Poor audio quality when using Galaxy buds to make calls

If your Galaxy Buds or Gear IconX earbuds have no or low volume, or poor sound quality on one or both buds, there may be a couple reasons why. You might be wearing the earbuds incorrectly, or the buds could have accumulated dust or debris. Additionally, the audio quality could be affected by outdated software, a low battery, and several other things.

Poor audio quality when using Galaxy buds to make calls

1

Check your earbud settings.

Check your earbud settings to see if you have Ambient sound or Noise canceling enabled. Ambient sound mode allows you to hear sounds in the background while you are on a phone call, which can cause a lot of background noise. You should turn off Ambient sound mode to prevent this. However, if your buds have Active noise canceling, it's recommended to turn it on to prevent background noise.
2

Check the direction of each earbud.

Make sure they're in the correct ears and fitted correctly. If you need to change the tips for a better fit, do that. It will help prevent audio leaks.
3

Check your device's volume level.

Adjust the volume settings on your phone to make sure it's set high enough. You can increase the sound on the connected phone using the Volume up key. If the volume is set to max but the sound output is low, it is probably because the phone and earbuds have two separate volume controls.

To control the volume on the earbuds themselves, you will need to set up touchpad commands. You should also check the media volume limiter settings.

4

Check the earbuds' battery status.

If they have a low battery, it may be necessary to charge the earbuds. You can check their battery level by going to the Bluetooth settings menu in your phone and selecting your connected buds.

Galaxy Wearable app showing battery status for Galaxy Buds2 Pro

5

Make sure you are within Bluetooth range.

Check your Bluetooth range between the earbuds and your phone. Make sure to use the earbuds and your device within 30 feet of each other, and avoid using the device near obstructions that can block the Bluetooth signal, such as walls, routers, electrical equipment, or electromagnetic waves.
6

Inspect the earbuds for dirt and damage.

  • Be sure to regularly clean the earbuds. The build-up of dust, earwax, or other debris in the microphone can also make you sound muffled.
  • Check the air ducts and speakers to make sure they are clean.
  • Inspect for a cracked or lifted case, and broken, bent, or loose parts.
  • If you see obvious damage, cracks, or small chips on the earbuds, this means that the earbuds have suffered from an external impact. This can impair the earbuds and their functions.
  • The earbuds are not impervious to water damage in any situation. Exposure to water, liquids, or chemicals can cause damage or issues with the earbuds.
Note
Damaged products are not covered under warranty. You will need to buy replacement Galaxy buds if the earbuds or case is damaged. 
7

Restart both your phone and earbuds.

To restart your phone, swipe down on your phone's home screen twice, and then tap the Power icon in the upper right corner. Tap Restart, and then tap Restart again to confirm. Instructions for restarting your buds can be found in our guide. If restarting the buds does not work, try completely resetting them.
6

Check for software updates.

Check for software updates on your Galaxy buds. If an update is available, install it.
8

Make sure your microphone isn't muted.

If others cannot hear you during the call, make sure you haven't muted the microphone. When you tap and hold the touchpad during a call on the Galaxy Buds or Buds+, you may accidentally turn off the microphone that's built into the earbuds. Nothing will be displayed on the device when you mute the call using the earbud touchpad, so you may not be aware that the microphone was disabled.

To unmute the call, just tap and hold the touchpad to turn on the microphone again.

Check the phone to make sure the call isn't muted in the Phone app.

9

Request service.

If the problem persists, service is required. Please call us at 1-800-SAMSUNG to request service, but remember that damaged Buds are not covered under warranty.
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