Why the Ambient sound volume seems to fluctuate or sound seems muffled on your Galaxy Buds
If the Ambient sound volume on your Galaxy Buds seems too low, the sound cuts in and out, or you hear a high-frequency whistling sound (howling) when wearing them, these issues are often related to the device's built-in hearing protection features, environmental factors, or the fit of the ear tips. Refer to the descriptions and guide below to check your settings and optimise the fit.
When Ambient sound mode is active, automatic adjustments may cause temporary volume changes during high-frequency sounds or windy conditions.
To minimise wind interference, the wind noise reduction feature dynamically dampens wind noise in stages based on wind intensity once it exceeds a certain threshold. This adjustment may cause ambient volume to fluctuate slightly as wind conditions change.
Additionally, Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro include an automatic hearing protection feature. If high-frequency sounds exceeding 75 dB occur, such as when tapping a transit card or scanning a barcode, the earbuds may temporarily muffle sound to protect your hearing. Normal audio automatically restores shortly after.
You may hear a high-pitched whistling sound when the microphone openings are covered or pressed firmly while the earbuds are in use.
Galaxy Buds4 sub-microphone location
Galaxy Buds4 Pro sub-microphone location
- Ensure your fingers, hair, or clothing do not obstruct the sub-microphones on the earbud.
- Avoid pressing down forcefully on the earbuds while wearing them.
- Adjust the placement in your ear by holding the outer edges or lower stem to keep the mic grilles clear.
Check your ear tip fit
An incomplete ear tip seal allows air leakage, which can reduce Ambient sound clarity and impact call quality.
- Check that the ear tips are completely attached without any visible gaps along the base ring.
- Press the ear tip firmly onto the earbud until it clicks securely into place.
Replace and fully attach your ear tips
Replacing or reattaching your ear tips correctly helps prevent sound leakage and maintains overall earbud performance.
Ear tip precautions
- Be careful not to scratch the ear tip with your fingernails or other hard or sharp objects as they may tear.
- Do not forcefully press or twist the ear tips, and do not forcefully pull off the ear tips. This may cause them to tear.
- If an ear tip gets caught in the gap on the earbud exterior while attaching it, remove the tip and try again.
- Do not wear the earbuds without the ear tips attached, as this may cause injury to your ears.
Change the tips
Step 1. Grip the main part of the earbud with one hand, and then roll the earbud tip inside out with your other hand.
Step 2. Lightly grip the earbud tip at the base where it meets the bud, and then gently pull it to detach.
Step 3. Select the earbud tips that fit your ears > Align the notch inside the tip with the groove on the earbud, and then push it until it clicks into place.
Run the Earbud fit test
After adjusting the fit, run the Earbud fit test to check your seal and ensure that features like Ambient sound function as intended.
Step 1. Open Settings > Tap on your connected earbuds to open your earbud settings.
Step 2. Select Sound quality and effects.
Step 3 Select Earbud fit test.
Step 4. Tap Start and follow the on-screen instructions.
* If the result indicates a poor seal, try adjusting the earbuds in your ears or switching to a larger ear tip size.
Note: Menu names, settings, and screen layouts may vary depending on the model and software version.
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