How to connect your Samsung Galaxy earbuds

Your earbuds can connect to Bluetooth devices for streaming music or making calls. You'll get the best experience when using the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone or tablet because you'll have full control over your music. Some features won't appear in the app unless you've already connected the earbuds at least once.

• Samsung and Android devices using the Galaxy Wearable app (Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live,  Buds Pro, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds3, and Buds3 Pro), or iPhone 7 or later devices running iOS 10 or higher using the Samsung Galaxy Buds app (Galaxy Buds+ or Galaxy Buds Live):
  • Streaming music
  • Notifications (not available on iOS)
  • Spotify integration
  • Making calls
  • Ambient sound
  • Touchpad controls
  • Battery status
  • Equalizer sound controls
  • Find My Earbuds
  • Restarting or resetting your earbuds
  • Checking for software updates

Note: Notifications, Gaming mode, and Spotify integration are not available on iOS. Keep in mind that there are a few differences between the earbud types. On iOS devices, the Samsung Galaxy Buds app is compatible on iPhone 7 and later running iOS 10 or higher. Only the Galaxy Buds+ and Buds Live are compatible with the iOS Buds app.

• Gaming mode: Available on Samsung devices and is supported by Galaxy Bud models (Galaxy Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro) when connected to a Samsung phone. Gaming mode is not available on the original Galaxy Buds.
• iOS devices: Galaxy Buds Live and Buds+ are compatible with the Galaxy Buds app for iOS. There is no app support for the Galaxy Buds, Buds Pro, Buds2, Buds2 pro, Buds3, or Buds3 pro with iOS products, but you can pair them with Bluetooth to stream music, make calls, and use touchpad controls.

Pairing your Galaxy Buds to your phone or tablet with the Galaxy Wearable app is practically effortless. If you've already paired your earbuds with a phone or tablet, just open the charging case to reconnect them.

1. To connect a new pair, navigate to and open the Galaxy Wearable app, and then tap Start. Place your earbuds in the charging case, close the lid for 5-6 seconds, and then open the case.
   
   
2. When your device is spotted, select it, and then pairing and setup will begin.
3. When a pop-up message appears, tap OK to confirm the pairing.
4. If you want to disconnect the earbuds from your phone or tablet manually, open the Galaxy Wearable app, tap the Menu icon, and then select Disconnect (the icon may look like a chain link). If prompted, tap Disconnect again to confirm.

These connection steps only work if this is the first device you are pairing with the Galaxy Wearable app. If you want to pair an additional device, open the Galaxy Wearable app, tap the Menu icon, and then tap Add new device. Make sure your earbuds are in pairing mode by inserting them into your ears and holding both touchpads for a few seconds. Next, select them from the list of available devices.

If you have an iPhone 7 or later, you can use the Samsung Galaxy Buds app to connect your Galaxy Buds+ or Galaxy Buds Live to your phone.

1. Navigate to and open the Buds app, and then tap Get started. Place your earbuds in the charging case, close the lid for 5-6 seconds, and then open the case.
2. Next, select your earbuds from the list of devices. If needed, make sure to turn on Bluetooth if it isn't on already. When your device is spotted, select it, and then pairing and setup will begin.
   
3. Review the information, select if you want to send diagnostic information, and then tap Agree. Read the information, and then tap Got it.
4. Your Galaxy Buds+ or Buds Live will now finish pairing with your phone. Read the information, and then tap Confirm. You can now use the app to control your earbuds.

These connection steps only work if this is the first device you are pairing with the Buds app. If you want to pair an additional device, open the Buds app, and then tap More options (the three vertical dots). Tap Connect new device, and make sure your earbuds are in pairing mode by inserting them into your ears and holding both touchpads for a few seconds until they enter pairing mode. Next, select them from the list of available devices.

Have an iPhone, another Android, a computer, watch, or any device that doesn't support the Galaxy Wearable app? No worries, you can use your Samsung earbuds just like other Bluetooth headphones. You may need to refer to your device's manual to proceed.

1. Place your earbuds in the charging case, and then close the lid. Wait 5-6 seconds, and then open the case.
2. The earbuds will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
3. If they are already paired to another device, then you will need to put them into pairing mode.
   • For Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro, insert them into your ears and hold both touchpads for a few seconds until they enter pairing mode.
   • For Buds2 or Buds2 Pro, place both buds in the charging case, and then touch and hold the touchpads on both buds until the lights on the case flash.
   • For Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro, place them in the charging case. Close the lid, reopen it, and then with the buds still in the case, press and hold the Connect button on the bottom of the case for three seconds.
4. Follow your device manufacturer's instructions to pair the Galaxy Buds.

Connecting your Samsung earbuds to your Galaxy watch will let you manage calls and listen to music on your watch, no matter where the day takes you.

1. On your watch, navigate to Settings.
2. Tap Connections, and then tap Bluetooth.
3. Verify the switch for Bluetooth is turned on. If your earbuds have not been paired to another device, simply open the case to put them into pairing mode. If they are already paired to another device, insert them into your ears and hold both touchpads for a few seconds until they enter pairing mode.
4. Tap Bluetooth audio or Bluetooth headset, and then select the desired earbuds.
   
