How to play MP4 or MKV videos with subtitles on your PlayStation 5

The PlayStation 5 Media Gallery plays MP4 and MKV files, but it won't read external .srt subtitle files. There's no option in the playback menu to enable them.

To get subtitles working, you have to merge them into the video file. Here's how to do it with a free tool, no re-encoding required.

How to merge subtitles with video and play it on PS5

To merge the files without re-encoding the video, we use an open-source tool called MKVToolNix. It re-wraps your video and subtitles into a single MKV file.

1. Make sure your MP4 or MKV video file 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).
2. Download the free installer or portable version of MKVToolNix for Windows.
3. Install and open the program (mkvtoolnix-gui.exe or mkvtoolnix-gui).
4. At the bottom of the MKVToolNix window, click + Add source files.
5. Navigate to your files.
6. Select both the video and the `.srt` file.
7. Click Open.
8. Click OK if prompted.
9. 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 new .mkv file in the same folder.

10. Ensure your USB drive is formatted to exFAT.

    Now that your subtitles are embedded in the file, the PS5 will recognize them.

11. 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.
12. Move your new `.mkv` file into that folder.
13. Plug the USB drive into your PS5.
14. Open Media Gallery on your PS5.
15. Navigate to the USB tab.
16. If two USB drives are connected, select the one with your video.
17. Open the Video folder.
18. Select the video to play it.
    

Troubleshooting PS5 video subtitles

Why does the screen say "No media found" on my USB?

The PS5 Media Gallery only reads files inside a folder. If your videos are on the root of the drive, it won't see them. Put them in a folder (like "Video") and it'll pick them up.

Can I turn the subtitles off after doing this?

Yes. Since the subtitles are a separate track in the file (not burned into the image), they're optional. Press Options during playback to toggle them on or off.

What video formats does the PS5 actually support?

The PS5 Media Gallery supports MKV, MP4, and WEBM. It only reads certain audio codecs (AAC, AC3). If your merged video plays but has no sound, the original file likely used an unsupported format like Dolby TrueHD or DTS.

Related:

How to play USB media on PS5: Movies, music & photos

PlayStation 5