SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds Live User Manual
Getting started
This section covers the initial setup and basic operations of your Galaxy Buds Live.
Device layout
The Galaxy Buds Live feature a unique ergonomic design. Key components include:
- Charging contacts: Located on the earbuds for charging.
- Touch-sensitive sensor: The touch area on the earbuds for controls.
- Speakers: Deliver audio output.
- Wing tip: Provides a secure and comfortable fit.
- Touch area: The primary interface for touch controls.
- Microphones: Used for calls and voice commands.
Set up your device
Learn how to assemble, charge, and begin using your new Galaxy Buds Live.
Charge the battery
Your device case also serves as the charger.
1. Place the earbuds into the charging case. Ensure earbuds are clean and dry before insertion.
2. Close the charging case. Connect the USB cable to charge, or place the case on a wireless charger. Both earbuds and the case charge simultaneously.
CAUTION: The charging head for the USB cable is not included. Use only Samsung charging devices with a 5V output voltage and an output current of over 150mA (sold separately). Using other accessories may cause damage not covered by warranty.
The device and charger may become hot during charging, which is normal and does not affect performance.
For more information on charging, visit: https://www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00076952.
NOTE: Do not disassemble, modify, or repair the device. Avoid placing objects with magnetic fields, such as credit cards or hotel keys, near the device or charger, as they may be damaged.
Check the charge status
LED indicators on the earbuds and charging case show the battery level:
- Green: Fully charged or above 60% battery.
- Yellow: Between 30% and 60% battery.
- Red: Charging or below 30% battery.
- Flashing Red: Charging error. Reconnect the case and earbuds. Contact Samsung Service Center if the issue persists.
NOTE: Battery levels can also be checked in the Galaxy Wearable app.
Wireless PowerShare
Wirelessly charge your Galaxy Buds Live using a compatible Samsung smartphone.
1. On your smartphone, open the Notification panel and tap Wireless PowerShare.
2. Place the earbuds case on the back of your smartphone to charge. A notification sound or vibration indicates charging has begun.
NOTE: Wireless PowerShare is compatible with most Qi-Certified devices and requires at least 30% battery on the sharing device. Charging speed may vary. Remove covers or accessories for optimal performance.
For best results:
- Remove any accessories or covers from the devices.
- Adjust the placement of the earbuds case on the smartphone to ensure a connection. Do not move or use either device during charging.
- Call reception or data services may be affected depending on your network environment.
- Charging speed can vary based on device condition and environment.
- Do not use headphones while charging.
Attach the wing tip
Ensure wing tips are attached for a comfortable and secure fit. Wearing earbuds without wing tips may cause discomfort.
1. Select the wing tip size that best fits your ear.
2. Align the wing tip's groove with the earbud's fixation hook and gently pull the wing tip over the earbud. Avoid excessive force to prevent tearing.
3. Repeat for the other earbud.
Wear the earbuds
Place the earbuds correctly in your ears for a comfortable fit.
1. Insert the earbud into the ear, ensuring the speaker end is at the bottom.
2. Tuck the top half of the earbud, including the wing tip, into the upper part of your ear for a snug fit. The touch-sensitive sensor will detect when the earbuds are worn and emit a sound.
Coupling earbuds
If you lose an earbud, you can purchase a replacement and couple it with the remaining earbud.
1. Insert both earbuds into the charging case. A flashing red light indicates they are not coupled.
2. Tap and hold the touch area on both earbuds for at least seven seconds. When the indicator light flashes green and turns off, the earbuds are coupled and ready for use.
Start using your device
Connect your earbuds to your device to begin using them.
Connect the earbuds to your phone
Install the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
Galaxy Wearable is compatible with devices running Android 5.0 or later with at least 1.5 GB RAM. For optimal performance, connect with compatible Samsung Galaxy devices. A list of compatible smartphones is available at: samsung.com/us/support/owners/app/galaxy-wearable-watch.
1. Open the charging case to enter Bluetooth pairing mode. Alternatively, press and hold the touch areas on both earbuds simultaneously while wearing them.
2. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone. Update the app if necessary.
3. Tap Get started and select your device.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the connection.
NOTE: Earbud pairing information is synced across devices signed into the same Samsung account.
Disconnect
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap the Menu icon ☰.
2. Tap Disconnect.
Use touch controls
Control music, calls, and other functions using the touch area on your earbuds.
Single tap
- Play a track.
- Pause a track.
Double tap
- Play the next track.
- Answer or end a call.
- Place the current call on hold and answer a second incoming call.
- Switch between a current call and a call placed on hold.
Triple tap
- Play previous track.
- Start the current track over at the beginning.
Touch and hold
- Activate a custom shortcut. See Touch controls for more information.
- Decline a call.
- Turn the microphone on or off during a call.
- Retrieve a call placed on hold after ending the current call.
Music features
Control audio playback directly from your earbuds.
Volume controls
Adjust volume by tapping and holding the touch area.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Touch controls.
2. Tap Left or Right and select Volume up or Volume down. The setting for one earbud will automatically apply to the other.
Adjust the volume without your phone:
- To increase volume, tap and hold the right earbud's touch area.
- To decrease volume, tap and hold the left earbud's touch area.
Playback controls
Navigate your playlist using the touch area:
Action | Control |
Single tap | Play/pause |
Touch and hold | Launch supported music apps |
Double tap | Next song |
Triple tap | Previous song |
Call features
Answer and manage calls using your earbuds.
Incoming calls
When you receive a call, the ringtone will play through your earbuds. You can configure your earbuds to announce the caller's name or number.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Read notification aloud.