5. Tap the Settings icon next to the earbuds, and then make sure Call audio and Media audio are both turned on.

Note: Audio output for phone call conversations on earbuds is only available with LTE watch models. If the switch(es) for Call audio and Media audio is turned off, you will not hear any output to the earbuds and they may disconnect from the watch.

Use your Samsung earbuds when watching TV so you can control the volume without interrupting anyone nearby.

1. If your earbuds have not been paired to another device, simply open the case to put them into pairing mode. If they are already paired to another device, you'll need to put them into pairing mode first. 
   • For Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro, insert them into your ears and hold both touchpads for a few seconds until they enter pairing mode.
   • For Buds2 or Buds2 Pro, place both buds in the charging case, and then touch and hold the touchpads on both buds until the lights on the case flash.
   • For Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro, place them in the charging case. Close the lid, reopen it, and then with the buds still in the case, press and hold the Connect button on the bottom of the case for three seconds.
2. Navigate to the Bluetooth audio device list on your TV, and select the earbuds to pair with. The process is slightly different depending on what model of TV you have. Keep in mind these steps refer to Samsung TVs. If you do not have a Samsung TV, please refer to your manufacturer for specific steps.
   • 2022, 2021, and 2020 Smart TVs: Select Menu, then select Settings (All Settings). Select Sound, then select Sound Output, and then select Bluetooth Speaker List.
   • 2019, 2018, and 2017 Smart TVs (including R, N, and M models): Select Home, select Settings, and then select Sound. Select Sound Output, and then select Bluetooth Speaker List.
   • 2016 Smart TVs (K models): Select Home, select Settings, and then select Sound. Select Expert Settings, select Wireless Speaker Manager, and then select Bluetooth Audio Devices.
   • 2015 Smart TVs (J models) - Bluetooth audio devices: Select MENU, and then select Sound. Select Additional Settings, and then select Bluetooth Audio.
   • 2014 Smart TVs (H models) - Bluetooth audio devices: Select MENU, select Sound, and then select Speaker Settings. Select TV Sound Output, and then select Bluetooth Headphone.

Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro:

1. Place both buds inside the case in the correct slots.
2. Close the case lid, and then reopen it.
3. With the earbuds inside the case, press and hold the Connect button bottom of the case for three or more seconds.
4. When the lights flash green-blue-red, the Buds are in pairing mode.

Galaxy Buds2 or Buds2 Pro:

1. Place both earbuds inside the case in their correct spots.
2. Close the lid to the case, and then reopen it.
3. With the earbuds still in the case, touch and hold the touchpad on each earbud at the same time for three seconds until the lights on the case flash.
4. Once the lights flash, the earbuds are in pairing mode.

Galaxy Buds Pro, Buds Live, Buds+, or Buds:

1. Touch and hold both touchpads for a few seconds while the earbuds are inserted in your ears.
2. After hearing an initial sound, you'll hear a constant coupling sound. This means the earbuds are now in pairing mode and you can connect to the second device.
3. If you have issues connecting to the second device, turn off Bluetooth on the first device.
4. Once your Galaxy Buds are in pairing mode, connect them to the other device via the Galaxy Wearable app, or your phone's Bluetooth settings.
   
5. If the Galaxy Wearable app is currently connected to a device, tap Menu (the three horizontal lines), and then tap Add new device.

If you paired your Galaxy Buds to two different phones or tablets using the Galaxy Wearable app, you can switch between them easily.

1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on the phone or tablet that is not connected to the earbuds; the earbuds should automatically connect. If Galaxy Wearable is already open, you may simply tap Connect.
2. When you're ready to switch back to the first device, open the Bluetooth settings on the second device, and then tap the earbuds. The earbuds will disconnect from the second device.
3. To reconnect with the first device, open the Bluetooth settings on the first device and tap the earbuds.

When connecting the earbuds to a device that has already been signed in to your Samsung account, the pairing information will be available on other devices that share your account. You can then switch connections between those devices. To do this, navigate to and open Settings on your preferred device. Tap Connections, then tap Bluetooth, and then select the earbuds that have been synced with your Samsung account.

With the Galaxy Buds+ and newer models, you won’t need to worry about manually switching over to another device if you’re receiving a phone call. If you’re enjoying some music on your Galaxy tablet, for example, your Buds will use the Automatic switching feature to switch over to your phone so you can take the call. Keep in mind that your devices must be signed into the same Samsung account to use this feature.

If you have several Bluetooth audio devices connected, you can also use the Media and Device panel to switch connections between the devices.

There are a few ways to disconnect your Samsung earbuds from a connected device:

• Place the earbuds inside the charging case and close the lid. This will cause the earbuds to unpair from the connected device.
• Navigate to and open the Galaxy Wearable app, tap the Menu icon, and then tap the Disconnect icon (it looks like a chain).
• Navigate to Settings, and then tap Connections. Tap Bluetooth, tap the Settings icon next to your earbuds in the device list, and then tap Unpair.