Do Apple Earbuds Work with Samsung? Compatibility Explained

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

So, you’re an Android aficionado with a burning question: can you use those sleek Apple AirPods or AirPods Pro with your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet? It’s a common query, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The world of tech often involves a bit of a dance between different ecosystems, and understanding the nuances of compatibility is key to getting the most out of your devices.

You might be wondering about features, sound quality, and whether you’ll get the full Apple experience on a non-Apple device. Don’t worry, we’re going to break it all down for you. We’ll explore the ins and outs of using Apple earbuds with Samsung devices, covering everything from basic functionality to potential limitations. We’ll also provide some helpful tips to ensure you get the best possible experience.

Ready to find out if your Apple earbuds can play nice with your Samsung gadget? Let’s get started!

The Basics: Pairing and Functionality

The good news is, yes, you can use Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro with your Samsung device. The pairing process is pretty simple, using Bluetooth, which is a universal wireless communication standard. This means that, at a fundamental level, the earbuds can connect to your Samsung phone or tablet and play audio.

Here’s how to pair your AirPods/AirPods Pro with your Samsung device:

Open the Charging Case: With your AirPods or AirPods Pro in their case, open the lid.
Enable Bluetooth on Your Samsung Device: Go to your Samsung device’s settings and turn on Bluetooth.
Put the AirPods in Pairing Mode: For AirPods, press and hold the button on the back of the charging case until the status light flashes white. For AirPods Pro, press and hold the button on the back of the charging case.
Select Your AirPods: Your Samsung device should detect your AirPods/AirPods Pro. Select them from the list of available Bluetooth devices.
Connect and Enjoy: Once connected, you should be able to play audio through your AirPods/AirPods Pro.

Once paired, you can use your AirPods/AirPods Pro to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other audio content from your Samsung device. You can also use them to make and receive phone calls. The basic functionality, such as playing, pausing, skipping tracks, and adjusting the volume, usually works without any issues.

What Works (and What Doesn’t): Feature Breakdown

While the fundamental functions work seamlessly, it’s essential to understand that not all features available on an Apple device will be fully functional on a Samsung device. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Working Features

Audio Playback: You can play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust the volume.
Microphone: The built-in microphone works for phone calls and voice recordings.
Bluetooth Connectivity: The core function of connecting via Bluetooth works flawlessly.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) (AirPods Pro): ANC will still work on the AirPods Pro, although you might not have as much control over the intensity.

Features That Might Be Limited or Unavailable

Automatic Device Switching: AirPods are designed to seamlessly switch between Apple devices logged into the same iCloud account. This feature won’t work on your Samsung device. You’ll need to manually reconnect each time you want to switch devices.
Spatial Audio (AirPods Pro): Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, a feature that creates a more immersive listening experience, is limited on Samsung devices. It may work, but the full functionality and head-tracking capabilities might not be available.
Customization in the Settings App: You won’t be able to customize your AirPods settings through the Settings app on your Samsung device. You’ll need to use the physical controls on the AirPods themselves or potentially use a third-party app (see below).
Battery Life Display: While you can see the battery life of the AirPods in the Bluetooth settings, you won’t have the same detailed battery information as you would on an iPhone.
‘Hey Siri’ Functionality: The ‘Hey Siri’ voice command won’t work natively. You’ll need to use the voice assistant built into your Samsung device (e.g., Bixby or Google Assistant).

Third-Party Apps: Bridging the Gap

Fortunately, some third-party apps can help enhance the AirPods experience on your Samsung device. These apps can provide additional features and customization options that are otherwise unavailable.

Here are a few popular options:

Assistant Trigger: This app allows you to customize the double-tap or triple-tap gestures on your AirPods/AirPods Pro to trigger actions like launching Google Assistant or controlling music playback.
AirBattery: This app displays the battery life of your AirPods/AirPods Pro and their charging case on your Samsung device.
MaterialPods: Provides more detailed battery information and settings customization.

Important Note: While these apps can improve the experience, they might not offer all the features available on an Apple device. Also, be sure to download apps from reputable sources to avoid any security risks.

Sound Quality and Performance

When it comes to sound quality, you can expect a similar listening experience on your Samsung device as you would on an iPhone. The audio quality of the AirPods/AirPods Pro is determined by the hardware itself, not the device it’s connected to. The Bluetooth connection ensures that you receive the same audio output.

However, keep in mind that the sound quality can also be affected by the Bluetooth codec used. Apple devices use the AAC codec, which is generally supported by Android devices, including Samsung. However, some Android devices may default to the SBC codec, which is a less efficient codec and can result in slightly lower sound quality. You might be able to manually select the AAC codec in your Samsung device’s developer options (if available).

