Samsung Galaxy Buds SM-R170 User manual

www.samsung.com
USER MANUAL
English (EU). 04/2019. Rev.1.1
SM-R170

2
Table of Contents
Basics
3 Read me first
4 About the Galaxy Buds
5 Package contents
6 Device layout
8 Preparing the earbuds for use
10 Battery
16 Battery indicator lights identification
Using the earbuds
18 Connecting the earbuds to a mobile
device
24 Wearing the earbuds
25 Using the touchpad
28 Using intelligent voice assistance
service
29 Listening to music
30 Using the equaliser
31 Using call features
32 Using ambient sound mode
Galaxy Wearable App
34 Introduction
35 Connecting and disconnecting the
earbuds
36 Viewing earbud status and
customising settings
38 Checking the user manual
Appendix
39 Troubleshooting
42 Updating the earbuds’software with
the Galaxy Buds Manager
43 Managing the Galaxy Buds
45 Restarting the earbuds
45 Removing the battery

3
Basics
Read me first
Please read this manual before using this device to ensure safe and proper use.
•
Descriptions are based on the device’s default settings.
•
Some content may differ from your device depending on the region, service provider,
model specifications, or device’s software. Images may differ in appearance from the
actual product. Content is subject to change without prior notice.
•
Before using other devices, make sure they are compatible with the Galaxy Buds. Visit
www.samsung.com to see the specifications of compatible mobile devices.
•
Prevent the device from being submerged in liquid or exposed to pressurised water jets,
such as from a shower. Do not wear the device during activities, such as showering or
swimming. Doing so can damage the device.
•
Modifying the Galaxy Buds’operating system or installing softwares from unofficial
sources may result in Galaxy Buds malfunctions and data corruption or loss. These actions
are violations of your Samsung licence agreement and will void your warranty.
•
Some functions may not work as described in this manual depending on the maker and
model of the mobile device you connect to the Galaxy Buds.
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This product includes certain free/open source software. To see the instructions for
viewing the open source licence, go to the Samsung website (opensource.samsung.com).
Instructional icons
Warning: situations that could cause injury to yourself or others
Caution: situations that could cause damage to your device or other equipment
Notice: notes, usage tips, or additional information

Basics
4
About the Galaxy Buds
Galaxy Buds are wireless earbuds which allow you to listen to music or answer incoming calls
after connecting them to your device even while doing other activities, such as working out.
Do not wear the earbuds in high-traffic areas, such as roads or crosswalks. Doing so
may result in accidents due to slowed reaction times.

Basics
5
Package contents
Refer to the quick start guide for package contents.
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The items supplied with the Galaxy Buds, available accessories, and their images
may vary depending on the region or service provider.
•
The supplied items are designed only for the Galaxy Buds and may not be
compatible with other devices.
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Appearances and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
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You can purchase additional accessories from the Samsung website. Make sure
they are compatible with the models before purchase.
•
Use only Samsung-approved accessories. Using unapproved accessories may cause
the performance problems and malfunctions that are not covered by the warranty.
•
Availability of all accessories is subject to change depending entirely on
manufacturing companies. For more information about available accessories, refer
to the Samsung website.

Basics
6
Device layout
Earbud
Ear tip
Wing tip
Charging contacts
Touchpad
Touch-sensitive sensor
Microphone
Charging contacts
If you use the Galaxy Buds when they are broken, there may be a risk of injury. Use the
Galaxy Buds only after they have been repaired at a Samsung Service Centre.
Wing tip
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
M, L
S

Basics
7
Charging case
Charger port (USB Type-C)
Charging contacts
(right)
Earbud battery
indicator light
Charging case battery
indicator light
Charging contacts
(left)
•
If there is sweat or liquid on the charging contacts, corrosion may occur on the
Galaxy Buds. When there is sweat or liquid on the charging contacts or earbuds,
clean them before inserting the earbuds in the charging case.
•
Close the charging case when you store or charge the earbuds.

Basics
8
Preparing the earbuds for use
Attaching an ear tip to the earbud
1 Select the ear tip that fits your ear.
2 Cover the latch at the bottom of the earbud with the ear tip.
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Do not put the earbuds in your ears without ear tips. Doing so may hurt your ears.
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Do not pull the ear tip excessively when you attach or detach it. The ear tip may
tear.
3 Follow the same procedure for the opposite earbud.

