Samsung Galaxy Buds one side not connecting or no sound: how to fix it

When only one Galaxy Buds earbud plays, Samsung points to a loose fit, earwax on the speaker mesh, a sound balance setting or two earbuds that have lost their link to each other. Dirty charging contacts and old software can also play a part. These checks work for Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds FE, Buds3 and newer.

Clean the charging contacts on both earbuds and inside the case, then put both back in the case, close it and reopen it. Check that the left/right sound balance is centred and update the earbud software. If one side is still silent, re-couple the earbuds with the 7-second hold for your model, and reset them from your phone as a last step.

• 1. Check the fit, ear tips and mesh: Make sure the left and right ear tips are the same size and pushed on properly. Look closely at the speaker mesh of the quiet earbud. Earwax or dust there can muffle or almost block the sound, which can feel like the earbud is not working at all.
• 2. Clean the charging contacts: Wipe the metal contacts on both earbuds with a soft dry cloth. Inside the case, wipe the contacts with a cotton bud lightly dampened in distilled water, then dry them with a fresh cotton bud and leave the case open to dry fully. Never use alcohol, acetone or a metal pin.
• 3. Re-seat both earbuds and watch the lights: Put each earbud in its own slot, close the lid and open it again. The earbud light inside the case glows red while charging and green when full. If it flashes red, Samsung says charging is blocked by abnormal temperature, so let the case cool or warm up first.
• 4. Check the battery of each earbud: Take both earbuds out and let them connect to your phone. Open your Galaxy Buds in Settings, or in the Wearable app on older phones, and look at the battery shown for each side. If one earbud stays at zero or does not show up, it may not be charging.
• 5. Centre the left/right sound balance: If one side is just quieter, the balance may have shifted. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing enhancements and move the Left/right sound balance slider back to the middle. This setting does not apply during calls, and the original Buds and Buds+ may not support it.
• 6. Re-couple the two earbuds: Put both earbuds in the case. Buds2, Buds2 Pro and Buds FE: touch and hold both earbuds together for 7 seconds. Buds3, Buds3 Pro and Buds3 FE: open the lid and hold the connect button on the case for 7 seconds. When the light flashes and turns off, they are linked. If it keeps flashing red, take them out and try again.
• 7. Update the earbud software: On One UI 8.0 or later, open Settings, tap your Galaxy Buds, then Earbuds software update > Download and install. On older versions, do the same from the Wearable app. The earbuds disconnect during the update and reconnect by themselves. Two earbuds on different versions may refuse to couple until updated.
• 8. Reset the earbuds: On One UI 8.0 or later, open Settings, tap your Galaxy Buds, then Manage connections > Reset, and tap Reset again to confirm. On older versions, open the Wearable app and use Manage connections > Reset. Then pair the earbuds with your phone again and test both sides.