This Python script sets all movies and shows in your local Plex library to English non-forced subtitles by default. Please note, this script does not download subtitles, it simply changes the default track for existing subs in your library. It designed to work on Python 3.5 or later and compatible on any operating system where Python is installed (Windows, macOS, Linux, etc).
This script utilizes Plex Python API and sets all movies and shows in your local Plex library to English non-forced subtitles by default. The subtitle preferences will be applied to your Plex profile and remembered on other devices. By default, Plex prefers forced subtitles when available for a given item. However, Plex does not natively allow you to prefer non-forced subtitles, which is why this script was created.
The script has been thoroughly tested and confirmed to be working. Feel free to use the code for your own purposes. I will be running this script periodically on my home server along with some other cool scripts. If you're interested, see below for my other recommended projects.
If you encounter any bugs while using this script, please open an issue so it can be properly investigated.
Non-forced subtitles provide subtitles everytime a characters speaks.
Forced subtitles only provide subtitles when the characters speak a foreign or alien language.
- Install Python (v3.5 or later). During installation, tick the box for adding Python to your PATH variable.
- Install the script by executing the following in the command line:
python -m pip install PlexPreferNonForcedSubs. - Ensure that your Plex media server is running, then run the script using
PlexPreferNonForcedSubsin the command line. - On the first run, the script will prompt you to enter your Plex token. The token will be saved locally in the same folder as
token.txt. - Done, setup complete. The script will continue to run and set all movies and shows in your local Plex library to use English non-forced subtitles.
- (Optional) If you have not yet setup your preferred subtitle settings in Plex, it is recommended to do so if you want English subs always enabled when available. To avoid overriding manual subtitle selection, the script will not set subtitle tracks to English when the subtitle tracks are set to Off or None. To change your default subtitle settings in Plex, navigate to Plex Settings > Account > Audio & Subtitle Settings > Set your preferred subtitle language to "English" and "Always Enabled". See screenshot.
See the section below for instructions on how to run, update, and uninstall the script.
python -m pip install PlexPreferNonForcedSubs
Execute in your operating system's native command line.
PlexPreferNonForcedSubs
Execute in your operating system's native command line.
python -m pip install PlexPreferNonForcedSubs --upgrade
Execute in your operating system's native command line.
python -m pip uninstall PlexPreferNonForcedSubs
Execute in your operating system's native command line.
python -m pip install PlexPreferNonForcedSubs==VERSION_NUMBER
Replace VERSION_NUMBER with your desired version (e.g. 2.1.4) and execute in your operating system's native command line.
- Install Python (v3.5 or later). During installation, tick the box for adding Python to your PATH variable.
- Download the latest
.pyscript from the releases page and move it to the desired directory. - Execute the script by running
PlexPreferNonForcedSubs.py, or open the terminal and navigate to the folder wherePlexPreferNonForcedSubs.pyis located, then runPlexPreferNonForcedSubs.pyin the terminal. - On the first run, the script will prompt you to enter your Plex token. The token will be saved locally in the same folder as
token.txt. - Done.
See the section above for instructions on how to run, update, and uninstall the script.
- Looking for a script to prefer SDH subtitles? See discussion: Preferring Non-Forced English SDH subtitles.
- Some lines of redundant code can be shortened and/or removed. Refer to this issue for more details.
If you find my scripts helpful, you can become a sponsor and support my projects! If you need help with a project, open an issue, and I'll do my best to assist you. For other inquiries and custom projects, you can contact me on Twitter.
| Project Name | Description |
|---|---|
| PlexTraktSync | A script that syncs user watch history and ratings between Trakt and Plex (without needing a PlexPass or Trakt VIP subscription). |
| IMDB-Trakt-Syncer | A script that syncs user watchlist, ratings, and reviews both ways between Trakt and IMDB. |
| TMDB-Trakt-Syncer | A script that syncs user watchlist and ratings both ways between Trakt and TMDB. |
| PlexPreferNonForcedSubs | A script that sets all movies and shows in your local Plex library to English non-forced subtitles by default. |
| Casvt / AudioSubChanger | A script with advanced options for changing audio & subtitle tracks in Plex. |
| Casvt / PlexAutoDelete | A script for automatically deleting watched content from Plex. |
| universal-trakt-scrobbler | An extension that automatically scrobbles TV shows and Movies from several streaming services to Trakt. |
| Netflix-to-Trakt-Import | A tool to import your Netflix viewing history into Trakt. |
| trakt-tv-backup | A command-line tool for backing up your Trakt.tv data. |
| blacktwin / JBOPS | A collection of scripts and tools for enhancing and automating tasks in Plex. |
| Casvt / Plex-scripts | A collection of useful scripts for Plex automation and management. |
| trakt---letterboxd-import | A tool to import your Letterboxd ratings and watchlist into Trakt. |
| TraktRater | A tool to help users transfer user episode, show, and movie user ratings and watchlists from multiple media database sites around the web. |
| TvTimeToTrakt | A tool to sync your TV Time watch history with Trakt.tv. |
| Plex Media Server | A media server software to organize and stream your personal media collection. |
| Radarr | A movie collection manager and downloader for various platforms. |
| Sonarr | A TV show collection manager and downloader for various platforms. |
| Jackett | A proxy server that provides API support for various torrent trackers commonly used with Radarr and Sonarr. |
| qBittorrent | A free and open-source BitTorrent client. |
| AirVPN | A VPN client with port forwarding support. Great VPN for torrents. |
| Overseerr | A request management and media discovery tool for your home media server. |
| FlareSolverr | A reverse proxy solution to bypass Cloudflare protection and access websites commonly used with Jackett. |
| yt-dlp | A command-line program to download videos from YouTube and other sites. |
| th-ch/youtube-music | A lightweight and feature-rich desktop client for YouTube Music, offering additional features like ad-blocking, sponsorblock and customizable themes. |
| ReVanced | A community-driven project to modify and enhance YouTube and other apps on Android, offering features such as ad-blocking, background playback, and other advanced customization options. |
| uBlock Origin Chrome / Firefox | A powerful, open-source browser extension for blocking ads, trackers, and other unwanted content. |
| SponsorBlock Chrome / Firefox | A browser extension that automatically skips sponsored segments in YouTube videos. |
| Enhancer for YouTube Chrome / Firefox | A browser extension that adds a wide range of customization options and playback enhancements for YouTube, including the ability to force playback resolution. |
| Return YouTube Dislike Chrome / Firefox | A browser extension that restores the dislike count on YouTube videos. |