How to connect Samsung earbuds to iPhone (all Galaxy Buds)

Do Galaxy Buds work with iPhone?

Yes. Galaxy Buds are Bluetooth earbuds, and Bluetooth works across brands. Once paired, you can play music, take calls and use the microphone like any other headset. What you lose are Samsung-only features, such as automatic switching between your Samsung devices, some sound codecs, the full Galaxy Wearable app and, on newer models, several settings you can only reach from a Samsung phone. The iPhone uses its standard AAC audio, which sounds fine for most listeners.

Put each model in pairing mode

The steps differ slightly by model. In general, place the Buds in the charging case, open the lid, then take them out and touch and hold both touchpads until you hear a tone or the light flashes. Some models enter pairing mode when you open the case for the first time or after you reset them. If your model has a button on the case, hold it for a few seconds. Check Samsung's support page for your exact model, because names such as Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, Buds2, Buds2 Pro and Buds3 are not all the same.

Connect step by step

• On the iPhone, open Settings › Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is on.
• Put the Buds in pairing mode.
• Wait for the Buds to appear under Other Devices, then tap their name.
• Accept any pairing request. A status of Connected means it worked.
• Open Music or YouTube and check the sound in both ears.

Using the Galaxy Buds app on iPhone

Samsung offers a Galaxy Buds app on the App Store for some older models. It lets you change controls and see the battery level. Newer Buds models depend on the Galaxy Wearable app, which is made for Android. If the app does not list your Buds, you can still use them with the iPhone's Bluetooth settings, but you will not be able to change touch controls or noise control from the phone. You can set those on a Galaxy phone first, then pair with the iPhone, and the settings often stay.

Buds not showing up or won't connect

• Forget the Buds on any Galaxy phone or tablet they were paired to, or turn that device's Bluetooth off.
• Charge the Buds and the case for at least 15 minutes.
• Put the Buds in the case, close the lid for 10 seconds and try again.
• On the iPhone, turn Bluetooth off and on, or restart the phone.
• Reset the Buds using Samsung's instructions for your model, and then pair again.
• Reset Network Settings on the iPhone as a last step.

Our guides to iPhone Bluetooth not working and AirPods not connecting cover steps that help with any wireless earbuds.

Sound, microphone and battery tips

If one Bud is quiet or silent, clean the mesh with a dry soft brush and check the left and right balance in Settings › Accessibility › Audio & Visual. For the microphone, check that the iPhone lists the Buds as the audio output in Control Center. Call quality can be lower than on a Galaxy phone. The iPhone shows the Buds battery in the Batteries widget on many models, though the display may be less detailed than with AirPods. Keep the Buds out of heat, because high temperatures wear the battery faster.

Switch back to a Galaxy phone

To move the Buds back to a Galaxy phone, put them in pairing mode again, forget them on the iPhone under Settings › Bluetooth › info button › Forget This Device, and connect from the Galaxy phone. If you use both phones, switch by hand each time, since automatic switching only works across Samsung devices. If you also own AirPods, remember that they pair more smoothly with an iPhone. See connecting AirPods to iPhone.

Should you buy Galaxy Buds for an iPhone?

They work, and often cost less than comparable earbuds, but you lose some features. If you plan to keep an iPhone, check reviews from iPhone owners for your model, and compare with AirPods or other brand earbuds that do not rely on a companion app. If you already own Galaxy Buds, there is no need to buy new ones.

Quick fixes when sound is wrong

• Only one Bud works: put both in the case for 10 seconds, then reconnect.
• Sound plays from the phone speaker: choose the Buds in Control Center's audio output.
• Sound cuts out: stay within about 30 feet and avoid crowded Wi-Fi areas.
• Music is quiet: raise the volume on both the phone and the Buds, and check Volume Limit in Settings › Sounds & Haptics.
• The mic is muffled: clean the mic hole and check Settings › Privacy & Security › Microphone.

Will Samsung features still work?

Basic features such as tap controls work on many models because the earbuds process them. Features like Auto Switch, 360 Audio, Voice Detect and customized touch controls rely on a Samsung phone. Wireless charging of the case works with any Qi charger. Find My Earbuds is a Samsung feature that works through SmartThings Find, so on an iPhone you will not get it. Keep track of your Buds, because losing one is costly.

Update Buds software

Samsung updates Buds software through the Galaxy Wearable app on Android. If you rarely use a Galaxy phone, borrow one once in a while to install updates, since they can fix connection bugs. If you do not have a Galaxy phone, you may not be able to update the Buds, and a model with a fixed firmware may be a better fit for an iPhone-only home.

Use Galaxy Buds for calls and meetings on iPhone

For calls, the Buds work as a Bluetooth headset with the iPhone. If you hear echo or the other person sounds muffled, try moving to a quiet place, reduce the volume and clean the mic holes. For video meetings, pick the Buds in the meeting app's audio settings. Some apps default to the phone's mic, so check before you speak. Your voice may sound different from AirPods, because the iPhone uses its default Bluetooth call codec.

Battery life and charging the case

Battery life shown on the box is a best case with noise cancelling off. Expect less with it on and with calls. Charge the case by cable or a Qi wireless charger. If the Buds do not charge, clean the contacts with a dry cotton swab, and check that they sit properly in the case. After about two years, battery wear is normal. Samsung and some repair shops can replace parts, but replacement Buds are sometimes cheaper. See AirPods not charging for general steps that apply to all earbuds.

Keep Galaxy Buds safe from sweat and water

Many Galaxy Buds are rated for sweat and light water, not swimming. Wipe them with a soft dry cloth after a workout. Do not charge them while wet, and do not use water or alcohol wipes on the mesh. Store them in the case when not in use, since small earbuds are easy to lose.

If you plan to use Galaxy Buds with an iPhone for the long term, keep the case charged, store the Buds in it and update them now and then. Treat them as a standard Bluetooth headset and you will have few surprises.