iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Galaxy Buds settings depend on the model. On supported touchpad models, open Galaxy Wearable > Touch controls to set touch-and-hold actions. On Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, use Earbud controls for pinch and swipe gestures, and Sound quality and effects for audio options. Connect the earbuds first; Buds3 models also require the charging case to be open when you access their controls.
Change touch controls on Galaxy Buds with touchpads
Samsung documents touchpad customization for models including Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Buds2, and Buds Pro. The available commands depend on the model and connected device. See Samsung’s touchpad command instructions for its supported-model details.
- Connect your earbuds to a compatible phone or tablet.
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app and tap Touch controls.
- To change the action for a press and hold, tap Touch and hold, then choose an available action for the left or right earbud.
- To turn off touch input, return to Touch controls and switch the control off.
Samsung lists options such as switching between Ambient sound and Active noise canceling, Bixby, volume up or down, and Spotify. The choices shown can vary. For listed Pro and Buds2 models, Samsung also documents Earbuds settings > Labs > Double tap earbud edge as an additional volume-control option. If you assign volume control to one earbud, Samsung says the other changes to match; you can also adjust volume on the connected device.
Change gestures on Galaxy Buds3 and Buds3 Pro
Buds3 and Buds3 Pro use pinch and swipe controls rather than the touchpad menu documented for older models. Open the charging case, launch Galaxy Wearable, select the earbuds, and tap Earbud controls. Samsung says the case must be open to activate the settings menu. See its Buds3 control guide; exact functions can differ, so consult the manual for your model if the options do not match.
#1 Best Overall
- EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO: Catch details like never before. Designed with a High-Res Audio¹ 24-bit hi-fi codec, the latest Galaxy earbuds maintain the integrity of your favorite audio over Bluetooth.
- TWO-WAY SPEAKER: Enjoy every audio experience to the fullest with two speakers in both Buds, including a tweeter for rich highs and a woofer for deep, full lows.
- HD VOICE: Enjoy clear phone calls with Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy S26 Series² —they work together to deliver crisp and clear conversations.
- ANC 2.0: Wherever you go, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation 2.0³ intelligently adapts in real time to provide stronger, smoother noise cancellation wherever you go.
- OPTIMIZED COMFORT: Enjoy that just-right fit, with an improved, ear-hugging design and changeable ear tips.
- Single pinch: Play or pause, answer or end a call, or stop certain read-aloud or detection functions.
- Double pinch: Skip to the next song.
- Triple pinch: Return to the previous song. Pinching three times within three seconds after a song starts may restart the current song.
- Pinch and hold: Activate the preset function, which defaults to a noise-control mode, or reject a call.
- Swipe up or down: Adjust volume along the swipe area.
Set up noise cancellation or ambient sound
On supported touchpad models, assign Touch and hold to switch between Active noise canceling and Ambient sound, if both options appear in the app. On Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, pinch and hold activates the preset function, which defaults to noise control. The exact noise modes depend on the earbud model: Samsung says Active noise canceling is unavailable on the original Galaxy Buds and Galaxy Buds+, while Ambient sound is unavailable on Galaxy Buds Live. Check the model-specific options rather than assuming either feature is available. Samsung’s guide to listening on Galaxy earbuds covers feature and device context.
Adjust sound quality and effects on Buds3 models
For Buds3 and Buds3 Pro, open Galaxy Wearable > Sound quality and effects. Samsung’s Buds3 sound settings guide describes these options:
Rank #2
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth 5.4 technology for stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming and seamless device pairing
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Active Noise Cancellation technology helps block out unwanted ambient sounds for immersive listening
- BATTERY LIFE: Extended playback time of up to 35 hours of continuous music playback for all-day entertainment
- MODEL DETAILS: Latest 2025 Galaxy Buds Core model (SM-R410) featuring modern design and intuitive touch controls
- Equalizer: Choose Balanced, Clear, Bass boost, or Dynamic, or adjust settings with Custom.
- 360 audio: Enable immersive audio; Head tracking can adjust sound as you move your head.
- Boost dialogue: Help voices stand out in videos with background sounds.
- Loudness normalization: Intended to prevent media from becoming too loud or too quiet.
- Adjust sound to fit: Adapt sound to ear shape and how the earbuds are worn. Samsung says this works best when both earbuds are worn.
- Advanced quality options and Earbud fit test: Additional options listed in Samsung’s guide.
This list is specific to the models covered by that guide, not a guarantee that every Galaxy Buds model has each option. Availability can also depend on the connected device. For example, Samsung’s Buds4 and Buds4 Pro feature compatibility chart, marked as of March 3, 2026, distinguishes features by device category. It lists app sound settings on Samsung Galaxy devices, while some audio and control features have broader compatibility.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3-FE (2025) True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, Long Lasting Battery, Hands Free AI, Latin American Stock
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
Rank #4
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth 5.4 technology for stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming and seamless device pairing
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Active Noise Cancellation technology helps block out unwanted ambient sounds for immersive listening
- BATTERY LIFE: Extended playback time of up to 35 hours of continuous music playback for all-day entertainment
- MODEL DETAILS: Latest 2025 Galaxy Buds Core model (SM-R410) featuring modern design and intuitive touch controls
- Part #: SM-R410NZWALTA
Rank #3
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
- TALK TO GEMINI, HANDS-FREE: With hands-free access to Gemini⁴, smart assistance is always within earshot. No need to reach for your phone anymore as Galaxy Buds3 FE let you get help on the go, just by using your voice.⁵
If the setting or menu is missing
- Confirm the exact model: The menu names and available controls differ between touchpad models and Buds3 models.
- Connect the earbuds: Samsung’s touchpad instructions require a compatible connected device for Galaxy Wearable or, where supported, the iOS Buds app.
- Open the Buds3 case: If Earbud controls is unavailable, open the charging case before using Galaxy Wearable.
- Check phone compatibility: Samsung says Galaxy Buds, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, and Buds Pro do not work with the iOS Buds app, though they can connect directly over Bluetooth. An iPhone user may therefore have fewer app-based controls than someone using a supported Galaxy or Android setup.
- Use the manual for the exact model: Samsung notes that labels and operations can vary by model, software, operating system, and region.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

