Put your Samsung earbuds in pairing mode by holding the touchpad or button for 5 to 7 seconds until the LED flashes

Most Samsung earbuds enter pairing mode when you press and hold the touchpad or physical button on one or both earbuds for about 5 to 7 seconds. The LED light will flash — usually blue and red alternating, or blue alone — which signals the earbuds are ready to connect to a new device. The exact timing and light pattern depend on your model, but the hold-and-wait method works across nearly all Samsung earbud lines.

Pairing mode is different from straightforward turning the earbuds on. When earbuds are in pairing mode, they broadcast a signal that your phone or other device can detect and connect to. If your earbuds are already paired to another device, you may need to unpair them first or reset them to factory settings before they will enter pairing mode for a new device.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold the touchpad or button on your Samsung earbuds for 5 to 7 seconds until the LED flashes to enter pairing mode.
  • The LED flash pattern varies by model — check your manual to confirm whether you should see blue, red, or alternating colors.
  • If the earbuds are already paired to another device, you may need to forget that connection or reset the earbuds before pairing to a new device.
  • Once in pairing mode, open Bluetooth settings on your phone or device and select the earbuds from the available devices list within 10 minutes.

Locate the button or touchpad on your earbuds

Samsung earbuds have either a physical button or a touch-sensitive area on the outside of each earbud. On most models, the button or touchpad is on the stem (the part that hangs down from your ear) or on the outer surface of the earbud itself. Check your user manual or the quick-start guide that came in the box to confirm the exact location for your specific model.

If you cannot find the manual, look at the earbud itself — the button or touchpad is usually the only interactive element you can see or feel on the outside. Some models have a small indentation or raised area that marks the touch zone. Do not confuse the button with the charging contacts on the bottom of the earbud.

Hold the button or touchpad for 5 to 7 seconds

Press and hold the button or touchpad firmly for at least 5 seconds. Count slowly or use a timer on your phone to make sure you hold long enough. If nothing happens after 5 seconds, continue holding for up to 7 seconds — some models require the longer hold time.

You should feel a click if there is a physical button, or you may feel a slight vibration from the earbud itself. Do not release too early, as a short tap will not trigger pairing mode — it will only pause music or answer a call instead.

Watch for the LED light flash pattern

When pairing mode activates, the LED light on the earbud will flash. The most common patterns are a blue light flashing on and off, or blue and red lights alternating. Some models flash white or show a different pattern entirely. The light will continue to flash for about 10 minutes while the earbuds wait for a device to connect.

If the LED does not flash after holding the button for 7 seconds, the earbuds may already be paired to another device, or they may need to be reset. Check your manual for the reset procedure, which often involves holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the light changes color or flashes rapidly.

Open Bluetooth settings on your device and select the earbuds

While the earbuds are flashing, go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, tablet, or computer. On Android phones, open Settings, then tap Connected devices or Bluetooth. On iPhones, open Settings and tap Bluetooth. On Windows computers, open Settings, then Devices, then Bluetooth & other devices.

Look for your Samsung earbuds in the list of available devices — they will usually appear with a name like "Galaxy Buds" or "Galaxy Buds Pro" followed by a model number or your device name. Tap or click the earbuds name to connect. The pairing should complete within a few seconds, and the LED will stop flashing once the connection is successful.

Unpair or reset if the earbuds won't enter pairing mode

If the earbuds do not flash after holding the button, they may still be paired to another device. On that device, go to Bluetooth settings, find the earbuds in the paired devices list, and select "Forget" or "Unpair." Once you have removed the connection, the earbuds should enter pairing mode the next time you hold the button.

If unpairing does not work, perform a factory reset. The reset procedure varies by model, but it usually involves holding the button for 10 to 15 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly or changes color. Consult your user manual for the exact steps for your model. After a reset, the earbuds will be ready to pair to any device.

Common mistakes that prevent pairing mode

The most common error is releasing the button too soon. A quick tap will trigger a different function — like play/pause — instead of pairing mode. Count to five or use a timer to may support you hold long enough. Another mistake is trying to pair while the earbuds are still connected to another device. Always unpair from the old device first, or reset the earbuds to clear all previous connections.

Some people also miss the LED flash because they are not looking at the right earbud or because the light is dim in bright sunlight. Hold the earbud up to your eye or go to a darker room to see the flash more clearly. If the battery is very low, the LED may not flash at all — charge the earbuds for at least 15 minutes before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do the earbuds stay in pairing mode?

Samsung earbuds typically remain in pairing mode for about 10 minutes after the LED starts flashing. If you do not connect a device within that window, the earbuds will exit pairing mode and return to their normal state. You will need to hold the button again to re-enter pairing mode.

Can I pair both earbuds to two different devices at the same time?

No. Each earbud pair is designed to connect to one device at a time. However, many Samsung earbuds support switching between two previously paired devices — you can pair them to both a phone and a tablet, then switch between them through the Bluetooth menu. You cannot use one earbud on your phone and the other on your tablet simultaneously.

What if the LED is not flashing but the earbuds are on?

If the LED is solid or not lit at all, the earbuds are likely already paired to a device or are in a normal operating mode. Hold the button for 10 to 15 seconds to perform a reset, which will clear all previous pairings and prepare the earbuds for a new connection. After the reset, hold the button for 5 to 7 seconds again to enter pairing mode.

Do I need to put both earbuds in pairing mode, or just one?

You only need to hold the button on one earbud to enter pairing mode. The earbuds are paired together internally and will both connect to your device as a single unit. Holding the button on the primary earbud (usually the right one) is sufficient.

Why won't my earbuds show up in the Bluetooth list?

Make sure the earbuds are actually in pairing mode by checking for the LED flash. If there is no flash, hold the button longer or reset the earbuds. Also confirm that Bluetooth is turned on in your device settings. If the earbuds still do not appear, try moving closer to your phone or tablet — interference or distance can prevent detection. Restart your device's Bluetooth by turning it off and back on.