Airpods vs. Airpods Pro on Samsung

The differences in functionality between standard AirPods and AirPods Pro on a Samsung device are minimal. Both models offer basic Bluetooth connectivity and audio playback. However, the AirPods Pro have some added features that might be slightly limited.

Here’s a comparison:

Feature	AirPods	AirPods Pro
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)	No	Yes (Functionality may be slightly limited)
Transparency Mode	No	Yes (Functionality may be slightly limited)
Spatial Audio	No	Yes (Functionality may be limited)
Customization Options	Limited (via third-party apps)	Limited (via third-party apps)
Fit	One-size-fits-all (some users may find the fit less secure)	Comes with different sized ear tips for a more secure and comfortable fit

While the AirPods Pro offer advanced features like ANC and Transparency Mode, these features will still work on your Samsung device. You might have to use the physical controls on the AirPods Pro to switch between modes, as you won’t have the same level of control as you would on an iPhone. The primary difference is in the level of integration and access to all the features.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some common issues you might encounter when using Apple AirPods/AirPods Pro with a Samsung device and how to resolve them:

Connection Problems: If your AirPods/AirPods Pro won’t connect, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on your Samsung device and that the AirPods are in pairing mode. Try forgetting the AirPods in your Bluetooth settings and then re-pairing them. Restarting both your Samsung device and the AirPods can also help.
Sound Issues: If the audio quality is poor, check if your Samsung device is using the AAC codec (in Developer Options). Also, ensure that your AirPods are clean and that the ear tips are properly fitted.
Microphone Problems: If the microphone isn’t working, make sure the AirPods are selected as the audio input device in your phone’s settings. Test the microphone in a voice recording app or during a phone call.
Battery Drain: If your AirPods are draining battery quickly, ensure that you’re not using them at maximum volume for extended periods. Also, check the battery health of your AirPods in the Bluetooth settings.
Gesture Issues: If the touch controls aren’t working, try resetting your AirPods. Also, make sure that the feature is enabled in a third-party app, such as Assistant Trigger.

Alternatives: Other Earbud Options for Samsung

While Apple AirPods/AirPods Pro work well with Samsung devices, you might want to consider some alternatives that are specifically designed for Android and offer a more seamless experience.

Here are some popular options:

Samsung Galaxy Buds Series: Designed specifically for Samsung devices, these earbuds offer a seamless experience with features like automatic pairing, easy access to settings within the Galaxy Wearable app, and optimized sound quality.
Google Pixel Buds Series: These earbuds are optimized for Android and offer features like Google Assistant integration, real-time translation, and excellent sound quality.
Sony WF-1000XM Series: Known for their exceptional noise cancellation and sound quality, these earbuds work well with Android devices and offer a companion app for customization.
Other Android-Compatible Earbuds: There are many other brands that produce excellent earbuds, such as Jabra, Anker, and OnePlus, which offer great features and performance for Android users.

Choosing earbuds designed for Android often provides a more integrated experience. You’ll get more features, easier customization options, and potentially better performance with your Samsung device. However, Apple AirPods/AirPods Pro remain a solid choice if you’re already invested in the Apple ecosystem or simply prefer their design and sound quality.

Tips for Optimizing Your Experience

Here are some tips to get the most out of your AirPods/AirPods Pro with your Samsung device:

Update Your AirPods Firmware: While you can’t update the firmware directly from your Samsung device, the AirPods will update automatically when connected to an Apple device. If possible, connect your AirPods to an iPhone or iPad periodically to ensure they have the latest firmware.
Use Third-Party Apps: Install third-party apps like Assistant Trigger or AirBattery to enhance the functionality and customize your experience.
Check for Codec Compatibility: If you’re experiencing sound quality issues, check your Samsung device’s developer options to see if you can select the AAC codec.
Clean Your AirPods: Regularly clean your AirPods and the charging case to maintain optimal performance and audio quality.
Consider Ear Tip Fit: Ensure that the ear tips on your AirPods Pro are the correct size for a comfortable and secure fit.

Final Thoughts

Yes, Apple AirPods and AirPods Pro do work with Samsung devices. You can connect them via Bluetooth and enjoy basic functionalities like audio playback and phone calls. However, you’ll miss out on some of the features and seamless integration you’d get with an Apple device. While features like active noise cancellation and spatial audio might still work, the experience won’t be as complete. You can enhance the experience with third-party apps, but for the best Android-specific features and overall integration, consider earbuds designed for the Android platform.

Recommended Products

SaleBestseller No. 1