Galaxy Buds · System

Check for and install Galaxy Buds firmware updates

Galaxy Wearable checks for earbud firmware updates automatically and prompts you when one's available, but you can also trigger a manual check from the app's About Earbuds screen.

What you should know

  • Place both earbuds in the case with the lid open, near a phone connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data with Bluetooth on.
  • Open Galaxy Wearable, tap the gear/Settings icon, then go to About Earbuds > Software update to view the current version and check manually.
  • Tap Download and install if an update is listed, and keep the case within Bluetooth range with the lid open until the process finishes.
  • If a firmware update won't start, update the Galaxy Wearable app itself from the Galaxy Store first, since an outdated app can block newer firmware packages.

Don't close the case lid or move out of Bluetooth range while a firmware update is installing — interrupting it can leave an earbud temporarily unresponsive until the update is retried.

Why it matters

Firmware updates have shipped real fixes for connection drops and touch-control lag, and have added features like Adaptive ANC or 360 Audio to earlier models after launch — buds that seem to 'just have quirks' are sometimes simply behind on firmware.

Best practices

  • Check for updates after first pairing new buds, since retail units can ship with older firmware than what's currently available.
  • Leave the case near the phone on Wi-Fi occasionally rather than assuming updates always install the moment they're released.
  • Keep the Galaxy Wearable app itself updated from the Galaxy Store, since app and firmware updates are often released together.

Common problems and fixes

Update download keeps failing partway through
Switch from mobile data to Wi-Fi, keep the case lid open and nearby, and retry from About Earbuds > Software update.
No update available even though a new version was announced
Updates roll out in stages by region and model, so it may not have reached your specific device yet.

Tips and tricks

  • There's no way to roll back a Galaxy Buds firmware update once it's installed, so it's worth reading release notes for major version jumps first.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a Samsung phone to update Galaxy Buds firmware?

No — firmware updates install through the Galaxy Wearable app on any compatible Android phone, though the iPhone 'Galaxy Buds' app can also deliver basic firmware updates.