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Yes. Samsung Galaxy Buds can connect directly to an Apple Watch as Bluetooth headphones. Put the earbuds in pairing mode, then on the watch open Settings > Bluetooth and select them from the device list. You can listen to watch audio without having your iPhone nearby, but pairing does not install Samsung’s app or enable every Galaxy Buds feature.
Before you start
- Charge the earbuds and keep them close to your Apple Watch.
- If the Buds are connected to another device or have been paired before, disconnect them from that device if needed and use the model-specific pairing steps below.
Put Galaxy Buds into pairing mode
If the earbuds have not been paired before
For supported models, place both earbuds in the charging case, close the lid, wait 5–6 seconds, and open it. Samsung says this puts the earbuds into automatic Bluetooth pairing mode.
If the earbuds were already paired to another device
Samsung’s manual pairing method depends on the model family:
- Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro: Put both earbuds in your ears, then press and hold both touchpads for a few seconds.
- Galaxy Buds2 and Buds2 Pro: Put both earbuds in the case and press and hold both touchpads until the case lights flash.
See Samsung’s Galaxy earbuds pairing instructions for model-specific details.
#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.
Pair the earbuds with Apple Watch
- On the watch, open Settings > Bluetooth.
- Wait for the Galaxy Buds to appear in the list of available devices.
- Tap the earbuds’ name to connect. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions.
Apple’s guidance is to put headphones into discovery mode using the manufacturer’s instructions, then select them in the watch’s Bluetooth settings. See Apple’s guide to Bluetooth accessories and Apple Watch.
Listen without your iPhone nearby
Apple Watch can play audio through Bluetooth headphones without an iPhone nearby. Start playback from a supported watch audio source. To change the output after pairing, use the audio-output control in a supported playback screen or in Control Center.
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
Not every sound is routed to the headphones. Apple’s cited guide says Siri, phone calls, voicemail, and voice memos play through the Apple Watch speaker.
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What pairing does—and does not—enable
Bluetooth pairing provides a basic headphone connection; Samsung companion-app support is a separate matter and does not extend to Apple Watch simply because the Buds are connected.
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
- Samsung says Galaxy Buds, Buds Pro, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds3, and Buds3 Pro do not have iOS app support, though they can pair over Bluetooth for music, calls, and touchpad controls.
- Samsung’s App Store listing supports Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live when connected to an iPhone. This is iPhone app support, not an Apple Watch app.
Check Samsung’s Galaxy Buds app listing for the supported models and features.
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
If the Galaxy Buds do not appear
- Confirm the earbuds are charged and close to the watch.
- Put them back into pairing mode. If they have previously connected elsewhere, follow the manual steps for the correct model family rather than relying on automatic pairing mode.
- On Apple Watch, return to Settings > Bluetooth and check the available-device list again.
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