2. Tap Incoming call to enable voice notifications.
3. Tap See all, then tap the dropdown menu.
4. Tap All > Contacts to enable this feature.
Phone controls
Manage calls by tapping the touch area:
Action | Control |
Touch and hold | Reject a call/mute |
Double tap | Answer/end |
Call waiting
If you receive an incoming call while on an active call, your earbuds will emit a sound.
- To reject the incoming call and stay on the current call, touch and hold the touch area on either earbud.
- To answer the incoming call and place the current call on hold, double tap the touch area on either earbud.
- To switch between calls, double tap the touch area on either earbud.
Galaxy Wearable app
Manage your Galaxy Buds Live features through the Galaxy Wearable app.
Battery level
The Galaxy Wearable app displays the battery level for both the earbuds and the charging case. A low battery notification will appear on your phone when needed.
Open the Galaxy Wearable app to view battery percentages.
Noise canceling
Enable noise canceling to reduce ambient sounds.
In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Active noise canceling to enable this feature.
Equalizer
Select from six equalizer presets for a customized sound experience.
In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap an option under Equalizer to adjust sound settings.
Touch controls
Customize the touch area functions for different controls. The left and right earbuds can have different shortcuts assigned.
TIP: If touch controls become unresponsive, place the earbuds in the charging case for seven seconds or more to restart them.
Customize touch controls
Set shortcuts for each earbud:
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Touch controls.
2. Tap Left or Right and select a touch control option for that earbud:
- Active noise canceling: Activate noise canceling.
- Voice command: Activate Bixby.
- Volume up or Volume down: Assign volume control. The right earbud controls volume up, and the left controls volume down. Setting one earbud automatically updates the other.
- Spotify: Launch the Spotify app.
Block touch controls
Prevent accidental activation of touch controls by disabling them.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Touch controls.
2. Tap Block touches to disable the feature.
Read notifications aloud
Have your phone's text notifications read aloud through your earbuds.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Read notification aloud.
2. Tap On to enable the feature.
- Tap Read aloud while using phone to hear notifications even when using your phone.
- Select specific app notifications to be read aloud by tapping an app in the list. Tap See all for more options.
Advanced
Explore advanced earbud features.
Bixby voice wake-up
Activate Bixby by saying "Hi Bixby" while wearing your earbuds. This feature is available only with Bixby-enabled Samsung phones.
In the Galaxy Wearable app, navigate to Advanced > Bixby voice wake-up to enable.
Seamless earbud connection
Quickly switch between nearby devices without disconnecting or re-pairing.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Advanced > Seamless earbud connection.
2. Tap On to enable.
Labs
Explore experimental earbud features.
Gaming mode
Minimize audio delay for synchronized gaming sound. Keep earbuds near your phone for the best experience. This feature is available only when connected to a Samsung mobile device.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Labs.
2. Tap Gaming mode to enable.
Relieve pressure with ambient sound
This feature can help reduce feelings of stuffiness when active noise canceling is not in use.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Labs.
2. Tap Relieve pressure with ambient sound to enable.
Find my earbuds
Locate misplaced earbuds using your phone.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Find my earbuds.
2. Tap Start. The earbuds will begin beeping.
3. Tap Stop once you have found your earbuds.
General
Configure general earbud settings.
Reset
Reset settings to factory defaults and delete all data.
1. In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Reset.
2. Tap Reset again to confirm and initiate the reset.
Earbuds software update
Update your earbud's software for the latest features.
In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Earbuds software update.
- Download and install: Check for and install software updates.
- Last update: View information about the last software update.
Tips and user manual
Learn useful tips and access the full user manual.
In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap Tips and user manual.
- Swipe left and right to view useful tips.
- Tap User manual to view the manual.
About earbuds
View information about your earbuds.
In the Galaxy Wearable app, tap About earbuds for details such as:
- Device name, model, and serial number
- Legal information
- Software information
- Battery information
Learn more
Videos
Watch helpful videos at: youtube.com/samsungcare
Tips
Find more tips at: samsung.com/us/support/tips
Samsung Care
For support, visit: samsung.com/us/support
Talk to an agent
Contact Samsung via:
- Facebook Messenger
Legal information
READ THIS INFORMATION BEFORE USING YOUR MOBILE DEVICE.
Arbitration Agreement
This product is subject to a binding arbitration agreement with SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS AMERICA, INC. You may opt out within 30 calendar days of purchase by emailing optout@sea.samsung.com or calling 1-800-SAMSUNG (726-7864).
The full Arbitration Agreement, One-year Limited Warranty, End User License Agreement (EULA), and Health & Safety Information are available at: https://www.samsung.com/us/Legal/Gear-HSGuide.
Samsung Knox
Samsung Knox is a security platform for Samsung devices, tested for enterprise use. For more information, refer to: samsung.com/us/knox.
Restricting children's access to your mobile device
Your device is not a toy. Keep it and its accessories out of reach of small children to prevent injury or damage.
Interference from Magnets
WARNING: The device contains magnets that may interfere with medical devices like pacemakers. Consult your physician if you use such devices.
Avoid placing the device near magnetic fields. Magnetic stripe cards may be damaged by the device's magnets.
Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Address:
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Ridgefield Park, New Jersey 07660
Phone: 1-800-SAMSUNG (726-7864)
Internet: samsung.com
©2020 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Samsung, Samsung Galaxy, and Samsung Health are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Other marks are the property of their respective owners.
Some multimedia files may contain Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology.
Screen images are simulated. Appearance of device may vary.
The actual available capacity of the internal memory is less than the specified capacity because the operating system and default applications occupy part of the memory. The available capacity may change when you upgrade the device. Please check with your service provider to verify qualifying services/features.