Step-by-step guide to connecting Galaxy Buds to Android, iOS, Windows, or Mac.
Samsung designed the Galaxy Buds to be compatible with virtually any modern device. But, the steps to do so vary depending on which device you’re trying to connect them to, so it’s easy to get confused.
Follow our step-by-step instructions below to connect your Galaxy Buds to Android, iPhone, or Windows PC in minutes.
Pre-Connection Checklist
Before trying to pair your Galaxy Buds with any device, there are two things you need to do to make sure they’re ready:
Charge your Galaxy Buds
A low battery can cause connection failures or unstable connections during the pairing process. Taking a few minutes to charge your Galaxy Buds will save you time and frustration later.
- Place your Galaxy Buds in their charging case.
- Connect the case to a power source.
- Wait at least 5 minutes to ensure sufficient charge.
Reset your Galaxy Buds
Resetting your Galaxy Buds clears out any existing connections and software glitches that might interfere with the pairing process, giving you a clean slate to work with.
- Wear both Galaxy Buds.
- Press and hold the touch sensors on both earbuds for about 10 seconds until you hear a beep.
- Place them back in the case and close the lid.
- Wait 30 seconds before proceeding with pairing.
However, your Galaxy Buds will only stay in pairing mode for about 3 minutes. If pairing takes longer, close and reopen the case to restart pairing mode.
How to Connect Galaxy Buds to Android Devices
Whether you’re using Samsung devices or not, Android offers two ways to connect your Galaxy Buds. Choose the method that best suits your needs and follow the steps below.
Using the Galaxy Wearable app
The Galaxy Wearable app unlocks your buds’ full potential, giving you access to more features such as noise control, touch customization, and the Find My Earbuds feature. So, while this requires a few extra steps than the next method, it’s worth it.
- Download Galaxy Wearable from the Google Play Store.
- Enable Bluetooth on your phone.
- Open your Galaxy Buds case near your phone.
- Wait for the Galaxy Buds pop-up to appear. That means your Buds are connected!
If no popup appears, open the Galaxy Wearable app and let it scan for your Buds. When they appear in the list, tap on them and select “Pair.”
Via manual Bluetooth connection
If you prefer not to use additional apps or need a quick connection, you can pair your Galaxy Buds directly through your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Put the Buds inside their case, close it, and reopen it to initiate pairing mode.
- Turn on Bluetooth in Settings on your Android device.
- Wait for your phone to detect the Galaxy Buds, then tap their name to connect.
How to Connect Galaxy Buds to an iPhone or iPad
Just like with Android, iPhones also offer two ways to connect Galaxy Buds. But since the Galaxy Buds app only works with select models, the manual Bluetooth connection is your best option.
Via manual Bluetooth connection
Here’s how to connect your Galaxy Buds to iPhone via the Bluetooth settings:
- Put the Buds inside their case, close it, and reopen it to initiate pairing mode.
- Turn on Bluetooth in Settings on your Android device.
- Wait for your phone to detect the Galaxy Buds, then tap their name to connect.
Using the Galaxy Buds app
If you own Galaxy Buds+ or Buds Live, you can access additional features through the official iPhone app.
- Open the Samsung Galaxy Buds app and tap Get Started.
- Wear the Galaxy Buds then press and hold on the earbuds’ sensors until you hear a chime to turn on pairing mode.
- Select your Galaxy Buds from the device list and wait for the pairing process to finish. If a pop-up appears asking to ‘send diagnostic information,’ enabling it by selecting Agree can help identify potential issues with your earbuds.
How to Connect Galaxy Buds to a Windows PC
Connecting Galaxy Buds to Windows takes a few extra steps compared to phones. But just like others, there are two ways to do this:
Using the Galaxy Buds Windows app
Samsung’s official Windows app simplifies the connection process and provides access to additional settings and features. And, just like the Android app, this works with any Galaxy Buds model.
- Wear the earbuds, then press and hold both of them until you hear a beeping sound to turn on pairing mode.
- Open the Galaxy Buds app for Windows and click Start.
- Choose your Galaxy Buds from the list of devices and complete the pairing process.
Via manual Bluetooth connection
If you’re not too keen on adding another software to your PC, here’s how to connect your Galaxy Buds to PC manually:
- Click the Windows icon and open Settings >Bluetooth & Devices
- Enable Bluetooth if needed
- Click Add device > Bluetooth
- Open your Galaxy Buds case near your PC.
- Wait for your PC to detect your Galaxy Buds and select your Buds from the available devices list.
How to Connect Galaxy Buds to Mac
There’s no dedicated Galaxy Buds app for Mac computers, so you can only pair your Buds manually. Here’s how:
- To start pairing mode, place your Buds in their case, then close and reopen it. You can also disconnect your Buds from other devices and reset the earbuds by pressing and holding both of them for 10 seconds to ensure smooth pairing.
- Go to System Settings > Bluetooth.
- Find your Galaxy Buds under Devices and click Connect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why won’t my Galaxy Buds appear in the device list?
- Can I connect my Galaxy Buds to multiple devices at once?
- What should I expect when using my Galaxy Buds with non-Android devices?
Why won’t my Galaxy Buds appear in the device list?
There are usually three main reasons for this:
- Your Buds aren’t in pairing mode
- They’re low on battery
- They need a reset.
First, press and hold the touch sensors on both of your Galaxy Buds until you hear a chime. If that doesn’t work, follow the pre-connection checklist above.
Can I connect my Galaxy Buds to multiple devices at once?
No, Galaxy Buds can only connect to one device at a time. You’ll need to disconnect from your current device before connecting to another one. To switch devices, simply select your Galaxy Buds from the Bluetooth menu of the new device you want to use them with.
What should I expect when using my Galaxy Buds with non-Android devices?
When using Galaxy Buds with non-Android devices, you’ll get basic audio functionality like music playback and call controls.
However, advanced features such as seamless switching, 360 Audio, or Gaming mode might be limited or unavailable.