Fix: Can’t Connect Galaxy Buds to Windows

Galaxy Buds might not show up in Windows Bluetooth settings even when they are in pairing mode, making the connection get stuck. This means Windows is not seeing the earbuds as a Bluetooth device.

The most common cause is turning on pairing mode the wrong way—press both touchpads while the buds are in the case until the light flashes—while other causes include problems from active connections on other devices.

1. Update Windows and Device Drivers

Microsoft and 3^rd party vendors keep updating their products to keep pace with new features and fix known bugs. If Windows or your drivers are outdated, your PC and Galaxy Buds may not work well together. Updating Windows and your drivers to the latest build may fix the issue.

1. Manually update Windows and update the drivers on your system to the latest build. If you use an update utility like Dell Support Assistant, use it to update the drivers.

   

2. Then check if the Galaxy Buds work properly.

2. Re-Pair the Galaxy Buds

A temporary glitch in the Bluetooth modules can cause connection problems. Re-pairing the buds often clears this up.

1. Unpair the buds from your PC, then power-cycle both the PC and the buds (turn them off and back on).
2. Make sure your PC’s Bluetooth is enabled, then put the buds in your ears.
3. Tap and hold both buds for a few seconds, then check if the Galaxy Buds connect and play sound.

   

4. If not, unpair the devices again and power-cycle them.
5. Put the buds in their case and, with the case lid open, check if the Galaxy Buds can connect successfully.

   

3. Select the Galaxy Buds as a Playback Device

If the buds pair but audio still plays through your speakers, the buds may not be set as the playback device. Setting them as the default device can fix this.

1. Click the speaker icon in the system tray to open the Select Playback Device menu.
2. Select Galaxy Buds and check if the issue is resolved.

   

4. Set Startup Type of Bluetooth Support Service to Automatic

Windows relies on the Bluetooth Support Service for Bluetooth devices to work properly. If it’s not configured correctly, your buds may not connect. Setting this service to Automatic can help.

1. Press the Windows key and type Services. In the results, right-click Services and choose Run as Administrator.

   

2. Double-click Bluetooth Support Service and open the Startup type dropdown.

   

3. Select Automatic and click Apply/OK.

   

4. Right-click Bluetooth Support Service and choose Restart.

   

5. After it restarts, check if the Galaxy Buds connect successfully.

5. Enable the Audio Sink Service for The Galaxy Buds

Your Galaxy Buds need the Audio Sink service enabled to play audio on your PC. If it’s off, the buds may pair but won’t output sound. Enabling this service can fix the issue.

1. Press the Windows key and open Settings. Then open Devices.

   

2. In the right pane, click Devices & Printers (under Related settings), then right-click Galaxy Buds.

   

3. Select Properties and go to the Services tab. Check the option for Audio Sink and save your changes.
4. Check if the Galaxy Buds now work.
5. If not, open the Galaxy Buds Properties again and go to the Hardware or Services tab.
6. Install drivers for each function like AVRCP, Hands-Free, etc. (you may ignore BTIS and SAMSUNGDEVICE). First, try the Microsoft drivers. If those don’t work, try manually selecting the drivers.

   

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

6. Reinstall the Bluetooth Drivers

You may face this problem if the Bluetooth drivers on your PC are corrupt or not set up correctly. Reinstalling the Bluetooth drivers can help. Before you start, download the latest Bluetooth drivers for your system (for your internal adapter or external dongle).

1. Unpair the Galaxy Buds and your PC. Then right-click the Windows button to open the Power User menu and select Device Manager.

   

2. Expand Bluetooth and right-click any Bluetooth device.
3. Select Uninstall Device, then check Delete the driver software for this device.

   

4. Click Uninstall and wait for it to finish. Repeat to remove all Bluetooth devices and the Galaxy Buds. Then reboot your PC.
5. After reboot, check if the Galaxy Buds work (Windows will try to install its default drivers).
6. If not, install the latest OEM drivers and test again.
7. If that didn’t help, open Device Manager (step 2) and right-click the Galaxy Buds (you may find them under Bluetooth, Sound, Video and Game Controllers, or Other devices). Select Update driver.
8. Select Browse my computer for drivers and check if using the Microsoft Bluetooth AVRCP Transport Driver resolves the issue (you may need to uncheck Show compatible hardware).
9. If not, check if using the Handsfree Audio Gateway Service driver resolves the issue.