This is the OSCAL blog, which is published by the China-based TWS earbud, tablet, rugged phone, and portable power station brand. I hope you found this guide useful. Short answer: yes — Galaxy Buds can pair and work with an iPhone, but the experience is not identical to using them with a Samsung phone.
What works and what doesn’t, how to pair and troubleshoot, and a few tips for using Galaxy Buds with an iPhone are all covered in this guide. What “works” when Galaxy Buds are paired with an iPhone? Because they are standard Bluetooth earbuds, Galaxy Buds can perform the fundamental functions that you would expect to find on an iPhone. These functions include audio playback, phone calls, activating Siri via the iPhone, and basic play/pause/skip gestures if the earbud model supports generic Bluetooth controls. Over a reliable Bluetooth connection, you can stream music, watch videos, participate in conference calls, and use voice assistants.
What features may be unavailable or limited?
Samsung designs many of the Buds’ advanced features to integrate with Samsung phones and the Galaxy Wearable app. Some of these features may be limited or require workarounds on the iPhone: Limitations of the Galaxy Wearable app: Samsung’s Wearable app is available in the App Store, but feature parity varies. When compared to Android, some options for deep customization and firmware updates are either unavailable or less convenient. Support for advanced codecs: iOS may not support certain audio codecs, such as Samsung’s proprietary codecs or some advanced low-latency codecs. This can have an impact on audio quality and latency when playing games and watching videos. Spatial audio and head-tracking: iOS has its own spatial audio implementation that works best with Apple’s headphones. Galaxy Buds won’t be able to use all of Apple’s spatial audio head-tracking features. Auto switch and quick pairing: iOS does not support features like automatic device switching or one-step pairing with Samsung accounts. Custom gestures and firmware tuning: Depending on the Wearable app’s support level for your Buds model, you may not be able to customize touch controls or access EQ presets as extensively as you can on Samsung phones. How to pair Galaxy Buds with an iPhone (step-by-step)
Because the buds use standard Bluetooth, pairing is simple. Follow these procedures: Check that Bluetooth is enabled by opening Settings Bluetooth on your iPhone. Put the pairing mode on your Galaxy Buds. For most Galaxy Buds, open the charging case with the buds inside; if they aren’t in pairing mode automatically, press and hold the touchpads or remove and reinsert them following the model instructions until the LED flashes or the buds announce pairing mode.
Keep an eye on the Bluetooth list on the iPhone to see if the Buds are listed as a device name like “Galaxy Buds” or by model name. To connect, tap the name of the device. Once paired, the iPhone will show them as connected for audio and calls.
Install the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app if it is available for your Buds model in the App Store to access iOS-supported features and check for firmware updates. If the app lacks functionality, you can still use the Buds normally for audio and calls.
Tips for making your iPhone experience better Because advanced integrations are limited, here are practical tips to make the most of your Buds:
Use a Samsung or compatible Android device whenever possible to run firmware updates. Updated firmware can fix bugs and improve compatibility even if you later use the buds with an iPhone. Use iPhone audio settings: iOS controls like volume, EQ (in the Music app’s settings), and accessibility features (mono audio, phone noise cancellation) still apply — tweak them to taste.
Map common actions to Siri: Use Siri shortcuts or iOS accessibility settings to create voice-activated routines if touch controls are limited.
Manage battery life: Check the iPhone’s battery widget to monitor earbud battery when connected; add the Batteries widget for quick access.
Use only one bud: Many Galaxy Buds models can be used with an iPhone with just one earbud if you want more battery life or to stay aware of your surroundings.
Call quality and microphone behavior
The Galaxy Buds on an iPhone have generally good call quality; however, the microphone’s performance is more dependent on the Buds model than the phone itself. The built-in noise and wind suppression features of the buds will continue to function, but Samsung software-based device-specific enhancements will not be available. If the iPhone provides those service options, make sure that the Buds are set to “Hands-Free” and “Headset” for calls in Settings Bluetooth. Charge time and battery life When paired with an iPhone, battery behavior remains unchanged: you will experience the same playtime and charging behavior as the manufacturer specifies. Quick charging features (like a rapid top-up while in the case) still work, and the charging case will charge via the same cable or wireless charging pad as usual.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the buds do not appear, either turn off or on Bluetooth, close and reopen the case, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset them. Intermittent audio can be fixed by moving closer to the iPhone, removing sources of RF noise, or unpairing and re-pairing the device. If one of the buds doesn’t work, put them back in the case, close the lid for ten seconds, and try pairing again. Also, check the battery levels for each bud. If the controls are not working, use Siri or the native iPhone controls if the Wearable app on iOS does not support customization of the controls for your model. Overall, Galaxy Buds are a solid Bluetooth option for iPhone users who value sound quality and comfort over seamless Apple ecosystem features. For people who switch between Android and iPhone, they can be a sensible multi-platform choice.
Apple’s AirPods will provide a more integrated iPhone experience if you want the full set of features, such as automatic device switching, deep EQ control, or Apple spatial audio. However, if you already own Galaxy Buds or like how they fit and sound, you can use them with an iPhone for everyday listening and calls with confidence.
