After I bought my Samsung Galaxy Buds, I was more than excited to take it with me everywhere I go. But the first day I took it to work, I was very disappointed. Even though the media volume on my phone was full, the volume on Galaxy Buds was too low.
I thought the Galaxy Buds’ ear tips were not the right fit for my ear. So I swapped them too much bigger ear tips that came with the Samsung Galaxy Earbuds. Galaxy buds volume control options were missing in the app and the phone itself. So like you, I started to wonder how to make galaxy buds louder before replacing them.
To be honest, this did improve the sound quality as this increased the sound isolation with outside background noise. So, I looked around the web and found the solutions to Galaxy bud’s low volume issue even though the volume on your phone is at max.
Did you know you can pair galaxy buds to a laptop?
All these tips are applicable to Galaxy Buds, Galaxy buds plus, Galaxy buds pro, and Galaxy buds live. If you have any other suggestions, please leave a comment so that someone else might find them useful.
How to Turn Volume up on Galaxy Buds – Galaxy Buds Low Volume
If you are wondering how to turn volume up on Galaxy buds, the first thing to do is setup volume controls on your Samsung galaxy buds touchpad.
If it’s your first time trying the Samsung earbuds, make sure you get familiar with the initial setup procedure.
Most users never install the app, thus they are not able to control the volume of the Galaxy earbuds directly. If this does not solve your low volume issues, please see the updates section or the FAQs.
For someone that is facing other issues and would like some assistance, please leave them in the comments section below.
1. Get Volume Control on Galaxy Buds Pro Plus Touchpad
For you to be able to turn volume up on Galaxy Buds, you need to install the official Galaxy Wearable app first and follow the step-by-step instructions below.
First, you need to download and install the Galaxy Wearable app from the app store. This app is freely available in the Play store and for any iPhone or iOS user please download the Samsung Galaxy Buds app from the app store.
If you do not see different options to choose from for individual buds, please update your Galaxy wearable app. After installing the latest version, you will see the exact options you see in the screenshots down below.
- Open the Galaxy Wearable app.
- Select Galaxy Buds, Galaxy buds pro, Galaxy buds live, or whatever earbuds you have from the list if you have other devices connected too.
- Scroll down and open “Touchpad.”
- Under “Touch and hold touchpad,” tap on either one of the options and set it to Volume Up/Down.
Now to increase the volume, long press on the right earbud and you will hear a beep. To max out the volume, long press until you start hearing double beeps. To decrease the volume, long tap on the left earbud and doing this will increase the volume on your earbuds.
2. Why Are My Galaxy Buds So Quiet – UPDATES
Your buds are so quiet probably because of smaller ear tips, gunk between the audio driver and ear tips, old Wearable firmware, or a combination of all of these. I’ve tackled all of these separately down below, follow the steps to make your Samsung earbuds louder than ever before.
I constantly update this article on how to fix this issue, depending on the scenario, different things might work to get your quiet galaxy buds a bit louder.
2.1 Samsung Galaxy Buds Left Earbud Quiet – My experience
I use the first version of Samsung Earbuds with Galaxy Buds pro on its way. A few weeks ago, I experienced that my galaxy buds left earbud was quieter than the right side.
I regularly clean them, so I was not sure if cleanliness was an issue. It just happened all of a sudden that I could not backtrack what exactly happened.
Here’s what I did and I believe that the left galaxy bud that was quiet is definitely louder now. I am not sure which process mentioned below allowed me to turn volume up on Galaxy buds but give it a go.
- I fully reset my headsets – read our guide to learn how to reset galaxy buds.
- Updated the Galaxy wearable application and the firmware software for the earbuds.
- Used another phone instead of my iPhone and tried connecting it to that instead and found that did improve a bit.
If you are wondering “do galaxy buds work with iPhone“, yes I use it with my iOS devices, Windows computers, and Samsung devices.
One suggestion I have is to check if the audio balance settings on your phone are not altered which is causing one Galaxy Buds to be louder than the other. Read how to fix that.
2.1 Use Bigger Eartips – Update: 29 March 2022
If you are still struggling with your Samsung buds volume after trying all the basic troubleshooting methods, one thing to try is bigger ear tips. You can try swapping with the ones that your Samsung earbuds are shipped with.
