Here is a blog post guide on how to set up the translation feature on Samsung Galaxy Buds.
Ever found yourself in a situation where you wish you had a universal translator? Whether you’re traveling abroad, ordering food in a foreign language, or chatting with a neighbor who speaks a different tongue, communication gaps can be frustrating.
If you own a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds (like the Galaxy Buds2, Buds2 Pro, or Buds FE), you might be carrying a powerful translation device right in your pocket. While your earbuds don’t translate magically on their own, they work seamlessly with Samsung’s ecosystem to turn your phone into a real-time interpreter.
Here’s how to set up and use the translate feature on your Samsung Galaxy Buds.
What You Need
Before we dive in, ensure you have the following:
- Samsung Galaxy Buds (any model that pairs with the Samsung SmartThings app).
- A Samsung Galaxy Smartphone (running Android 9 or later).
- The Galaxy smart wearable tech App (pre-installed on most Samsung phones).
- The Samsung SmartThings App (this is the secret sauce for the interpreter feature).
- Wi-Fi or Mobile Data (translation happens in the cloud).
Step 1: Pair Your Buds
If you haven’t already, you need to connect your earbuds to your phone.
- Open the case of your Galaxy Buds (with the buds inside) near your phone.
- A pop-up should appear on your phone screen. Tap "Connect."
- If you don’t see the pop-up, go to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth and select your buds from the list.
Step 2: Install SmartThings (If You Haven't)
Most Samsung phones come with the SmartThings app, but if you deleted it or are using a non-Samsung Android phone, you’ll need to download it from the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store.
- Why SmartThings? While your phone has a built-in "Interpreter" mode, the SmartThings app allows you to manage the "Locale" setting, which is crucial for getting the right translation accuracy for your specific earbuds.
Step 3: Setting Up the Interpreter Mode
The translation feature isn't a standalone button on the earbuds; rather, it utilizes the Live Interpreter feature on your Galaxy phone, which feeds audio through your earbuds.
Here is how to activate and configure it:
1. Open SmartThings:
Launch the SmartThings app on your phone.
2. Find Your Earbuds:
Tap on the Devices tab and select your connected Galaxy Buds from the list.
3. Configure the Locale (Crucial Step):
- Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Tap Locale.
- Here, you must select the language your earbuds will be speaking in. For example, if you are in France but speak English, set the Locale to English (United States) or your native dialect. This ensures the translation audio is optimized for your understanding.
Step 4: Using Live Translate (The Fun Part)
Now that your Buds are paired and configured, here is how to use them for translation.
Note: On newer Samsung phones (One UI 6 and later), the Interpreter is a native feature.
- Swipe Down from the top of your screen to open the Quick Panel.
- Look for the Interpreter icon (it looks like a microphone with lines around it). You may need to swipe left or tap the pencil icon to add it to your quick settings if it isn't there.
- Tap the Interpreter icon to launch the app.
- Select Languages: Choose the "Listen" language (what the other person is speaking) and the "Speak" language (what you will speak back).
- Audio Output: Make sure the audio output is set to your connected Galaxy Buds. (Usually, this happens automatically, but you can check in the phone's media output settings).
How It Works in Conversation
Once the Interpreter mode is active on your screen, you have two options:
- Auto Mode: This is great for a fluid conversation. Your phone will automatically detect when someone is speaking and when they stop, then immediately translate the next part. Place the phone on the table between you and the other person.
- Manual Mode: Tap the microphone icon when you want the phone to listen to the other person. Once they stop speaking, the translation will play through your Galaxy Buds and appear on the screen. When it's your turn, tap the microphone and speak into your phone.
The "TalkBack" Feature
When using Interpreter mode, look for the TalkBack toggle. If you turn this on, your Galaxy Buds will whisper the translation into your ear immediately after the other person speaks. This allows you to look at the person you are talking to (rather than staring at your phone screen) while still understanding what they are saying.
Troubleshooting Tips
- No Sound in Buds? Check your phone's media volume. Also, swipe down and check the Sound Output icon in the quick panel to ensure it is set to "Media Output > Buds" and not "Speaker."
- Translation is Lagging? This is usually a data issue. Ensure you have a stable Wi-Fi or 5G connection, as the translation processing happens in the cloud.
- Wrong Language? Double-check your Locale settings in the SmartThings app and the specific languages selected in the Interpreter app.
Important Limitations
While this feature is incredibly cool, it does have some limitations:
- Not All Models: The older Galaxy Buds (the original, Plus, and Live) work best with phones that support One UI 4 or later.
- Internet Required: You cannot use this feature in "Airplane Mode" without Wi-Fi.
- Environment Matters: It works best in quiet environments. Background noise can confuse the microphone.
Final Thoughts
Setting up translation on your Galaxy Buds is less about a specific button on the earbuds and more about unlocking the Live Interpreter feature on your Samsung phone. Once you have it set up, you have a powerful tool that makes traveling and communicating across language barriers significantly easier.
Have you tried using your Galaxy Buds for translation yet? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments below!