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To pair Galaxy Buds4 Pro, charge the case, turn on Bluetooth, open the case, and accept the pairing prompt. If no prompt appears, open your phone’s Bluetooth settings and select Galaxy Buds4 Pro. After connection, customize pinch and swipe actions in your Galaxy phone’s Buds settings on One UI 8.0 or later, or in the Galaxy Wearable app on earlier One UI versions.
Basic Bluetooth audio works with phones regardless of operating system. Samsung’s advanced controls require an Android phone running Android 12 or later with at least 1.5 GB of memory; Galaxy Wearable is not supported on iOS. Menu names and screens can differ by phone model, software version, and region.
Before you start
- Charge the charging case and earbuds. A low case battery can prevent pairing mode from starting reliably.
- Keep the earbuds in or near the open case while pairing.
- Turn on Bluetooth on the phone.
- If you want advanced settings, use an Android phone with Android 12 or later and at least 1.5 GB of memory.
- On Samsung phones, sign in to a Samsung Account if Galaxy Wearable asks for one. Samsung also says an additional plug-in may be required depending on the One UI version.
You do not need Galaxy Wearable for basic Bluetooth audio pairing. Samsung says Bluetooth audio connection is available regardless of operating system, but its Galaxy Wearable app is not supported on iOS. An iPhone or other Bluetooth-capable phone can therefore connect for audio when the earbuds appear in its Bluetooth device list, while Samsung’s advanced configuration features are intended for supported Android devices.
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There are two separate jobs: establishing a Bluetooth audio connection and configuring Samsung-specific features. The first job uses the phone’s normal Bluetooth menu and does not depend on Galaxy Wearable. The second job exposes controls and other Buds settings through a supported Android path. Keeping that distinction in mind prevents a common mistake: assuming that successful audio pairing means every Samsung control will also be available.
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- 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.
Pair Galaxy Buds4 Pro using the automatic prompt
- Charge the case. Put both earbuds in the case and make sure it has power.
- Enable Bluetooth. Open the phone’s Settings app, choose Bluetooth (or Connected devices, depending on the phone), and switch Bluetooth on.
- Open the case. Leave the earbuds inside and bring the open case close to the phone. Samsung’s setup instructions say a pairing prompt should appear; on Galaxy phones the prompt may include a Connect button.
- Accept the prompt. Tap Connect or the equivalent confirmation, then complete any permissions or setup screens shown.
- Test the connection. Play a short audio clip and check that sound comes through both earbuds.
The exact prompt, permissions and introductory screens depend on the phone’s software and region. A different-looking prompt does not necessarily indicate a problem as long as the phone identifies the earbuds as Galaxy Buds4 Pro and completes Bluetooth pairing.
If you previously paired the Buds with another phone, the new phone may not take over automatically. The Buds can be paired with multiple devices, but Samsung’s instructions describe selecting them from the desired phone’s Bluetooth menu rather than guaranteeing automatic multipoint handoff.
Pair manually when no pop-up appears
- Leave the case charged and open, with both earbuds inside.
- Open the phone’s Settings and then Bluetooth (or Connected devices).
- Wait for the available-device list to refresh.
- Tap Galaxy Buds4 Pro.
- Accept the pairing request and any confirmation displayed by the phone.
If the earbuds are not listed, reopen the case. Samsung’s Germany setup guidance also describes using the case’s connection button to start pairing mode. With the case open, press its connection button as directed for your case, then refresh the phone’s Bluetooth list and select Galaxy Buds4 Pro.
Automatic prompt versus manual Bluetooth selection
| Route | Best use | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic prompt | The first attempt on a nearby phone | Open the charged case with Bluetooth enabled, then accept the on-screen Connect prompt. |
| Manual selection | No popup appears or you are changing phones | Open Bluetooth settings, refresh the available-device list, and tap Galaxy Buds4 Pro. |
| Case connection button | The Buds do not appear in the list | With the case open, use the connection button to re-enter pairing mode, then scan again. |
These routes lead to the same Bluetooth connection. The manual method is not a lower-quality connection; it is simply the fallback when the phone does not display Samsung’s convenience prompt.
What to check if the earbuds still do not appear
- Confirm Bluetooth is switched on and airplane mode is off.
- Make sure the case and both earbuds have charge.
- Close and reopen the case to restart the discovery attempt.
- Use the case’s connection button to re-enter pairing mode.
- Move away from other phones or tablets that may already be trying to connect.
- As a last resort, use Samsung’s reset procedure and then repeat the pairing steps.
Resetting removes the current pairing state, so you may need to select the earbuds again on every phone that previously used them. Try the less disruptive steps first, because a reset is intended as a further troubleshooting option rather than the normal first step.