Alternatively, you can find some generic ones on Amazon. If you would like me to list some, let me know in the comments section below and I’ll update the article accordingly.
2.2 How to clean Galaxy Buds to fix a quiet Galaxy Bud?
– If you’ve tried everything and are still wondering “why are my galaxy buds so quiet”, I might have some answers for you. This only applies to used earbuds, if the volume is low on one ear or if your buds seem to get quieter as you use them.
I assume you’ve tried everything I have mentioned in this article or if you have a new set of earbuds, this is not for you.
The problem is the way the earbuds are built or more specifically how to speakers on the buds have been put together. After digging deep through Reddit, this seems to be the case for most of the users.
The space between the metal grill and the filter gets gunk deposited over time, and this muffles the audio and makes your earbuds quieter. I am not suggesting you open them up and clean them, as this will void your warranty and also might damage your earbuds if you don’t know what you are doing.
What I can suggest though is :
– Use an alcohol wipe a give them a good clean once in a while, don’t do it very often. Make sure they are dry before using them.
– Regularly clean your ears as cleaner your ears are, less gunk will be accumulated in the buds.
– Never soak them in any kind of solution, as it might dissolve any gunk accumulated inside the grill and make the situation worse.
2.3 Samsung Finally Updates The Firmware – Update: 5th October 2020
After millions of updates, Samsung has finally done a very good job with the Samsung earbuds firmware. I forget that these are the Samsung earbuds that I had a while back. Some of the things that have been improved significantly and have actually made me think if I should upgrade to Samsung Galaxy Buds.
- Connectivity – Keeping the occasional battle to get them to connect aside, it only takes a few seconds for the buds to automatically connect to my phone. The difference is significant. Before it could take 5-10 seconds to connect the buds to the phone. Now if it is already paired, they automatically connect in a couple of seconds.
- Both the earbuds do not work all the time – A weird issue I and some other users were facing previously. Even when I charged the buds while they were in the case, one of the buds would not work sometimes.
Please update your Samsung earbuds and your phone’s Software – This should solve your issue
If that does not help, try the following before looking for other solutions.
- Use Bigger Eartips – Using a bigger(tighter) Eartips will guarantee, an increase in the volume.
- Clean the tips regularly.
- More battery > Better audio quality and volume.
- Update the firmware – you will be surprised how much this can help you.
2.4 Media Volume Sync Removed – Update: 7th May 2020
The “Media Volume Sync” option has been removed. If you have an older version android phone, you might have this option though.
Go to the advanced settings for Bluetooth and check if you still have this option.
Seems like Samsung has removed the Media volume sync options in their recent android software update for most smartphones. So if you are not able to find the “media volume sync” options under advanced settings for your Bluetooth, it’s a lot easier to get galaxy buds volume control on your device.
READ: How To Connect Samsung Earbuds To Chromebook
The option to control the volume on the galaxy buds from the galaxy bud’s touch control is still there. So if you would like to control the buds’ volume from the bud’s touch controls, you can find those steps below.
For everyone else who is looking to control galaxy buds volume from their phone, I would suggest you do as follows:-
- Go to “Settings” > “Software update” and see if there is a software update available for your Samsung device.
- Download and install the software update and restart the phone.
- Open the Samsung wearable app and reset your Samsung earbuds.
- Pair your earbuds again with the phone after the software update.
- Once connected the volume keys will control the overall volume of the phone including the Galaxy earbuds.
If your phone does not have an update or there is a Media Volume Sync option even after the update, you can control the volume on your buds by following the steps I’ve mentioned below.
Please leave a comment if this update did not help you in controlling the volume on your earbuds.
3. Other Solutions For Quiet Galaxy Buds
Samsung earbuds are not the best built and since they are the first generation of its predecessor, Samsung earbuds plus there are lots of issues with the hardware itself.
So if nothing has helped, make sure you return them and get a replacement. I have got feedback from some of my friends that after the buds were replaced, they do not have any issue at all with their Galaxy Buds.
3.1 Get Them Replaced
If your galaxy buds are still under warranty, I would say that you should get them replaced.
Why is this?
Unlike other Bluetooth headphones, Galaxy earbuds have their own volume control system. So, regardless of you increasing the volume on your phone to the max, this does not sync with the galaxy buds.