Basics
9
Attaching a wing tip to the earbud
1 Select the wing tip that fits your ear.
2 Select the wing tip for the left or right ear.
3 Hook the wing tip’s groove to earbud’s fixation hook and cover the earbud with the wing
tip.
•
Do not put the earbuds in your ears without wing tips. Doing so may hurt your
ears.
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Do not pull the wing tip excessively when you attach or detach it. The wing tip may
tear.
Do not put the wing tips on the earbuds in the wrong direction. The earbuds will not
fit in your ears properly.
4 Follow the same procedure for the opposite earbud.

Basics
10
Battery
Charging the battery
Fully charge the battery before using the earbuds for the first time or when they have been
unused for extended periods. The earbuds will power on while charging. When the battery is
completely discharged, it needs at least 10 minutes to start to work.
Check the direction of each earbud, insert them into the corresponding slots, and then
connect the charger.
The charging case, which has a built-in battery, is charged along with the earbuds.
You can charge the earbuds by placing them into the charging case without connecting it to
an electric socket.
Use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables. Unapproved chargers or cables can
cause the battery to explode or damage the Galaxy Buds.
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Connecting the charger improperly may cause serious damage to the charging
case. Any damage caused by misuse is not covered by the warranty.
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Use only USB Type-C cable supplied with the Galaxy Buds. The charging case may
be damaged if you use Micro USB cable.
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Chargers are sold separately.
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To save energy, unplug the charger when not in use. The charger does not have a
power switch, so you must unplug the charger from the electric socket when not in
use to avoid wasting power. The charger should remain close to the electric socket
and be easily accessible while charging.
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You cannot use your earbuds’wireless features while charging the battery.
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Close the charging case when you store or charge the earbuds.
•
If there is sweat or liquid on the charging contacts, corrosion may occur on the
Galaxy Buds. When there is sweat or liquid on the charging contacts or earbuds,
clean them before inserting the earbuds in the charging case.
•
Do not put the wing tips on the earbuds in the wrong direction. The earbuds will
not be charged if they are not properly inserted into the charging case.

Basics
11
1 Open the charging case.
2 Check the direction of each earbud and correctly insert them into their corresponding
slots in the charging case.
R
L
3 Close the charging case.
4 Connect the USB cable to the charger and then plug the USB cable into the charger port.
Connecting the USB cable improperly may cause serious damage to the charging
case. Any damage caused by misuse is not covered by the warranty.
5 Plug the charger into an electric socket.
The batteries of the earbuds and the charging case are charged simultaneously.
6 After fully charging, disconnect the charging case from the charger. First unplug the USB
cable from the charging case and then unplug the charger from the electric socket.

Basics
12
Reducing the battery consumption
When you are not using the earbuds, store them in the charged charging case. The touch-
sensitive sensor will continue to work while wearing the earbuds and reduce the usage time.
Battery charging tips and precautions
•
If there is sweat or liquid on the charging contacts, corrosion may occur on the Galaxy
Buds. When there is sweat or liquid on the charging contacts or earbuds, clean them
before inserting the earbuds in the charging case.
•
Using a power source other than the charger, such as a computer, may result in a slower
charging speed due to a lower electric current.
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While charging, the earbuds and the charging case may heat up. This is normal and
should not affect the earbuds’lifespan or performance. If the battery gets hotter than
usual, the charger may stop charging.
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If the earbuds and charging case are not charging properly, take them with the charger to
a Samsung Service Centre.
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Avoid bending the USB cable. Doing so may damage or reduce the lifespan of the USB
cable. Never use a damaged USB cable.

Basics
13
Wireless charging
The charging case has a built-in wireless charging coil. You can charge the battery by using a
wireless charger or another device that functions as a wireless charger.
Charging the battery with a wireless charger
1 Open the charging case.
2 Check the direction of each earbud and correctly insert them into their corresponding
slots in the charging case.
3 Close the charging case.
4 Place the centre of the charging case on the centre of the wireless charger.
5 After fully charging, disconnect the charging case from the wireless charger.
Precautions for wireless charging
Do not place the charging case on the wireless charger when conductive materials,
such as metal objects and magnets, are placed between the charging case and the
wireless charger.
The charging case may not charge properly or may overheat, or the charging case
and the cards may be damaged.
Use Samsung-approved wireless chargers. If you use other wireless chargers, the
battery may not charge properly.

