How to turn off descriptive audio on Disney plus
Introduction
Descriptive audio, also known as audio description (AD), is a feature designed to narrate visual elements of a show or movie, making content accessible for viewers with visual impairments. It provides spoken descriptions of scenes, actions, and on-screen details, enhancing the overall viewing experience for those who rely on it.
However, not every viewer needs or wants AD. Some may find the narration distracting, prefer a clean audio track, or simply want to enjoy their favorite Disney+ titles without interruptions. Because of this, Disney+ allows users to enable or disable descriptive audio on a per-video basis, giving control back to the viewer.
It’s important to note that the steps to turn off AD differ depending on your device—whether you’re using a mobile app, web browser, or a streaming device like Roku, Firestick, or Apple TV. Following the right steps for your platform ensures a seamless, AD-free viewing experience.
2. Understanding Descriptive Audio on Disney+
Descriptive audio, or audio description (AD), is a special narration track that verbally explains visual elements in a movie or show. This includes actions, scene changes, on-screen text, and other visual details that help viewers with visual impairments fully follow the story.
On Disney+, you might notice audio tracks labeled “English” and “English”**. The plain “English” track is the standard audio without descriptive narration, while “English” (or tracks with an asterisk) includes audio description. Selecting the correct track ensures you’re watching without AD interruptions.
It’s important to remember that these settings are per-title, not account-wide. This means you’ll need to adjust the audio for each video individually if you want to turn off AD consistently.
For official guidance and additional accessibility options, check out the Disney+ Accessibility overview.
3. Turning Off Descriptive Audio on Mobile Devices (iOS & Android)

If you’re watching Disney+ on your smartphone or tablet, turning off descriptive audio is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Open the Disney+ app and start playing the title you want to watch.
- Tap the screen to bring up playback controls.
- Select the settings icon (a small square) located in the top right corner.
- Under Audio, choose “English” without AD or an asterisk. Tracks labeled with an asterisk (e.g., “English*”) include descriptive narration, so make sure to avoid them.
- Repeat these steps for each title, as audio settings are not universal across your account.
💡 Tip: Interfaces may vary slightly depending on recent app updates, so your menu layout might look a little different.
📷 Optional Visual Cue: Include a screenshot of the audio selection menu to guide users visually.
For a quick walkthrough, check out this YouTube demo: Mobile Demo
4. Turning Off Descriptive Audio on Web Browser

Watching Disney+ on your computer? Disabling descriptive audio on the web is just as simple as on mobile. Follow these steps:
- Open disneyplus.com and start playing the content you want to watch.
- Click the “Audio & Subtitles” button in the top right corner during playback.
- Select “English” without audio description from the available list. Tracks with an asterisk or labeled as “AD” include narration, so be sure to pick the plain English track.
💡 Tip: The web steps closely mirror the mobile app experience, but menus may look slightly different depending on your browser or updates. Always verify steps on your current browser version for a smooth viewing experience.
5. Turning Off Descriptive Audio on Streaming Devices

If you’re watching Disney+ on a streaming device, disabling descriptive audio requires a few device-specific steps. Here’s how to do it on popular platforms:
5.1 Roku
- Play the video, then press the * button on your remote.
- Go to Audio Track and switch from “English”* to plain “English”.
- Alternative method: Navigate to Settings > Audio > S/PDIF/ARC and set to Stereo, then go to Accessibility > Audio Guide and turn it off.
- Tip: These steps are similar to Fire TV tips if needed.
5.2 Amazon Firestick
- Pause playback and access the Screen Settings to select a non-AD audio track.
- Or go to Device Settings > Accessibility and turn off Audio Descriptions.
- Reference guide: Fire TV Tips
5.3 Apple TV
- Swipe down on your remote to open the Audio Menu during playback.
- Select English without AD.
- If needed, go to Settings > Accessibility and disable VoiceOver.
5.4 Samsung TV
- Navigate to Settings > General > Accessibility and turn Voice Guide off.
- During playback, use your remote to adjust the audio language or track to non-AD content.
6. Tips and Best Practices
- Verify after updates: Disney+ frequently updates its apps and interfaces. Always double-check steps after an app or device update to ensure you’re following the current process.
- Per-title settings: Audio description settings are applied per video, not account-wide. You’ll need to adjust audio for each title individually if you want a consistent AD-free experience.
- Bookmark support articles: Keep official Disney+ help pages or guides handy for quick reference, especially if you switch devices frequently.
- Accessibility options: Remember, descriptive audio is an important accessibility feature. Users who need it can always enable AD again, ensuring Disney+ remains inclusive for everyone.
7. Related Guides & Resources
- Steps to disable audio description on Disney Plus for web – Guide Link
- How to turn off audio description on Fire TV and Firestick – Fire TV Guide
- How to disable audio description on Roku and Apple TV – YouTube Demo
- Change default audio track for all Disney Plus titles – Disney+ FAQ
- Official Disney Plus accessibility support page – Disney+ Accessibility
8. Conclusion
Turning off descriptive audio on Disney+ is simple once you know where to look. Whether you’re on a mobile device, web browser, or streaming platform like Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, or Samsung TV, you can select the standard “English” audio track to enjoy content without narration.
Remember, these settings apply per title, so you’ll need to adjust them for each video individually. Take a moment to tailor your Disney+ experience to your personal viewing preference—AD on when needed, off when not.
Finally, interfaces and app versions can change over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Disney+ help articles for the latest instructions and accessibility options.
FAQ: Turning Off Descriptive Audio on Disney+
1. What is descriptive audio on Disney+?
Descriptive audio (or audio description, AD) is a narration track that explains visual elements in movies or shows, making content accessible for viewers with visual impairments.
2. How do I turn off descriptive audio on my mobile device?
Open the Disney+ app, play a title, tap the screen for controls, select the settings icon, and under Audio, choose “English” without an asterisk. Repeat for each title.
3. Can I disable descriptive audio for all Disney+ titles at once?
No. AD settings are per title, so you need to select the non-AD track for each video individually.
4. Does turning off descriptive audio work the same on all devices?
The steps vary depending on the platform—mobile, web browser, Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, or Samsung TV. Follow device-specific instructions to ensure AD is off.
5. Where can I find official guidance if I run into issues?
For the latest instructions, interface updates, and accessibility options, check the official Disney+ accessibility support page.