By turning the Media volume sync, we force the galaxy earbuds to sync with the phone’s volume rocker and give maximum volume when the phone’s media volume is also at a maximum.
But we turned the “Dual audio off.” What if I want to use it and listen at max volume.
This allows you to use the “Dual Audio” feature and also listen to audio on Earbuds at max volume.
The only downside was that when the earbuds are put on “Media volume sync” volume change is very smooth while as when it’s off, it does not feel quite smooth.
Regardless of which option you choose, this is the way to increase volume on Samsung galaxy buds.
If you have more queries, please leave a comment below on galaxy earbuds volume issues and your personal experience using galaxy earbuds.
So I have the Samsung Note 8 and I found the ‘Touch controls’ in the ”Wearables app and I was able to, through the phone, press on Right and got the Volume up, but pressing on the left it’s still Volume down, I tried pressing on it, on the phone, for three seconds…nothing, I pressed the left earbud itself for three seconds and nothing. These are new earbuds so I know they are not dirty
I think i found something, that helped a bit. While browsing the touch settings, i switched right one to increase volume by “touch and hold”. It really increased the volume, much above the level i have been able to set till then. I havent found any slider or possibility to set this up other way, but it works
Hello! I had the same problem, and I knew I did not need to clean them. It went from no volume to some volume but very quiet. To fix this, go onto the app (samsung wearable) then click reset. This will reset all your earbuds settings and will fix it.
i cannot pair it with iPhone SE, any idea?
If you have any other device around the earbuds at the time you are trying to pair it to the iPhone SE, you might have issues! the earbuds done showup on this list or the pairing is failing?
Hey, this article might help you out, what earbuds are you trying to pair? – https://windowslovers.com/how-to-connect-galaxy-buds-to-iphone-ipads/
Thanks champ, it worked like charm for me. Best bass and treble. Love my ear buds now. thanks to you
Awesome, you’re welcome!
Thanks that worked!!!
Omg thank you so much!! Totally fixed it😁
My galaxy buds live were very quiet and uncomfortable at first but I had them in upside down 😀
Switching the settings to push and hold Volume Up solved it for me. It would seem these come out of the factory at 70%, you need to boost the volume by changing the tapping gestures to volume. You can then put it back to voice control of you want and just adjust volume with the phone volume rocker.
Thank you for this helpful comment.
If your Galaxy Buds, Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live, or Gear IconX earbuds have no or low volume and poor sound quality on one or both buds, there may be a couple reasons why. You might be wearing the earbuds incorrectly, or the buds could have accumulated dust or debris. Additionally, the audio quality could be affected by outdated software, a low battery, and several other things.
I was about to return the galaxy buds live but found your page. It worked Thank You.
Glad this helped Sara 😀
thank u sooo much you fix it im so happy
I am glad this worked Aakash 🙂 .
I have a samsung S9, and noticed that with the last update my galaxy buds are much much quieter then they used to be. I have media volume sync on, have done every troubleshooting issue I can find online. And the volume just doesn’t turn up very loud. Is anyone else experiencing this?
If it is still under warranty, please return it and get a replacement.
This did nothing. I’m out $100 for earbuds that dont work.
Try Bigger size ear tips, this is the last option you have before getting them replaced by Samsung. if you get them replaced by Samsung, chances are they will be the same.
Hi All,
I have updated the article and tested the same with my Samsung S9+ and Earbuds. Please let me know if you still have issues so that I can find other solutions to this issue. But as always you can configure the touch controls on your earbuds to control the volume which should do the trick. Have a good one. (Y)
I have a Note 10 Plus. When I go to advanced under Bluetooth settings I do not have the dial audio option at all. I’ve gone in and done the touchpad setting on the buds themselves and have them all the way up but it’s still very faint. Have also cleaned them. Have changed the mdledia volume limit under sounds to the max. I’ve changed the settings under developer options as well. Nothing works to make them like they were before the last update. These basically don’t even work anymore.
@nick: Unfortunately the final thing you should try is changing to a bigger ear tips, this helped me a lot. But if nothing seems to work, you will have to get them replaced.
Hey i have tried EVERYTHING mentioned here and my right ear bud is still quieter
If it is still under warranty, please return it and get a replacement.
In the latest updates from Samsung, some bluetooth settings were removed, making this solution basically useless. Could you look into this/update this?
