Type-C headphones connect automatically on Samsung Galaxy devices, but if audio fails, the fix is turning off “Disable USB audio routing” in Developer Options.
Samsung removed the headphone jack starting with the Galaxy S21, making Type-C headphones or a USB-C adapter the only way to listen with wires. When they don’t work, the steps to enable Type-C headphones in Samsung take less than a minute.
Most people search for settings or permissions that don’t exist. The real fix is a single toggle inside Developer Options that controls whether USB audio even reaches the headphones. Here is exactly where to find it and how to make sure your Samsung phone routes audio to Type-C headphones every time.
Why Samsung Type-C Headphones Don’t Always Work
Type-C headphones follow the USB audio standard, and Samsung Galaxy phones support that standard natively. Plug them in and they should work. When they don’t, the cause is almost never the headphones themselves.
A setting called Disable USB audio routing lives inside Developer Options. When enabled, it tells the phone to ignore all audio coming over the USB-C port. Many users toggle this setting while exploring Developer Options and forget to turn it back off. Others enable it intentionally thinking it saves battery or reduces interference. It blocks audio every time.
Enabling Type-C Headphones: The Developer Options Fix
Open Developer Options and turn the Disable USB audio routing toggle to OFF. That single change resolves nearly every case of Type-C headphones not working on Samsung.
Step 1: Enable Developer Options if you haven’t already
- Go to Settings > About Phone > Software Information.
- Tap Build Number 7 times until “Developer mode has been turned on” appears.
Step 2: Fix the audio routing
- Go to Settings > Developer Options.
- Scroll down to the Media section.
- Find Disable USB audio routing and set it to OFF (disabled).
- If it was ON, plugging in headphones after this change should route audio through them immediately.
Step 3: Reboot the phone (if audio still doesn’t work after the toggle change)
Some settings in Developer Options require a restart before they take effect. A quick reboot costs nothing and confirms the change is active.
After turning the toggle OFF and rebooting, plug in your Type-C headphones. Audio should route through them immediately — test with a song or a video.
| Type-C Headphone Option | Samsung Compatibility | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung USB-C Earphones (in-box with S21/S22) | Full | Plug and play; may need firmware update on S23+ |
| Samsung USB-C Earphones (retail purchase) | Full | Works with all Galaxy USB-C devices |
| 3.5mm Headphones + Samsung USB-C Adapter | Full | Officially supported; best reliability |
| 3.5mm Headphones + Third-Party Adapter | Conditional | Must support data transfer, not just charging |
| Third-Party USB-C Headphones (Anker, JBL) | Full | Auto-detected on One UI 3.1+ |
| USB-C Gaming Headset (built-in DAC) | Full | Audio works; microphone may need separate adapter |
| Type-C Earbuds with Integrated DAC | Full | High-end audio supported natively |
| USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter (charging-only type) | None | Cannot transmit audio — only passes power |
Which USB-C Adapter Works With Samsung?
Only adapters that support data transfer will carry audio. A charging-only USB-C adapter — sometimes called a “dumb” adapter — passes power but blocks audio data.
Samsung sells an official USB-C to 3.5mm adapter that is guaranteed to work. Third-party adapters from Anker, Belkin, and other reputable brands also work as long as they include a DAC chip and support data routing. If an adapter works on a PC but not on the phone, it may not be OTG-compatible. Samsung’s official support documentation covers this distinction.
Updating Samsung USB-C Earphone Firmware
For intermittent sound, lag, or occasional lock-ups with Samsung-branded USB-C earphones, a firmware update via the Galaxy S23 line usually fixes it.
- Connect the USB-C earphones to a Galaxy S23, S23+, or S23 Ultra.
- Tap the earphone icon on the main screen when it appears.
- Swipe down to open the notifications panel.
- Tap Checking firmware version > Update.
- Wait for the “update completed” notification to appear.
This only applies to Samsung’s own USB-C earphones. Third-party Type-C headphones get their firmware from the manufacturer separately.
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from headphones | “Disable USB audio routing” is ON | Turn it OFF in Developer Options |
| Phone doesn’t detect headphones | Charging-only adapter used | Replace with a data-capable adapter |
| Audio cuts out or lags | Outdated earphone firmware | Update firmware via Galaxy S23 series |
| Sound comes from phone speaker | Debris or moisture in USB-C port | Clean port gently with compressed air |
| Static or low volume | Poor adapter connection | Re-seat adapter; check for visible damage |
| Adapter works on PC but not phone | Adapter is not OTG-compatible | Switch to a Samsung-certified adapter |
| One earbud silent | Loose connection or earphone defect | Test earphones on another device |
Troubleshooting Order For Type-C Audio
Run through this sequence before looking for deeper causes:
- Turn Disable USB audio routing to OFF in Developer Options.
- Reboot the phone.
- Verify the adapter supports data transfer (not just charging).
- If using Samsung earphones, check for a firmware update on a Galaxy S23 device.
- Inspect the USB-C port for debris or damage.
If none of these work, test the headphones on another device to confirm they function, and test a different pair of Type-C headphones on the Samsung phone to isolate the problem.
References & Sources
- Samsung. “How to connect headphones to a Galaxy device.” Covers official steps for USB-C headphone setup and adapter guidance.