How to set it up:

In the past, the idea of a “universal translator” was restricted to science fiction like Star Trek or The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. But with the launch of Galaxy AI, Samsung has turned that fiction into a reality.

If you own a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds and a compatible Galaxy smartphone, you essentially have a personal interpreter living in your pocket (and your ears).

Here is your step-by-step guide on how to get your Samsung earbuds to translate conversations in real-time.

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Before You Start: The Compatibility Check

Not every Samsung device supports these advanced AI features. To use translation, you generally need:

1. Compatible Earbuds: Galaxy Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Buds2 Pro, Buds2, or Buds FE.
2. Compatible Phone: A Galaxy device running One UI 6.1 or later (e.g., Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, Z Fold 5/6, Z Flip 5/6).
3. Internet Connection: You’ll need data or Wi-Fi to download language packs and process translations.

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Method 1: Using “Interpreter Mode” (Face-to-Face)

This is perfect for when you’re traveling and need to speak to a local, such as ordering food or asking for directions.

How to set it up:

1. Connect your Buds: Ensure your Galaxy Buds are in your ears and connected to your phone.
2. Open Interpreter: Swipe down your Quick Settings panel (swipe down twice from the top of your screen) and tap the Interpreter icon. (If it’s not there, you can find it in the App drawer).
3. Enter Buds Mode: Look for the small headphone icon at the top of the Interpreter screen. Tapping this optimizes the audio flow.
4. How it works:

   • You speak into the Buds.
   • The phone translates your words and plays them out loud through the phone’s speaker for the other person to hear.
   • When the other person speaks toward your phone, the translation is played directly into your Galaxy Buds.

Note: You can even change the layout so the person across from you can read the translated text on the screen right-side up.

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Method 2: Live Translate (Phone Calls)

Need to call a restaurant in Tokyo or a hotel in Paris? Live Translate provides two-way, real-time voice and text translations during phone calls.

How to set it up:

1. Go to Settings on your phone.
2. Tap Advanced Features > Advanced Intelligence > Phone.
3. Toggle Live Translate to On.
4. Select your language and the language of the person you are calling.

How it works:
When you make or receive a call, tap the Call Assist button on the screen and select Live Translate. As you speak, your Buds will relay the conversation, and you will hear the other person’s translated response directly in your ears.

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Method 3: Listening Mode (Lectures or Presentations)

If you are attending a speech or a guided tour in a foreign language, “Listening Mode” is your best friend.

1. Open the Interpreter app.
2. Tap the Mode icon (it looks like two people talking) and switch it to Listening Mode.
3. Point your phone’s microphone toward the source of the audio.
4. The translated audio will stream continuously into your Galaxy Buds.

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Pro-Tips for the Best Experience

• Download Language Packs: To avoid lag and save data, go to Settings > General Management > Language Packs and download the languages you need while you’re on Wi-Fi.
• Speak Clearly: AI handles conversational language well, but it struggles with heavy slang or mumbling. Speak at a natural, steady pace.
• Update Your Software: Ensure your Galaxy Wearable app and your phone’s software are fully updated. Samsung frequently releases patches that improve translation accuracy.
• Mute Your Own Voice: In settings, you can choose to “Mute my voice.” This way, the other person only hears the translated version of what you said, rather than hearing you speak in English first followed by the translation.

The Bottom Line

Samsung has made the “language barrier” a thing of the past. Whether you’re using the new Galaxy Buds3 Pro or the reliable Buds FE, these features make international travel and cross-cultural future communication technology – visit the next document, smoother than ever.

Have you tried the translation features yet? Let us know in the comments which language you’re excited to try first!