Galaxy Buds · Accessibility

Let outside sound and speech through with Ambient Sound and Voice Detect

Ambient Sound uses the earbuds' external microphones to pipe in outside noise so you can stay aware of your surroundings, while Voice Detect automatically pauses noise cancelling and boosts ambient audio when it senses you've started talking.

What you should know

  • Open Galaxy Wearable, tap the earbuds image, and tap Ambient sound to turn it on and adjust its volume with the on-screen slider.
  • Choose 'Extra loud' Ambient Sound mode for noisy outdoor settings like traffic or an airport, where the standard level isn't enough.
  • Under ANC/Ambient settings, turn on Voice Detect so ANC automatically eases off and ambient sound rises whenever you start speaking.
  • Adjust how quickly normal ANC resumes after you stop talking using the Voice Detect sensitivity/duration option, on supported Pro models.

Why it matters

Ambient Sound and Voice Detect remove the need to pull an earbud out for a quick conversation or to stay street-aware while walking or running, which matters both for convenience and for basic safety in traffic or shared spaces.

Best practices

  • Turn on Voice Detect for commutes or office use where you're frequently interrupted by short conversations.
  • Use standard Ambient Sound rather than 'Extra loud' indoors, since the louder setting can introduce a faint hiss in quiet rooms.
  • Pair Ambient Sound with a lower media volume outdoors so amplified surroundings and your audio don't compete.

Common problems and fixes

Ambient Sound picks up a hollow or amplified 'wind tunnel' effect
Lower the Ambient Sound volume slider and confirm the eartips are seated properly rather than loosely inserted.
Voice Detect doesn't trigger reliably
Speak at a normal volume close to the earbud's mic — very quiet speech or heavy background noise can prevent it from registering.

Tips and tricks

  • Voice Detect is a convenient hands-free alternative to manually toggling ANC off during short check-out or drive-through conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ambient Sound the same as turning ANC off?

No — turning ANC off simply stops active cancelling, while Ambient Sound actively amplifies outside noise through the earbuds' microphones for better awareness.