Hi all, I have updated the article and tested the same with my Samsung S9+ and Earbuds. Please let me know if you still have issues so that I can find other solutions to this issue. But as always you can configure the touch controls on your earbuds to control the volume which should do the trick. Have a good one. (Y)
Thank you kindly! I truly enjoy my new earbuds but was about to return them and settle for something less pleasing to me because of the issue with the volume. You saved me from making that return. Thank you so very much!
Hi Staci JC,
I am very glad this helped 🙂
I have S20 ultra. Does not have dual audio setting. I have tried the method of touchpad but the volume still low.
Please look into the article below and see if that helps you 🙂
https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-S10e-S10-S10-S10-5G/quot-Media-volume-sync-quot-option-missing-after-update/m-p/1474050#M14103
But are you able to increase the volume to the max from the touchpad?
I purchased a galaxy s20 ultra. With it a new pair of galaxy buds plus. The options for dual audio is not included with the initial launch and update. I was able to switch the volume up and down on the wearable app. But when I adjust that volume i can watch it change on the phone. I have max volume limit turned off.
My volume is not banging
HI please look into the article below and see if that helps you at all.
https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/Galaxy-S10e-S10-S10-S10-5G/quot-Media-volume-sync-quot-option-missing-after-update/m-p/1474050#M14103
The new Samsung Galaxy S20 ultra no longer has the dual audio to turn off. I’m hearing from different sources that Samsung got rid of it because this allows users to increase volume and they don’t want to to be legally liable for damages to eardrums
Hi Michael,
I am not exactly sure if that is correct. With Samsung removing this dual audio feature, are you able to control your Galaxy bud’s volume from the phone’s volume rocker itself?
My phone has neither “dual audio ” or “media sync” and my left ear bed is still turned down.
If your buds are not turning on, try putting it back in the case and charging the case. Try this couple of times and it should connect to your phone again.
Big thanks to the author!!
Thank you.
Sorry didn’t work I can’t turn it on because it says next to the switch for media volume sync that the connected device does not support it
Thank you
Teşekkür ederim
Merci
My buds still are very quiet and the ambient sound has stopped working. They are not broken and have stopped working randomly. All the steps above I had already been following. I have an S9 and got these in October
So i just bought my buds but when i go into my settings and advanced it says that media sych is not supported on this device
Any help with that
Which phone are you using the buds on ?
Hi, the way i did it: phone A) lineageos . cant run wearable app, as it sais not supported on that modified OS. then i ran the wearable app on another OS (original firmware) and set the left bud to decrease volume and the right one to increase.
now i can increase/decrease the volume at the buds directly on my unsupported phone without the headphone.
I hope i could help anybody.
I have tried this…it is on and it is still low like before. Any more ideas?
Thank you
Try settings the buds and just disable the dual audio and enable the media volume sync.
Please post your results once you have done this.
dual audio or media sync dont exist
Hello I’m using note 10 plus and I don’t have dual audio in my settings
Do a software update, reset you galaxy buds and pair them again. you should be able to control the volume from the phone’s volume rocker itself.
you are awesome! i was skeptichal at beginning when started to read but went all the way and follow your advice, and now the buds really rock much better! thank you very much, i was just about to toss them!
No worries mate. Do you have issues in phone calls? I cannot use my buds to make phone calls what so ever.
I have issues answering calls with the double tap on my right bud. I’ve had luck fixing this issue in the past by deleting my gear app and unpairing and repairing my buds from scratch. Maybe it will help you??
Thanks for letting me know, I will add that to the article! Which Galaxy Buds do you use?
Thank you had forgot I ever turned them down that way lol
Haha, but my buds are terrible to make phone calls. I am not sure if it’s just me, how’s your experience with phone calls ?
Non visualizzo “avanzate”
Sorry mate, donot speak your language.
I tried this and it didnt work. The volume is still low
Could you please confirm if you have disabled the dual audio settings.
Try settings the buds and just disable the dual audio and enable the media volume sync.
Please post your results once you have done this.
I don’t have dual sound in the avance section
Which phone are you using ? if you do not have that option you will have to just use the touch control on the headsets to get the controls for the volume.
this worked for my oppo !
thank you very much !
You’re welcome!
Which phone do you use?
I use the Samsung a90 snd the volume isn’t loud. Ibpve followed every step aswell