How to Set up and Use Galaxy Buds

Get the most out of Samsung's wireless buds

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by Jordan Baranowski
Jordan Baranowski is a former freelance contributor to Lifewire and educator with experience writing for SVG, The Nerd Stash, and Feast Magazine.
Updated April 25, 2019

Android users no longer need to be jealous of their friends' AirPods, as Galaxy Buds have arrived and serve essentially the same purpose. These wireless headphones pair easily with your Android phone (and non-Galaxy phones using the proper apps) and work just as well as their Apple counterparts. Here's how to get them set up.

How to Get Galaxy Buds to Fit in Your Ear

The first thing you need to do is to make sure the Galaxy Buds fit correctly in your ear. You want them to be comfortable and stay put, so try them on with the different wing tip extensions until you get the most comfortable fit.

Make sure you're attaching left wing tips to the left earbud and right wing tips to the right earbud. If you mix and match, they may not fit correctly in your ears or the charging case.

how to wear galaxy buds
Samsung 

Make sure you're also wearing the Galaxy Buds properly. Insert the earbud in your ear and twist to rotate the wing tip so it sits underneath the auricle of your ear. Galaxy Buds are touch-sensitive; they will make a noise once they recognize they're inserted securely in your ear.

How to Pair Galaxy Buds to a Samsung Phone

Galaxy Buds are designed for simple and fast pairing. Here's how to connect them to your Android phone: running

These instructions apply to Android devices running Android 7.1.1 or later.

  1. Insert the Galaxy Buds into their charging case in the proper position. Close the case and the battery indicator should flash, indicating they're ready to pair.

    If the battery indicator doesn't flash, it means they need to charge before they will pair properly. Let them charge for about ten minutes before pairing them with your device.

  2. Open the charging case. The Galaxy Buds will automatically enter Pairing Mode.

  3. Your device will automatically recognize them and ask if you wish to pair the two. Tap Connect.

  4. If any further steps are needed, your device will guide you through them. However, if you're running Android 7.1.1 or later, your Galaxy Buds should be set!

How to Use Galaxy Buds With Non-Galaxy Phones and Older Versions of Android

If you have an older Android device or a non-Galaxy device, you need to download a few extra apps before you can use your new Galaxy Buds.

For older Android devices or non-Samsung products, you simply need to download both the SmartThings app and the Galaxy Wearables app from the Google Play Store. Once those are successfully installed, you will run through the same process as above, but you will need to use the Galaxy Wearables app to complete the pairing process.

How to Connect Galaxy Buds to iOS Devices

On iOS devices, follow the same steps as above, but navigate to Settings > Bluetooth once you've opened the charging case, then tap your Galaxy Buds.