Basics
14
Charging the battery using PowerShare
1 Open the charging case.
2 Check the direction of each earbud and correctly insert them into their corresponding
slots in the charging case.
3 Close the charging case.
4 Place the centre of the charging case’s back on the device that functions as a wireless
charger.
The location of the wireless charging coil may vary by device. Adjust the device and
the charging case to make a strong connection.
The device that functions
as a wireless charger

Basics
15
5 After fully charging, disconnect the charging case from the device.
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To charge properly, do not move or use the device or charging case while charging.
•
If you charge the Galaxy Buds while charging the device that functions as a
wireless charger, the charging speed may decrease or the Galaxy Buds may not
charge properly, depending on the charger type.
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Charging speed or efficiency may vary depending on the device’s condition or the
surrounding environment.
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If the remaining battery power of the device that functions as a wireless charger
drops below a certain level, power sharing will stop.
Checking the battery level
Connect the earbuds to your mobile device, launch the Galaxy Wearable app on your mobile
device, and view the battery status of each earbud on the
Earbuds card. Refer to Connecting
the earbuds to a mobile device for more information.
When the remaining battery level is low, a notification will appear on the mobile
device’s notification panel.

Basics
16
Battery indicator lights identification
The battery indicator lights inform you of your earbuds and the charging case’s charging
status.
The earbud battery indicator light is located inside of the charging case and shows the
charging status of the earbuds. The charging case battery indicator light on the front of the
charging case indicates the charging status of the case itself.
Earbud battery indicator light
Earbud battery indicator light
Colour Status
Continuously red
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Charging
Continuously green
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Fully charged
Flashes red
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Charging blocked due to abnormal temperatures

Basics
17
Charging case battery indicator light
Charging case battery
indicator light
Colour Status
Continuously red
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Charging
Continuously green
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Fully charged
Flashes red (rapid pace)
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Charging blocked due to abnormal temperatures
Flashes red (slow pace)
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Low battery
Red (stays on for five seconds
after closing the charging
case)
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Battery power is low (lower than 30 %)
Yellow (stays on for five
seconds after closing the
charging case)
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Battery power is moderate (between 30 % and 60 %)
Green (stays on for five
seconds after closing the
charging case)
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Battery power is high (more than 60 %)
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The charging case battery indicator light flashes red when the external power is cut
off during charging.
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If the battery indicator lights do not work as described, disconnect the charger
from the charging case and reconnect it.

18
Using the earbuds
Connecting the earbuds to a mobile device
Connecting the earbuds to a Samsung mobile device for the
first time
1 Check the direction of each earbud and correctly insert them into their corresponding
slots in the charging case.
If the earbud battery indicator light does not flash, connect the charging case to the
charger and charge them for more than 10 minutes.
2 Close the charging case.
3 Open the charging case.
The earbuds will enter Bluetooth pairing mode automatically and a pop-up window will
appear on your mobile device.
If the pop-up window does not appear or if you want to connect to a non-Samsung
mobile device that also uses the Android OS, refer to Connecting to a non-Samsung
mobile device that also uses the Android OS (or, the connection pop-up window does
not appear).
When the charging case battery indicator light flashes in red, take out the earbuds
from the charging case and insert them into the case again.

Using the earbuds
19
4 On your mobile device, tap
Connect on the pop-up window.
The connection pop-up window will appear only on Samsung mobile devices
running Android 7.1.1 or later that have the SmartThings app installed. If the pop-up
window does not appear, update the SmartThings app to the latest version.

Using the earbuds
20
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection.
Once the earbuds are connected to your mobile device, they will automatically attempt
to connect to your mobile device whenever you open the charging case while the
earbuds are inside it.
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If the earbuds do not connect to a mobile device within three minutes, Bluetooth
pairing mode will be deactivated. Close the charging case again and open it. The
earbuds will enter Bluetooth paring mode.
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If you want to connect to another mobile device after a connection has been
established, refer to Connecting with other devices.
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If the earbuds do not connect to a mobile device, the connection pop-up window
does not appear, or your mobile device cannot find the earbuds, tap and hold
both earbuds’touchpads while wearing them to enter Bluetooth pairing mode
manually. When Bluetooth pairing mode is entered, you will hear a sound.
However, you cannot use this method when you are playing music after setting the
volume adjustment as a preset tap-and-hold feature.