How to connect your Galaxy Buds

Galaxy Buds2 Pro connected to Wearables app on Galaxy phone

Galaxy Buds are versatile, wireless earbuds that can connect to several devices so you can get your audio your way. Whether you want to connect them to a phone, tablet, PC, TV, or even a smart watch, they have you covered. They can be used for streaming music and podcasts as well as making and managing phone calls. You can also switch the connection between other devices in your home using the Galaxy Wearable app or Bluetooth settings.

Note: A compatible device and software update are required to connect the Galaxy Buds+ or Galaxy Buds Live to iOS using the Samsung Galaxy Buds app. The earbuds cannot be connected to multiple devices simultaneously. If only one bud is connecting, check out our guide to syncing the buds.

Earbud compatibility

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 devices or other Android devices using Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, or Galaxy Buds2 Pro with the Galaxy Wearable app support:

    Note: The Galaxy Wearable app is compatible with phones and tablets running Android 5.0 and higher.

  • Only on Samsung devices: Gaming mode is only available on Samsung devices and is supported by all Galaxy Bud models (Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Buds Pro) except the original Galaxy Buds.

  • iPhone 7 or later with iOS 10 or higher using the Galaxy Buds+ or Galaxy Buds Live with the Samsung Galaxy Buds app support:

    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. The Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and Galaxy Buds Pro are not compatible with the iOS Buds app.

  • iOS devices using Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, or Galaxy Buds Pro: There is no app support for the Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, or Galaxy Buds Pro with iOS products, but you can pair them with Bluetooth to stream music, make calls, and use touchpad controls.

Pair your earbuds to an Android device with the Galaxy Wearable app

Note: If you have an iOS device, you can connect the Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live with the Samsung Galaxy Buds app instead. Please see the next section.

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 back up.

    Start button displayed in the Galaxy Wearable app
  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 Menu (the three horizontal lines) and then select Disconnect (the icon may look like a chain link). If prompted, tap Disconnect again to confirm.

  5. 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 Menu (the three horizontal lines), 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.

Pair your earbuds to an iPhone with the Samsung Buds app

Note: The Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and Galaxy Buds Pro are not compatible with the iOS app. You can pair them through Bluetooth using the instructions in the next section.

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 back up.

  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.

    Pick your device with Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds+ listed on an iPhone
  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.

Pair your earbuds to an iPhone, PC, or other Bluetooth device

Note: Some devices, especially those that are not tested or approved by the Bluetooth SIG, may be incompatible with the earbuds.

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 your device's manual handy.

  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, insert them into your ears and hold both touchpads for a few seconds until they enter pairing mode.

  4. Follow your device manufacturer's instructions to pair the Galaxy Buds.

Check out this video for PC pairing instructions.

Pair your earbuds to your Samsung smart watch

Connecting your Samsung earbuds to your smart 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.

    Galaxy Buds2 Pro paired on a Galaxy smart watch
  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.

Pair your earbuds to your TV

Use your Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds+, or Galaxy Buds Live 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, insert them into your ears and hold both touchpads for a few 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.

Pair your earbuds to another device

Note: When your earbuds are connected to a device with a Samsung account, the Bluetooth information will be synced to your other Samsung devices automatically.

When your earbuds are paired with one device but you want to connect them to another, such as a PC, a reset is not required. With your earbuds and the Galaxy Wearable app, there are a few ways to switch devices.

  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.

    Galaxy Buds2 Pro highlighted in the Galaxy Wearable app
  5. If the Galaxy Wearable app is currently connected to a device, tap Menu (the three horizontal lines), and then tap Add new device.

Switch connections between paired devices

If you paired your Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live, or Galaxy Buds Pro 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 Buds2, Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds+, or Galaxy Buds Pro, 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.

Disconnect the earbuds

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 Menu (the three horizontal lines), 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.

Disconnect icon highlighted next to Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Was this content helpful?
We're here for you

Contact Samsung Support

Contact us online through chat and get support from an expert on your computer, mobile device or tablet. Support is also available on your mobile device through the Samsung Members App.
Table of contents