We recently came across reports that One UI 8 “limits” access to system sound settings when Galaxy Buds are connected. However, the reality is different. For starters, Galaxy devices behave the same way even in One UI 7, so it isn’t a One UI 8 thing. More importantly, Samsung isn’t hiding features; it’s merging and streamlining audio controls. Let us explain.
Samsung streamlines sound controls for Galaxy Buds users
The report in question notes that in One UI 8, navigating to Settings > Sound and vibration > Sound quality and effects while connected to Galaxy Buds no longer shows the phone’s native audio settings. Instead, it opens the Buds-specific audio panel, which includes controls like 360 Audio, App Sound, EQ presets, and more. This was interpreted as a “limitation” compared to One UI 7, but that’s not true — “connected” is the keyword here.
- One UI 8 Buds Connected
- One UI 8 Buds Disconnected
One UI 7 behaves similarly when your phone is “connected” to a pair of Galaxy Buds. You return to native system sound controls when disconnected, both on One UI 7 and One UI 8. This totally makes sense, no? If you have buds connected, you want to manage buds’ audio settings rather than system sounds. Nothing has changed in the new version (you can compare One UI 8 screenshots above with those from One UI 7 below).
- One UI 7 Buds Connected
- One UI 7 Buds Disconnected
As for the missing features, we think we have an explanation for that as well. When you have buds connected, you get 360 Audio in place of Dolby Atmos. Both features are targeted towards providing a surround sound experience, so that makes sense. The rest of the features are accessible all the time — UHQ (Ultra high quality) audio is available under Advanced quality options.
Long story short, your Galaxy phone now intelligently shows relevant audio controls based on your connected device. This is not a restriction, but a contextual UI adjustment. If anything has changed in One UI 8, Samsung added a Boost dialogue feature to remove unwanted background sound in videos. Additionally, the company has separated Galaxy Buds controls from the Galaxy Wearable app. You can now manage your wireless earbuds directly from your phone settings. The latest Galaxy Wearable update kicked off this migration.