Watching movies in VLC media player and you notice the subtitle is out of sync? Whether the subtitle is ahead or lagging, here’s how to fix subtitle out of sync in VLC media player. You can set whether to make the subtitle appear earlier if it is lag, or appear later if it is ahead of the video.

There’re times when you can’t get an exact subtitle for the video. This usually happens when you download the video and the subtitle from different sources.

While playing the video with an external subtitle, you notice the subtitle is not synchronized. But don’t worry, here’s the method to adjust the positive or negative delay to sync the subtitle with the audio or video.

See also how to watch YouTube video in VLC media player.

How to fix subtitle out of sync in VLC media player

You’ll need a video (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, H.264, MKV, WebM, WMV, MP3…) and a subtitle (.srt file).

The following are two methods to sync subtitle in VLC media player. You can use the track synchronization or use the keyboard shortcut. For better accuracy, use Track Synchronization.

Method 1: Using Track Synchronization

This is my favourite method. It is an accurate method to adjust and sync subtitle by manually enter the offset value.

1. Open VLC media player.
2. Play any video with subtitle.
3. While playing the video, find out whether the subtitle is ahead or lag compare to the video. If the subtitle:
   • ahead of the video – the value change will be negative to make the subtitle appear later
   • lagging – the value change will be positive to make the subtitle appear earlier
4. Select Tools.
5. Select Track Synchronization.
6. In Adjustments and Effects window, select Synchronization tab.
7. Under Subtitle/Video section, input any positive or negative value in the box beside Subtitle track synchronization.
8. After you make any changes, you might need to do a little back and forth to confirm the synchronization.
9. Sit back and enjoy the video!

Method 2: Using keyboard shortcut

Using keyboard shortcut, the positive or negative delay can be adjusted by 50ms for every step. Use the following key. If the subtitle:

• ahead of the video — press H one time to make the subtitle appear later by 50ms
• lagging — press G one time to make the subtitle appear earlier by 50ms

You can press H and G keys as many times to sync the subtitle with the audio or video.

The syncing only works at that time. If you close VLC, the setting will be gone. Next time you play the video, you need to adjust the subtitle offset time once again.

If you know any better method and wanted to share, just let me know in the comment below.