Fix: Can’t Connect Galaxy Buds to Windows

Your Galaxy Buds may fail to connect to your computer if the system drivers or Windows of your system is not updated to the latest build. Moreover, the wrong configuration of the system services may also cause the error under discussion.

The user encounters the issue when he tries to connect the Galaxy Buds with his PC but fails to do so (although some users were successfully connecting before). In some cases, the user’s PC fails to find the buds, whereas, in other cases, the pairing was successful but no sound from the buds. The issue is not limited to a specific version of the Galaxy Buds.

Before moving on with the solutions to connect your Galaxy buds to your PC, check the Galaxy Buds and your PC can connect to other Bluetooth devices without issues. Moreover, the Galaxy Buds are known to have issues if used with a device that is using a Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, so try to use the buds with a compatible device (if possible). Last but not least, make sure no other device is causing any type of Bluetooth interference for the PC or buds (especially, your phone).

Solution 1: Update Windows and Device Drivers

Microsoft and 3^rd party vendors keep on updating their products to pace with the latest technological advancements and patch known bugs. You may fail to connect the Galaxy Buds to your PC if the Windows and system drivers are outdated as it can create incompatibility between the devices. In this scenario, updating Windows and device drivers to the latest build may solve the problem.

1. Manually update Windows and device drivers of your system to the latest build. If you are using any update utility like Dell Support Assistant, then use it to update the drivers.

   

2. Then check if the Galaxy Buds are working fine.

Solution 2: Re-Pair the Galaxy Buds

The issue at hand could be a result of a temporary glitch in the Bluetooth modules. The glitch can be cleared by re-pairing the buds.

1. Unpair the buds from your PC and then power-cycle the devices.
2. Now make sure that the Bluetooth of your PC is enabled and then put the buds in your ears.
3. Now tap and hold both buds for few seconds and then check if the Galaxy buds’ issue is resolved.

   

4. If not, then unpair the devices and power-cycle them.
5. Now put the buds in their case and with the open lid of the case, check if the Galaxy Buds can be connected successfully.

   

Solution 3: Select the Galaxy Buds as a Playback Device

You may fail to connect the Galaxy Buds to your PC if the playback device is not set to the buds. In this context, setting the buds as the playback device may solve the problem.

1. Click on the speaker icon in the system’s tray to open the Select Playback device menu.
2. Now select the Galaxy buds and check if the issue is resolved.

   

Solution 4: Set Startup Type of Bluetooth Support Service to Automatic

The Bluetooth Support Service is essential for the completion of the operation of the Galaxy buds and if it is not configured properly, it may cause the error at hand. In this context, setting the startup type of the Bluetooth Support Service to Automatic may solve the problem.

1. Hit the Windows key and in the Windows Search box, type Services. Now, in the results shown, right-click on Services and choose Run as Administrator.

   

2. Then double click on Bluetooth Support Service and open the dropdown of Startup type.

   

3. Now, select Automatic and click on Apply/OK.

   

4. Then right-click on Bluetooth Support Service and choose Restart.

   

5. Upon restart, check if the Galaxy Buds can be connected successfully.

Solution 5: Enable the Audio Sink Service for The Galaxy Buds

The Galaxy Buds fail to connect to your system if the Audio Sink service (required for the proper operation of the buds) is not enabled. In this case, enabling the Audio Sink Service may solve the problem.

1. Hit the Windows key and open Settings. Now open Devices.

   

2. Then, in the right pane, click on Devices & Printer (under Related Settings) and right-click on the Galaxy Buds.

   

3. Now select Properties and then navigate to the services tab. Then checkmark the option of the Audio Sink and save your changes.
4. Now check if the Galaxy Buds issue is resolved.
5. If not, then open the Galaxy Buds properties and navigate to the Hardware or Services tab.
6. Now install drivers for each of the functionality like AVCRP, Handsfree, etc. (you may ignore BTIS and SAMSUNGDEVICE). First, try to use Microsoft Drivers and if these drivers fail, then try manually selecting the drivers.

   

7. Then check if the Galaxy Buds issue is resolved.

Solution 6: Reinstall the Bluetooth Drivers

You may encounter the issue at hand if the Bluetooth drivers of your system are corrupt or not properly configured. In this case, reinstalling the Bluetooth drivers may solve the problem. Before proceeding, make sure to download the latest version of the Bluetooth drivers (either internal or external) of your system.

1. Unpair the Galaxy buds and your system. Then right-click on the Windows button to open the Power User menu and then select Device Manager.

   

2. Now, expand Bluetooth and right-click on any of the Bluetooth devices.
3. Then select Uninstall Device and then checkmark the option of Delete the Driver Software of this Device.

   

4. Then click on the Uninstall button and then wait for the completion of the uninstallation. Now repeat the same to uninstall all the Bluetooth devices and the Galaxy Buds. Then reboot your PC.
5. Upon reboot, check if the Galaxy Buds issue is resolved (Windows will try to install its default drivers).
6. If not, then check if installing the latest OEM drivers resolves the issue.
7. If that did not do the trick, open the Device Manager (step 2) and right-click on the Galaxy buds (you may have to expand Bluetooth, Sound, Video, and Game Controllers or Other Devices). In the menu shown, select Update Driver.
8. Then select ‘Browse My Computer for Drivers’ and check if using the Microsoft Bluetooth Avrcp Transport Driver resolves the issue (You may have to uncheck the “Show compatible hardware” checkmark).
9. If not, then check if using the Handsfree Audio Gateway Service driver resolves the issue.

If the issue persists, then check if using a 3^rd party utility (like Galaxy Buds Manager) resolves the issue. If not, then get your buds checked for any hardware issue (if possible, replace under warranty) or buy another Bluetooth dongle (having BT 5.0).