Switch the earbuds between multiple phones
Samsung says Galaxy Buds4 Pro can be paired with multiple devices. To change devices, open Bluetooth settings on the phone you want to use and select the earbuds from that phone’s device list. This is a selection-based switch; Samsung’s instruction does not promise automatic multipoint switching on every phone, so do not assume that audio will move between devices without choosing the earbuds.
If another phone keeps reconnecting
Temporarily turn off Bluetooth on the other phone, or disconnect the earbuds from that phone before selecting Galaxy Buds4 Pro on the new one. Once the desired phone is connected, you can turn Bluetooth back on elsewhere and connect manually when needed.
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- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocks out unwanted background noise so you can focus on music, calls, or podcasts
- True Wireless Convenience: Enjoy tangle-free Bluetooth connectivity for seamless listening on the go.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Easily manage calls, adjust volume, and control playback without reaching for your phone.
- International Model without Domestic Warranty: The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro SM-R640 are an International Version and do not include a local warranty. Optimized for Android, particularly Samsung Galaxy devices, they offer advanced features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 360 Audio, Hi-Fi sound, and real-time AI-based audio enhancements. While fully compatible with iOS devices via Bluetooth, certain features like ANC customization and 360 Audio are exclusive to Galaxy Android devices.
Pairing with several phones does not mean every phone can edit the Buds. Any phone can provide Bluetooth audio when compatible, but advanced Samsung settings depend on the Android and Galaxy Wearable requirements described below.
Phone and app requirements at a glance
| Goal | Phone requirement | Samsung condition |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth audio | A Bluetooth-capable phone, regardless of operating system | Use the phone’s Bluetooth menu; Galaxy Wearable is not required. |
| Advanced Buds settings in Galaxy Wearable | Android 12 or later and at least 1.5 GB of memory | Galaxy Wearable is not supported on iOS. |
| Direct Buds settings on a Galaxy phone | One UI 8.0 or later | Open the connected Buds entry in Settings. |
| Galaxy Wearable account setup | Supported Android phone | Samsung says a Samsung Account login is required to activate and change Buds4 Pro settings, and an additional plug-in may be needed depending on One UI version. |
These are separate thresholds. For example, an iPhone may pair for sound even though it cannot run Galaxy Wearable, while an older Android phone may pair for sound but fail to offer the supported advanced-control workflow. Likewise, a Galaxy phone below One UI 8.0 should use Galaxy Wearable rather than looking for the direct Settings route.
Where to change Buds4 Pro controls
| Phone software | Settings route | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy phone with One UI 8.0 or later | Settings → select the connected Galaxy Buds4 Pro → Earbud controls → choose the left or right earbud | Control options are exposed directly in the phone’s Settings app. |
| Earlier One UI versions or supported Android setup | Open Galaxy Wearable, connect Galaxy Buds4 Pro, and open the earbuds’ control settings | Menu wording and the exact screen layout can vary by software version. |
If you cannot find Earbud controls in Settings, your phone may be running an earlier One UI version, the earbuds may not be connected, or the required plug-in may not be installed. Open Galaxy Wearable instead and make sure the app shows Galaxy Buds4 Pro as connected.
Direct Settings route on One UI 8.0 and later
- Open Settings on the Galaxy phone.
- Tap the connected Galaxy Buds4 Pro entry.
- Tap Earbud controls.
- Select Left or Right to edit that earbud’s actions.
- Choose an available action and return to the previous screen so the setting is saved.
Galaxy Wearable route on earlier One UI versions
- Install or open Galaxy Wearable on the supported Android phone.
- Connect Galaxy Buds4 Pro when the app asks you to do so.
- Open the earbuds’ controls or touch-control section.
- Select the left or right earbud and assign the available action.
- Test the change with music or a call.
Samsung’s product instructions state that a Samsung Account login is required to activate and change Buds4 Pro settings in Galaxy Wearable. That account requirement applies to the app’s advanced configuration, not to ordinary Bluetooth audio pairing.
Why the route can look different
Samsung’s US product instructions, Germany setup guidance and India control guide use slightly different labels and screen examples. One UI version, phone model, language and region can all affect what you see. Use the named route as a guide: first confirm that Galaxy Buds4 Pro is connected, then look for the earbud-control entry or the corresponding control section in Galaxy Wearable.
