How to Connect Galaxy Buds to a Phone or Computer

This guide walks you through pairing Samsung Galaxy Buds with Android phones, iPhones, Windows PCs, and Macs. You’ll learn the quickest method for each device type, how to switch between devices, and what to do when pairing fails. Before starting, make sure your Galaxy Buds are charged and in their case.

What You’ll Need

Galaxy Buds and their charging case
The device you want to connect to (phone, tablet, or computer)
For Android phones: the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app (optional but recommended)
For iPhones: the Samsung Galaxy Buds app from the App Store (optional)
For Windows: Bluetooth capability (most laptops have it built-in)
For Mac: Bluetooth capability (all Macs have it)

Step-by-Step

Connecting to an Android Phone

Open the charging case lid with the buds inside. Do not remove the buds yet.
On your Android phone, unlock the screen and turn on Bluetooth (swipe down from the top and tap the Bluetooth icon).
If you have the Galaxy Wearable app installed, open it. If not, you can skip this and use the standard Bluetooth menu.
With the case open, press and hold the touchpad on both buds simultaneously for about 3 seconds. You’ll hear a chime and the LED on the case will blink blue. This puts the buds in pairing mode.
On your phone, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth. Under “Available devices,” you should see your Galaxy Buds (e.g., “Galaxy Buds2 Pro”). Tap on them.
If prompted, confirm the pairing code (usually 0000 or just tap “Pair”). Wait for the connection to complete. You’ll hear a second chime.
If you have the Galaxy Wearable app, it will automatically detect the buds and guide you through setup. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Connecting to an iPhone

Open the charging case lid with the buds inside.
On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
Press and hold the touchpads on both buds for about 3 seconds until the LED on the case blinks blue.
On your iPhone, under “Other Devices,” tap your Galaxy Buds.
Wait for the connection. You may need to confirm a pairing code. After a few seconds, they’ll be connected.
For full features (like EQ and firmware updates), install the Samsung Galaxy Buds app from the App Store and follow the in-app setup.

Connecting to a Windows PC

Make sure your PC has Bluetooth. If not, you’ll need a USB Bluetooth adapter.
On your PC, click the Start button, then type “Bluetooth” and select “Bluetooth and other devices settings.”
Click “Add Bluetooth or other device” at the top.
In the new window, select “Bluetooth.”
Put your Galaxy Buds in pairing mode (press and hold both touchpads for 3 seconds with the case open).
In the list of devices, click on your Galaxy Buds. Windows will show “Connecting” and then “Connected.”
If prompted for a PIN, enter 0000 and click “Connect.”

Connecting to a Mac

Click the Apple menu (top-left) and select “System Settings” (or “System Preferences” on older macOS).
Click “Bluetooth” in the sidebar. Make sure Bluetooth is on.
Put your Galaxy Buds in pairing mode (press and hold both touchpads for 3 seconds).
In the Bluetooth settings window, find your Galaxy Buds in the list of nearby devices and click “Connect.”
Wait for it to show “Connected.” You’re done.

Switching Between Devices

Galaxy Buds can remember multiple devices, but they connect to one at a time. To switch:

Disconnect from the current device (turn off Bluetooth on that device, or go to its Bluetooth settings and forget the buds).
Put the buds back in the case and close the lid for a few seconds.
Open the case and put the buds in pairing mode again (hold both touchpads).
Connect to the new device as described above.

Common Mistakes

Not putting the buds in pairing mode: Just opening the case doesn’t make them discoverable. You must hold the touchpads until the LED blinks blue.
Buds are already connected to another device: If they’re actively connected to your phone, they won’t appear in your PC’s Bluetooth list. Disconnect them first.
Low battery: If the buds or case are dead, they won’t enter pairing mode. Charge them for at least 10 minutes.
Using the wrong app: The Galaxy Wearable app is only for Android. On iPhone, use the Galaxy Buds app. On a computer, you don’t need an app.
Forgetting to enable Bluetooth: Sounds obvious, but many connection failures happen because Bluetooth is off on the device.

Tips

Keep the case lid open during pairing: The buds need to be in the case and the lid open for the pairing signal to be strong.
Reset the buds if they act up: If you’ve had them for a while and they’re not connecting, reset them. Put the buds in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then open the lid and hold both touchpads for 10 seconds until the LED flashes red and then blue. This clears the pairing history.
Update firmware: On a phone with the Samsung Wearable or Galaxy Buds app, check for firmware updates. Updates often fix connection bugs.
Use the app for extra features: The apps let you customize touch controls, adjust the equalizer, and enable ambient sound.
For Windows, disable power saving for Bluetooth: In Device Manager, find Bluetooth, right-click the adapter, go to Properties > Power Management, and uncheck “Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.” This prevents random disconnects.

Troubleshooting

Buds don’t appear in the Bluetooth list

Make sure the buds are in pairing mode (LED blinking blue). If not, repeat the hold-touchpad step.
Move the buds closer to the device (within 3 feet) and away from other electronics.
Turn Bluetooth off and on again on the device.
Restart the phone/computer.
If they still don’t show, reset the buds as described above.

Connection drops randomly

Check battery levels – low battery can cause unstable connections.
Move away from Wi-Fi routers, microwaves, or other devices that cause interference.
On Windows, update your Bluetooth driver (check Device Manager).
Forget the buds on the device and pair again from scratch.

Only one bud connects

Put both buds in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then try again.
Make sure both buds are charged. The bud with lower battery might not connect.
Reset the buds.

Buds connect but no sound

Check the volume on the buds (tap the touchpad to raise it).
Make sure the correct output device is selected on your phone/computer. On Windows, click the speaker icon in the taskbar and select “Galaxy Buds” as the output.
On a Mac, go to System Settings > Sound and select the buds under “Output.”

Pairing code prompt on Windows

Enter 0000 and click “Connect.” If that fails, try 1234.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect Galaxy Buds to two devices at the same time?

No, Galaxy Buds don’t support multipoint connection. They can only be connected to one device at a time. You have to manually switch.

Do Galaxy Buds work with non-Samsung Android phones?

Yes. You can pair them via standard Bluetooth. You’ll lose some Samsung-only features (like seamless switching) but they work fine.

How do I reset my Galaxy Buds?

Place them in the case, close the lid, wait 10 seconds, then open the lid and press and hold both touchpads for about 10 seconds until the LED flashes red and then blue. This clears all paired devices.

Why won’t my Galaxy Buds connect to my laptop?

Make sure the laptop has Bluetooth. If it does, ensure the buds are in pairing mode and not already connected to your phone. Also, check that the laptop’s Bluetooth driver is up to date.

Can I use Galaxy Buds with a gaming console?

Yes, if the console supports Bluetooth audio (like the Nintendo Switch or PS5 with a Bluetooth adapter). The buds will work as a standard Bluetooth headset.

How long does the battery last?

Battery life varies by model, but most Galaxy Buds last between 5 and 8 hours on a single charge, with the case providing additional charges. Check your specific model’s specs.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

More in this bed

The whole Tech How-To bed →