The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A Galaxy phone can show a Bluetooth device as connected while its call or media audio is still routed to the phone. Check the connected device’s separate Calls and Audio switches, then select the Bluetooth device in Media output for music and video. Menu names can vary by Galaxy model and software version.
First, identify what is playing through the phone
Calls and media use separate Bluetooth output controls. If calls work but music plays through the phone—or the reverse—the connection itself may be active while the relevant audio route is off or selected elsewhere.
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- Calls: Check the connected accessory’s Calls setting.
- Music, video, and other app audio: Check its Audio setting and the phone’s Media output selection.
- Only one app: Check Separate app sound.
Turn on the Bluetooth device’s Calls or Audio setting
- Open Settings > Connections > Bluetooth.
- Tap the settings icon beside the connected headphones, earbuds, or speaker.
- Turn on Calls for call audio, Audio for media, or both if you want both types to use the device.
Samsung documents these as separate output settings: if the relevant switch is off, that type of sound will not play through the connected headphones. Its Bluetooth pairing guide likewise says to make sure the audio settings are turned on to answer calls with Bluetooth headphones or earbuds. Samsung: Pair Bluetooth with your Samsung devices; Samsung: No sound from Bluetooth headphones on Galaxy phone or tablet.
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Select the device as the media output
For music, video, or other media, a connected device may not be the currently selected output.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth 5.4 technology for stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming and seamless device pairing
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Active Noise Cancellation technology helps block out unwanted ambient sounds for immersive listening
- BATTERY LIFE: Extended playback time of up to 35 hours of continuous music playback for all-day entertainment
- MODEL DETAILS: Latest 2025 Galaxy Buds Core model (SM-R410) featuring modern design and intuitive touch controls
- Open the phone’s Quick panel by swiping down from the top of the screen.
- Tap Media output.
- Select the Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, or speaker you want to hear the media.
Samsung describes Media output as a way to switch media playback between the phone and a listed connected device. When more than one Bluetooth audio device is connected, the panel may also offer simultaneous playback. The available controls can differ by device and software version. Samsung Canada: Control media and devices on your Galaxy phone.
If only one app has the problem, check Separate app sound
Galaxy’s Separate app sound setting can send media from a selected app to a device different from the phone’s main audio output. If just one app continues playing through the phone, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Separate app sound and review the selected app and output device. Samsung says the Bluetooth option appears when a Bluetooth device is connected; exact labels or availability may vary. Samsung Canada: Enjoy the advanced audio settings on your Galaxy phone.
Rank #2
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth 5.4 technology for stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming and seamless device pairing
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Active Noise Cancellation technology helps block out unwanted ambient sounds for immersive listening
- BATTERY LIFE: Extended playback time of up to 35 hours of continuous music playback for all-day entertainment
- MODEL DETAILS: Latest 2025 Galaxy Buds Core model (SM-R410) featuring modern design and intuitive touch controls
- Part #: SM-R410NZWALTA
If the connected device is a car stereo
Some vehicles support Bluetooth calls but not Bluetooth media. In the car’s Bluetooth settings, look for a Media audio option and enable it if available. If the option is missing or media playback is unsupported, consult the stereo or vehicle manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer. Samsung: Bluetooth car stereo does not play media audio from connected Samsung phone.
If the audio route is correct but sound still comes from the phone
- Disconnect other Bluetooth audio devices and try again, so you can confirm which accessory is being used.
- Move the phone and headphones closer. Samsung’s headphone troubleshooting guide suggests testing within 30 feet, while noting that usable distance varies with the environment and headphone model. This is troubleshooting guidance, not a guaranteed range.
- Check that the phone and accessory are not muted and that their volume settings are appropriate. Samsung also recommends temporarily disabling Bluetooth and restarting the phone as general sound checks.
- If the headphones appear damaged, Samsung says they may need replacement. For a persistent problem, contact Samsung Support or the accessory manufacturer.
See Samsung’s Bluetooth headphone troubleshooting guide and phone speaker troubleshooting guide.
Rank #3
![Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (2026) AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Black | Hi-Res Audio, 2-Way Speaker, ANC 2.0, Optimized Comfort, IP57, Live Translation [US Version, 2 Yr Warranty]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31fYusC+WQL._SL160_.jpg)
- EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO: Catch details like never before. Designed with a High-Res Audio¹ 24-bit hi-fi codec, the latest Galaxy earbuds maintain the integrity of your favorite audio over Bluetooth.
- TWO-WAY SPEAKER: Enjoy every audio experience to the fullest with two speakers in both Buds, including a tweeter for rich highs and a woofer for deep, full lows.
- HD VOICE: Enjoy clear phone calls with Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy S26 Series² —they work together to deliver crisp and clear conversations.
- ANC 2.0: Wherever you go, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation 2.0³ intelligently adapts in real time to provide stronger, smoother noise cancellation wherever you go.
- OPTIMIZED COMFORT: Enjoy that just-right fit, with an improved, ear-hugging design and changeable ear tips.
Check Android Auto only if you are using it
Samsung documents an Android Auto-specific case in which media is directed to the car and call routing can depend on the last-connected device. If the issue occurs while Android Auto is active, follow the car and Android Auto guidance rather than treating it as a general explanation for headphones that connect over Bluetooth. Samsung: Calls play through car audio with Android Auto instead of Bluetooth headset connected to Galaxy phone.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Blocks out unwanted background noise so you can focus on music, calls, or podcasts
- True Wireless Convenience: Enjoy tangle-free Bluetooth connectivity for seamless listening on the go.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: Easily manage calls, adjust volume, and control playback without reaching for your phone.
- International Model without Domestic Warranty: The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro SM-R640 are an International Version and do not include a local warranty. Optimized for Android, particularly Samsung Galaxy devices, they offer advanced features such as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), 360 Audio, Hi-Fi sound, and real-time AI-based audio enhancements. While fully compatible with iOS devices via Bluetooth, certain features like ANC customization and 360 Audio are exclusive to Galaxy Android devices.
Rank #4
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3-FE (2025) True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, Long Lasting Battery, Hands Free AI, Latin American Stock
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
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