How the pinch and swipe controls work
The touch area is pressure-sensitive rather than a conventional tap surface. Samsung’s support wording is: “Press the pinch area until you hear a clicking sound.” Use the designated pinch area and apply enough pressure to produce that click; a light brush may not register.
| Gesture | Samsung-documented default action | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Single pinch | Play or pause music; answer or end a call | In applicable situations it can also stop read-aloud notifications, voice detection or siren detection. |
| Double pinch | Play the next track | Make two distinct pinches in quick succession. |
| Triple pinch | Return to the previous track | Samsung India notes that triple pinching within three seconds after music starts can restart the current track. |
| Swipe up or down | Raise or lower volume | Swipe along the earbud’s control area rather than pinching repeatedly. |
| Pinch and hold | Activate the preset function, which is noise control by default, or reject a call | Depending on configuration, hold can switch active noise cancellation on or off. |
These are the standard actions Samsung documents. The choices displayed in your phone can differ with software, region and the feature currently active. If a gesture behaves differently from the table, open the control settings and check the assignment for that specific earbud.
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- 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.
Timing and context matter
A single pinch is not one universal command: it can control playback, answer or end a call, or stop a supported read-aloud, voice-detection or siren-detection event when that situation is active. Pinch-and-hold likewise uses the configured preset function during normal listening but can reject a call in the call context. The same physical gesture therefore may produce a different result without indicating a fault.
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For track navigation, make double and triple pinches clearly distinct and close together. Samsung India’s note about a triple pinch within three seconds after music starts is especially useful when you want to restart the current track rather than move farther back. For volume, use a deliberate upward or downward swipe; repeated pinches are not a substitute for the swipe control.
Customize each earbud for your routine
Assign controls independently
Use the left and right selectors in Earbud controls or Galaxy Wearable to configure each side separately. This lets you keep a playback action on one earbud and a noise-control or call action on the other when those choices are offered by your software.
Choose a hold action deliberately
Pinch-and-hold is the most consequential control because it can invoke noise control or reject an incoming call. If you often adjust noise cancellation, assign the noise-control option and test the timing. If accidental call rejection is a concern, avoid placing a reject-call action on the side you commonly press while reseating an earbud.
Test changes while wearing both earbuds
- Start music and verify single, double and triple pinch behavior.
- Swipe up and down and confirm the volume changes in the intended direction.
- Test pinch-and-hold and listen for the noise-control change or other confirmation.
- Place a test call, if practical, and verify the single-pinch answer/end behavior.
- Repeat the test with the other earbud if you assigned different controls.
Testing matters because a gesture can be technically assigned correctly but still fail when the pinch area is pressed too lightly or when the sequence is too slow to count as a double or triple pinch. Test in the same context in which you intend to use the action: music for playback, a call for call commands, and active noise-control use for the hold command.
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Common pairing and control problems
The pairing prompt never appears
Use the manual Bluetooth route. Confirm the case is charged and open, then select Galaxy Buds4 Pro from available devices. If necessary, press the case connection button to re-enter pairing mode.
The phone sees the earbuds but will not connect
Disconnect the earbuds from another nearby phone, close and reopen the case, and try again. If the listing remains unusable, reset the earbuds using Samsung’s reset instructions and start a new pairing session.
Rank #4
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocks out unwanted background noise so you can focus on music, calls, or podcasts
- True Wireless Convenience: Enjoy tangle-free Bluetooth connectivity for seamless listening on the go.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Easily manage calls, adjust volume, and control playback without reaching for your phone.
- Call Features: With enhanced Super Wideband (SWB) microphones and AI-based noise reduction, the Buds 4 Pro improve call clarity by filtering out surrounding noise and reconstructing lost voice bits, ensuring clear and uninterrupted communication even in noisy environments.Water & Sweat Resistance: These earbuds are IPX7-rated for water resistance, making them more suitable for workouts and outdoor use in varying weather conditions.
- International Model without Domestic Warranty: The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro SM-R640 are an International Version and do not include a local warranty. Optimized for Android, particularly Samsung Galaxy devices, they offer advanced features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 360 Audio, Hi-Fi sound, and real-time AI-based audio enhancements. While fully compatible with iOS devices via Bluetooth, certain features like ANC customization and 360 Audio are exclusive to Galaxy Android devices.
Audio works, but advanced controls are missing
Basic Bluetooth audio does not install Samsung’s advanced controls. Check that the phone uses Android 12 or later, has at least 1.5 GB of memory, and supports Galaxy Wearable. On One UI 8.0 or later, look in the connected Buds entry in Settings; on earlier One UI versions, use Galaxy Wearable. Install any plug-in requested by the app and sign in to a Samsung Account when prompted.
A pinch or swipe is not recognized
- Press the pinch area until you hear the clicking sound Samsung describes.
- For double or triple pinches, keep the sequence close enough together for the earbuds to recognize it.
- Use a deliberate swipe for volume rather than a short tap.
