safe side, you need to check the LMA on every one of them. Further, local extras won’t work on “unmatched” items. Take a look at the [Plex XML info](https://support.plex.tv/hc/en-us/articles/201998867-Investigate-Media-Information-and-Formats "Plex XML info") of any item and see what is in the `guid="...` property. If it says `local`, the item is unmatched. ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/5 "2020-07-31T21:53:45Z")
I am not at home right now, but the folder and file structure is as follows: 1. Movies Folder: …\Movies\ Movie Filename: \.mp4 Subtitle Filename: \.srt 2. TV Shows Folder: …\TV Shows\\ TV Show Filename: \.mp4 Subtitle Filename: \.srt On the agent side, I have seen the following: 1. Movies a) Plex Movie (Legacy) [OpenSubtitles.org](http://OpenSubtitles.org) Sub-Zero Subtitles b) Plex Movie Sub-Zero Subtitles Not sure why [OpenSubtitles.org](http://OpenSubtitles.org) is not an option for this one. c) The Movie Database Sub-Zero Subtitles Should this even be here and marked? Again, [OpenSubtitles.org](http://OpenSubtitles.org) is not an option for this one. 2. TV Shows a) The TVDB [OpenSubtitles.org](http://OpenSubtitles.org) Sub-Zero Subtitles b) The Movie Database Sub-Zero Subtitles Should this even be here and marked? Again, [OpenSubtitles.org](http://OpenSubtitles.org) is not an option for this one. I believe all items to be matched, but I can double check on that. Will also do another meta data refresh. Let me know if you still need a screenshot and I will take one over the weekend. ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 1:48am UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/7 "2020-08-11T01:48:46Z")
Thank you for your feedback and sorry for my slow reply, but I had to focus on work last week. Based on your feedback, I have updated my agents as follows: ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/e/9/e90789550e4cbde28f465373b9320111cf781021.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/5/2/526e43a14f2308a3c03bb474c2de76648e17acc5.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/a/0/a08406f1b5ef7581958dbb6b66443d99a0f3f80b.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/e/f/ef7e339d9373e43b6db1d1a4b862234295afcfd3.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/6/2/624923c6e3a5598e3ee9a07a595b0165a357a1b9.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/9/2/924465b0dfc3949bb246c47fbe581ad63e194b10.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/d/e/de47da2179f0207944606247c30d1f007d2b7afc.jpeg) Some questions for my own understanding: 1. Is the [OpenSubtitles.org](http://OpenSubtitles.org) agent, the standard agent of Plex? 2. What does the Local Media Assets agent do for subtitles? 3. I have just re-installed Plex earlier this year. Are you saying that my libraries are not using the new Movie handling in Plex? How do I upgrade my current libraries? All media files are in separate directories on my Synology and I have double chekced that user plex has sufficient access as outlined in your post. I personally don’t care if subtitles come as a standard feature or by plugin. However, it is my experience that 3rd party plugins are helpful with complex applications because they allow the developer to focus on core functionality instead of having to divide development capabilities to meet special needs. Anyhow, I am happy to see that subtitles is being worked on and so I am hopeful that I can eventually get it to work. Thank you again for your help and please let me know if I can try or check anything else. ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 4:24pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/9 "2020-08-11T16:24:37Z")
Thank you for your reply! I found that my menu structure looks different than your’s. I am basically missing “Upgrade Matching”. Here is what I have: ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/8/b/8b1a2b2f760ad4301c90981e2f04655af0c49e59.jpeg) I am using version 1.20.0.3181 on DSM 6.2. Platform is Intel (x64). It also still shows me the OpenSubtitles agent. Do I need to remove it manually somehow? I have also taken your advise and re-created the Movies library. However, that did not resolve the menu issue outlined above. ---
**Author:** ![BigWheel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/bigwheel/32/78783_2.png) [@BigWheel](https://forums.plex.tv/u/BigWheel)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 4:34pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/11 "2020-08-11T16:34:41Z")
I would look to see which scanner/agent your library is actually using first. The New Plex Movie agent does not use any other additional agents and you won’t see the “upgrade metadata” option if already using it. ![Screen Shot 2020-08-11 at 9.33.55 AM](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/4/d/4d4678515f7b7bafd23a35ca554dc85e22a13631.png) ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 4:35pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/12 "2020-08-11T16:35:48Z")
@trumpy81 OK. If the menu only shows for old libraries than my libraries have already been new. Regardless of that I have now re-created them. Will do some testing on subtitles in the next few minutes. Just to confirm: An existing subtitle for .mp4 should be labeled .srt, right? The local agent should then be able to find it, correct? Will report back later with my findings. @BigWheel Thank you for your reply. My old and new libraries have been set to Plex Movie as shown in your screenshot. ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 5:38pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/15 "2020-08-11T17:38:46Z")
@trumpy81 My main issue on subtitles is that I have some German movies I enjoy to watch. However the rest of my family only speaks English. Sadly, older movies don’t come with English subtitles (or audio). Anyhow, I have some good news! It finally found a manually added subtitle. This time around it found the subtitle for one movie I have been testing it for. Here is a screenshot. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/1/0/106cbd1907fa52afc6c72993bc8197a481a50b1c.png) On the downside, it doesn’t seem to recognize the language of the manually downloaded subtitle file. I am guessing I can manually edit the meta data? Great progress! 😀 ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 5:49pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/17 "2020-08-11T17:49:39Z")
Adding the language code corrected the problem! Excellent! I think I have a working solution for my needs now. A big thank you to @OttoKerner (LMA was indeed my main problem), @trumpy81 (clearing up the confusion about the OpenSubtitles agent on my end) and @BigWheel (making sure that my library settings are correct). Great support! Job well done!!! ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 8:20pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/18 "2020-08-11T20:20:59Z")
One small issue: It still doesn’t automatically set a subtitle if the audio language isn’t English. I have the following configuration: ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/9/1/91e3f4a334f8fac293ec8d2cad489b36d9679fcb.jpeg) So, I was expecting that it would automatically select a subtitle if the audio language is unknown or not English. Is there another setting I might be missing? ---
**Author:** ![jst68](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce7236/32.png) [@jst68](https://forums.plex.tv/u/jst68)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2020, 8:54pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/19 "2020-08-11T20:54:04Z")
Never mind. It started working a few minutes later. I am guessing that the agent was still working on re-building the libraries I had re-created earlier today. Everything seems to work well now! Thank you!! ---
**Author:** ![iulianOnofrei](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/plex/user_avatar/forums.plex.tv/iulianonofrei/32/205423_2.png) [@iulianOnofrei](https://forums.plex.tv/u/iulianOnofrei)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/20 "2020-09-04T20:02:38Z")
> [@trumpy81](#): > > rest assured that will be going away This is the opposite of what anyone would want to hear. So, if it will be removed, what will we use?! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/plex/original/3X/2/a/2acb9765406f63293d357b4ec509ec39aa28f2ad.png) [@system](https://forums.plex.tv/u/system)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2020, 8:09pm UTC](https://forums.plex.tv/t/problems-with-subtitles/618806/22 "2020-12-03T20:09:14Z")
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