How to play video files with subtitles on the PS5
The PS5 is a gaming powerhouse, but its built-in Media Gallery is a frustratingly basic video player. If you plug in a USB drive containing an MP4 or MKV video along with a separate `.srt` subtitle file, the PS5 will flat-out ignore the subtitles. There are no options in the playback menu to turn them on.
To get subtitles working on the PS5, you have to merge the subtitle file directly into the video file itself. I'll show you how to use a free, lightweight tool to embed your subtitles in under a minute without losing a single pixel of video quality.
Step 1: Download MKVToolNix
To merge the files instantly without re-encoding the entire video, we use an open-source tool called MKVToolNix. It simply "re-wraps" your video and subtitles together into a single file container.
- Download the free installer or portable version of MKVToolNix for Windows.
- Install and open the program (mkvtoolnix-gui.exe or mkvtoolnix-gui).
Step 2: Merge your video and subtitles
Before starting, make sure your video file (MP4 or MKV) and your `.srt` subtitle file are in the same folder on your computer and share the exact same name (e.g., movie.mp4 and movie.srt).
- At the bottom of the MKVToolNix window, click the + Add source files button.
- Navigate to your files.
- Select both the video and the `.srt` file.
- Click Open.
- If MKVToolNix ask you what you want to do with the files, just click OK.
- At the bottom of the screen, click Start multiplexing.
Because the software isn't converting the video quality, it doesn't take hours. The process should finish in about 10 to 30 seconds, generating a brand new .mkv file in the same directory.
Step 3: Play the video on your PS5
Now that your subtitles are baked into the file container, the PS5 will recognize them natively.
- Ensure your USB drive is formatted to exFAT (so it can handle files larger than 4GB).
- Crucial: Create a folder named Video in the root directory of your USB drive. The PS5 will not display media files if they are loose on the root of the drive.
- Move your new `.mkv` file into that folder.
- Plug the USB drive into your PS5.
- Open Media Gallery.
- Navigate to the USB tab.
- If two USB drives are connected, select the one that contains the video file you want to watch.
- Open the Video folder.
- Click the video to play it.
Troubleshooting PS5 video subtitles
Why does the screen say "No media found" on my USB?
The PS5's Media Gallery is incredibly strict about folder structure. If your videos are just sitting on the main screen of your USB drive when you plug it into your PC, the PS5 won't see them. Make sure they are placed inside a folder.
Can I turn the subtitles off after doing this?
Yes. Because we "multiplexed" the file rather than hardcoding (burning) the text into the image, the subtitles are optional. While playing the video on your PS5, you can press the Options button on your DualSense controller to turn the subtitle track on or off.
What video formats does the PS5 actually support?
The PS5 Media Gallery officially supports MKV, MP4, and WEBM files. However, it only supports specific audio codecs (like AAC LC). If your newly merged video plays but has no sound, the original file likely used an unsupported audio format like Dolby TrueHD or DTS.
Related:
How to play USB media on PS5: Movies, music & photos
How to merge subtitles with video permanently (6 easy ways)