- Check the left/right assignment in the control settings.
- Try again while audio is playing, then test during a call for call-specific behavior.
The gesture performs an unexpected action
Open the control screen and inspect the assignment for the earbud you are touching. Single pinch and pinch-and-hold have context-sensitive behavior: the same gesture can control playback, answer or end a call, stop a supported alert, activate noise control or reject a call. The active phone software and current situation determine which applicable action occurs.
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First verify that the Buds are connected rather than merely listed as a previously paired device. If the phone runs One UI 8.0 or later, select the connected Buds entry in Settings. If it runs an earlier One UI version, open Galaxy Wearable. On Android, check the Android 12 and 1.5 GB memory requirements, install a requested plug-in, and complete Samsung Account sign-in when the app asks. These checks address configuration access without changing the basic Bluetooth pairing.
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Bluetooth audio pairing is the broadest compatibility level. Samsung’s advanced settings are narrower: Galaxy Wearable requires Android 12 or later and at least 1.5 GB of memory, and Samsung does not support the app on iOS. Therefore, an iPhone user may be able to pair the earbuds for Bluetooth sound but should not expect the Galaxy Wearable configuration workflow.
Samsung’s US product instructions, Germany setup guidance and India control guide use slightly different wording and may show different screens. One UI version, phone model, language and region can all change labels. Treat Settings → connected Galaxy Buds4 Pro → Earbud controls as the expected route on One UI 8.0 or later, not a guarantee that every screen will look identical.
Samsung’s Germany pairing and troubleshooting article was updated March 31, 2026, and the India pinch/swipe guide was updated May 20, 2026. Menu paths can change as Samsung updates One UI and its support pages, so the labels on your current phone take precedence when they differ slightly from these names.
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- Case charged and earbuds seated correctly.
- Phone Bluetooth enabled.
- Case opened near the phone.
- Pairing prompt accepted, or Galaxy Buds4 Pro selected manually in Bluetooth settings.
- Correct configuration route chosen: phone Settings on One UI 8.0 or later, Galaxy Wearable on earlier One UI versions.
- Android 12 or later and 1.5 GB memory available for Galaxy Wearable advanced settings.
- Samsung Account and any required plug-in supplied if Galaxy Wearable requests them.
- Single, double, triple, swipe and hold gestures tested on both earbuds.
- If switching phones, the Buds selected from the Bluetooth menu on the phone you want to use.
- If discovery fails, the case connection button tried before resorting to a reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Galaxy Buds4 Pro pair with an iPhone?
Yes. Samsung says Bluetooth audio connection is available regardless of operating system, so an iPhone can pair from its Bluetooth settings when Galaxy Buds4 Pro appears. Galaxy Wearable is not supported on iOS, so Samsung’s advanced control configuration is not available there.
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- 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 Series -they work together to deliver crisp and clear conversations
- ANC 2.0: Wherever you go, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation 2.0 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
- AI ASSISTANT IN YOUR EAR: Galaxy Buds4 Pro work seamlessly with Galaxy S26 Series to give you AI help, completely hands-free. Get quick answers and real-time translations delivered straight to your ears -all you have to do is ask
Do I need Galaxy Wearable to pair the earbuds?
No. Basic Bluetooth audio pairing uses the phone’s Bluetooth menu. Galaxy Wearable is for advanced settings on supported Android phones, and Samsung says a Samsung Account or an additional plug-in may be required depending on the One UI version.
Where are Buds4 Pro controls on a Galaxy phone?
On One UI 8.0 or later, open Settings, select the connected Galaxy Buds4 Pro, tap Earbud controls, and choose the left or right earbud. Earlier One UI versions use Galaxy Wearable.
What does pinch and hold do?
It activates the configured preset function, which Samsung identifies as noise control by default, and it can reject a call. Depending on your configuration, holding can switch active noise cancellation on or off.
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Samsung India notes that triple pinching within three seconds after music starts can restart the current track. At other times, triple pinch returns to the previous track.
Can I switch the Buds automatically between two phones?
Samsung says the earbuds can be paired with multiple devices and instructs you to select them from the desired phone’s Bluetooth menu. Do not assume automatic multipoint switching on every phone.
The Bottom Line
Charge the case, enable Bluetooth, open the case and accept the prompt—or select Galaxy Buds4 Pro manually if the prompt is absent. Use Settings → connected Galaxy Buds4 Pro → Earbud controls on One UI 8.0 or later, and Galaxy Wearable on earlier One UI versions. Pinch for playback and calls, double- or triple-pinch for tracks, swipe for volume, and hold for the configured noise-control or call action. Samsung’s menus vary by software and region, so verify each assignment on the phone you are using.
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