How To Get Earbuds In Pairing Mode?

Putting earbuds in pairing mode is the essential first step to connecting them to any device. Most true wireless earbuds enter pairing mode automatically when removed from the charging case for the first time, but the exact method depends on the model and whether the earbuds have already been paired to another device.

First-Time Pairing: Open the Case

For many true wireless earbuds, the initial pairing process requires no button-holding at all. Both earbuds enter pairing mode simply by opening the case when no device is connected—no button-holding required for initial setup.

• Place your earbuds in the charging case and close the lid.
• Wait 5–6 seconds, then open the case.
• The earbuds will automatically enter Bluetooth pairing mode.
• On your device, open Bluetooth settings and select the earbuds from the list of available devices.

For some models, you can open the case with the buds kept inside and wait until the device name pops up on Bluetooth—some TWS earbuds do not use a pairing button at all.

Pairing Mode When Already Connected to Another Device

If the earbuds are already paired to another device, they will not automatically enter pairing mode when removed from the case. Each earbud model has its own method for manually triggering pairing mode in this situation.

Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro

Insert them into your ears and hold both touchpads for a few seconds until they enter pairing mode. After hearing an initial sound, you'll hear a constant coupling sound—this means the earbuds are now in pairing mode.

Galaxy Buds2 or Buds2 Pro

Place both buds in the charging case, then touch and hold the touchpads on both buds at the same time until the lights on the case flash. Once the lights flash, the earbuds are in pairing mode.

Galaxy Buds3 or Buds3 Pro

Place them in the charging case. Close the lid, reopen it, and then with the buds still in the case, press and hold the connect button on the bottom of the case for three seconds. When the lights flash green-blue-red, the buds are in pairing mode.

Generic TWS earbuds (no dedicated pairing button)

Usually pull out the earbuds, then press and hold the touch area to put it in pairing mode. Do that on both touch panels at the same time.

Pairing to Android, iPhone, PC, or Other Devices

Once earbuds are in pairing mode, the steps to connect them vary slightly by device type.

1. Enable Bluetooth on your device. On Android, go to Settings and turn on Bluetooth. On iPhone, go to Settings, then tap Bluetooth and turn it on.
2. Activate pairing mode on your earbuds using the method appropriate for your model (see above).
3. On Android, scroll to "Pair new device" in the Settings app. If your earbuds are in pairing mode, you'll see them appear. Select them to connect.
4. On iPhone, look under "My Devices" for the accessory you want to pair. Tap the name of your accessory when it appears. You might need to enter a PIN or passcode.
5. On a PC or other Bluetooth device, follow your device manufacturer's instructions to complete pairing once the earbuds are in pairing mode.
6. Test the connection by playing audio and checking for issues like static, distorted audio, or disconnects.

Pairing Using a Dedicated App

Some earbuds offer a dedicated app that simplifies the pairing process, especially for subsequent devices.

• For Samsung Galaxy Buds paired via the Galaxy Wearable app: navigate to and open the Galaxy Wearable app, then tap Start. Place earbuds in the charging case, close the lid for 5–6 seconds, then open the case. When your device is spotted, select it and pairing will begin.
• If you want to pair an additional device via the Galaxy Wearable app, tap the menu icon and then tap "Add new device." Make sure your earbuds are in pairing mode by inserting them into your ears and holding both touchpads for a few seconds.
• For Galaxy Buds+ and Buds Live on iPhone, use the Samsung Galaxy Buds app. Open the app, tap "Get Started," place earbuds in the case, close the lid for 5–6 seconds, then open it. Select your earbuds from the list of devices.

Common Pairing Problems and Fixes

If earbuds are not showing up in Bluetooth settings or never seem to enter pairing mode, a few troubleshooting steps can help.

• Make sure your product is fully charged. All wireless products can sometimes start to behave oddly when their batteries are low. If the charging case has low or no charge, the earbuds might not recognize leaving the case and initiate entering pairing mode.
• Make sure both earbuds and the charging case are fully charged—not just the earbuds themselves.
• Turn your phone's Bluetooth off and on again. Turning Bluetooth on and off can sometimes clear out interference. Leave it off for at least a minute.
• Consider that your Bluetooth device might already be paired with another device nearby. If the earbuds appear to turn on correctly but never enter pairing mode, move over 100 feet away from any suspected paired devices.
• Toggle airplane mode on your phone for 10 seconds and then turn it off. This should cause your earbuds to pop up faster in your phone's settings app, clearing out background interference.
• In rare instances, true wireless cases won't charge the earbuds while the case is actively being charged. Charge the case to 100%, unplug the charging cable, and wait a few hours to allow the charging case to charge the earbuds.

Multipoint Pairing: Connecting to Two Devices at Once

Some modern earbuds support multipoint connection, which allows seamless switching between two paired devices without manually re-entering pairing mode each time.

• Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro connects to 2 devices simultaneously. Once paired with your phone and laptop, it automatically switches audio when you start a call or change playback—zero manual pairing needed, ever again. It is powered by Bluetooth 6.1, the latest standard, achieving the fastest, most stable connections available.
• Soundcore C40i supports multipoint connection with Bluetooth 5.4, allowing seamless switching between your laptop and your phone.
• Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Max features a 1.78" AMOLED smart screen on the charging case. Switch between connected devices, adjust settings, and see pairing status at a glance—no need to open an app or guess at LED blink patterns.
• Both devices must support the same Bluetooth version to benefit from multipoint features. An earbud with Bluetooth 6.0 paired to a phone with Bluetooth 5.3 will operate at 5.3 capabilities.