What to do when sound is not heard from one side of your Samsung Galaxy Buds series
If sound is heard from only one earbud in your Samsung Galaxy Buds series, the issue may be related to earbud fit, debris on the speaker mesh, sound balance settings, or a temporary connection issue between the earbuds. This FAQ explains what to check first and how to resolve the issue using settings available on your mobile device.
What should you check before troubleshooting?
Before changing any settings, check the following items first.
- Make sure both earbuds are worn correctly and fit securely
- Check whether there is any debris or earwax on the earbud speaker mesh
- Confirm that the left and right ear tips are the same size and properly attached
- Check that the Bluetooth connection is stable
How to adjust the left and right sound balance on Galaxy Buds
If sound is louder on one side, adjust the left and right sound balance using your phone settings or the Galaxy Wearable app.
Adjust sound balance using the Settings app
Follow the steps below after connecting your Galaxy Buds to your phone.
Step 1. Tap Settings.
Step 2. Select Accessibility.
Step 3. Tap Hearing enhancements.
Step 4. Under Left/right sound balance, move the slider to adjust the balance.
How to set up the earbud connection again
If your device does not connect, sound is not heard from one earbud at all, or one earbud has been lost and replaced, the earbuds may no longer be properly coupled to each other. Setting up the earbud connection again can restore normal sound output.
Self-coupling is supported on the following models:
– Galaxy Buds+ (SM-R175)
– Galaxy Buds Live (SM-R180)
– Galaxy Buds Pro (SM-R190)
– Galaxy Buds2 (SM-R177)
– Galaxy Buds2 Pro (SM-R510)
– Galaxy Buds FE (SM-R400)
– Galaxy Buds3 (SM-R530)
– Galaxy Buds3 Pro (SM-R630)
– Galaxy Buds3 FE (SM-R420)
– Galaxy Buds4 (SM-R540)
– Galaxy Buds4 Pro (SM-R640)
Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro
Step 1. Check the left and right sides of the newly purchased earbud and the existing earbud, then place them in the correct slots in the charging case.
Step 2. Open the charging case, then press and hold the connect button on the back of the case for 7 seconds.
Step 3. When the indicator light flashes blue and then turns off, the earbuds are connected to each other.
Please note:
- If the earbuds are not connected correctly, the charging case indicator light will continue flashing red. If this happens, remove the earbuds from the charging case, place them back in, open the case, then press and hold the connect button on the back of the charging case for 7 seconds.
- If the two earbuds are running different software versions, follow the on-screen instructions in Earbuds settings to update the software.
Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro and Buds3 FE
Step 1. Place both earbuds in the charging case and check that they are seated properly.
Step 2. Open the charging case.
Step 3. Press and hold the connect button on the bottom of the case for 7 seconds.
Galaxy Buds (Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, Buds Pro, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds FE)
Step 1. Place both earbuds in the charging case and make sure they are seated correctly.
Step 2. With the earbuds in the case, touch and hold both earbuds at the same time for 7 seconds.
Step 3. When the indicator light flashes and then turns off, the earbuds are connected to each other.
Please note:
- For model-specific wearing instructions and earbud cleaning methods, refer to the user manual on the Samsung product page.
- The left and right sound balance feature is not applied during calls.
- Some Galaxy Buds models, such as Galaxy Buds and Buds+ (SM-R170/R175), may not support the left and right sound balance feature.
- If the software versions of the existing earbud and the newly connected earbud are different, the earbuds may not enter connection mode. In this case, place both earbuds in the charging case, close the lid, then open it again and connect the earbuds directly via Bluetooth using the Galaxy Wearable app on your mobile device. After connecting to the mobile device, go to Earbuds settings and perform a software update. Once the update is complete, the earbuds will automatically enter connection mode.
- If the earbuds do not connect correctly, the battery indicator light may continue flashing red. If this happens, remove both earbuds from the charging case, place them back into the case, and touch and hold both earbuds at the same time for at least 7 seconds again.
- Menu names, paths, and screen layouts may vary depending on your device model, software version, or app version.
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