Say Goodbye to Language Barriers: How to Use Samsung Galaxy Buds for R…

Imagine walking through a bustling market in Seoul, ordering a croissant in Paris, or navigating a business meeting in Berlin—all without knowing a word of the local language.

In the past, we relied on awkward hand gestures or passing a smartphone back and forth while using translation apps. But thanks to Galaxy AI, your Samsung Galaxy Buds have been transformed into a "universal translator" straight out of a sci-fi movie.

If you own a pair of Galaxy Buds and a compatible Samsung phone, you already have a powerful translation tool in your pocket (and ears). Here is everything you need to know about how to use them.

What You’ll Need

Before we get started, ensure you have the right gear. The real-time translation features are part of the Galaxy AI suite, which requires:

1. 
   
2. Compatible Buds: Galaxy Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Buds2 Pro, Buds2, or Buds FE.
   
3. Compatible Phone: Samsung Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, Z Fold5/Flip5, Z Fold6/Flip6, or S22 series (running One UI 6.1 or later).
   
4. Language Packs: You’ll need to download the specific languages you want to use in your phone's settings.
   

Feature 1: Interpreter Mode (Face-to-Face)

This is the most "magical" feature. It allows you to have a natural, face-to-face conversation with someone speaking another language.

How to set it up:

1. 
   
2. Wear your Buds: Make sure your Galaxy Buds are paired and in your ears.
   
3. Open Interpreter: On your Samsung phone, swipe down to access the Quick Panel and tap Interpreter. (If it’s not there, you can find it in the "Advanced Features" settings).
   
4. Tap the Settings Icon: Look for the icon that looks like a pair of headphones. This toggles "Buds Mode."
   
5. How it works:
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   • You speak: Your Buds pick up your voice, and the phone translates it and plays it through the phone's speaker for the other person to hear.
     
   • They speak: The other person speaks toward your phone’s microphone. The phone translates their words and plays the audio directly into your earbuds.
     
   
   
   

Why this is great: You don't have to keep flipping the phone or sharing an earbud. You can maintain eye contact while the translation happens discreetly in your ear.

Feature 2: Live Translate (Phone Calls)

If you need to make a restaurant reservation or call a taxi in a foreign country, Live Translate provides real-time voice translation during phone calls.

How to use it:

1. 
   
2. Open the Phone app and tap the three dots (Settings).
   
3. Select Live Translate and toggle it On.
   
4. Set your language and the other person’s language.
   
5. When you make or receive a call, tap Call Assist and then Live Translate.
   
6. With your Buds in, you will hear the translated version of what the other person is saying in real-time, and they will hear your voice translated into their language.
   

Feature 3: Listening Mode (One-Way Translation)

Added in more recent updates, "Listening Mode" is perfect for lectures, tours, or watching a foreign film without subtitles.

1. 
   
2. Open the Interpreter app.
   
3. Select Listening Mode.
   
4. Point your phone’s microphone toward the source of the audio.
   
5. The translated audio will stream continuously into your Galaxy Buds.
   

Tips for the Best Experience

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• Download Languages Offline: Before traveling, go to Settings > General Management > Language Packs to download the languages you need. This ensures translation works even if you have a spotty data connection.
  
• Speak Clearly: While Galaxy AI is smart wearable technology, it works best with clear speech and minimal background noise.
  
• Toggle "Mute Original Voice": In the Live Translate settings, you can choose to mute your own voice and the other person's original voice so you only hear the translation. This makes the conversation much less confusing.
  

The Bottom Line

Samsung has successfully turned a standard pair of earbuds into a powerful communication bridge. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a business professional, or someone trying to learn a new language, the translation features on the Galaxy Buds are a game-changer.

Next time you’re abroad, leave the phrasebook at home—your Buds have you covered!

Have you tried the translation features on your Galaxy Buds yet? Share your experience in the comments below!