So, you’ve got a Samsung Galaxy phone, and while it’s packed with features, there’s one assistant that some users feel gets in the way: Bixby. Bixby is Samsung’s voice assistant, much like Google Assistant or Apple’s Siri, but it may not suit everyone. If you’re one of those users, you might be looking for a way to disable Bixby. This guide will walk you through each step to make it disappear from your day-to-day usage on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
Bixby Overview
Before diving into the steps to disable Bixby, it’s helpful to understand how Bixby integrates into different parts of the Samsung Galaxy phone. Bixby has several components that need to be managed individually: Bixby Voice, the Bixby Key (Side Key), Bixby Routines, and Bixby Home. This guide will cover each element separately to make sure Bixby is entirely disabled to your preference.
Step 1: Disable Bixby Voice
Accessing Bixby Voice Settings
Bixby Voice is Samsung’s voice command feature, and it’s often triggered accidentally by pressing the side button or by voice. To prevent this, start by disabling it in your settings.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy phone.
- Tap on Apps and then locate Bixby Voice from the list.
Clearing Bixby Voice Data
To prevent any accidental activations, you can clear Bixby’s data, essentially resetting it.
- Inside the Bixby Voice settings, tap on Storage.
- Clear the cache, and then Clear data. Confirm the deletion if prompted.
Disabling Bixby Voice App
Disabling the app will stop it from launching automatically or in the background.
- Return to the main App Info screen for Bixby Voice.
- Tap Disable to completely turn off Bixby Voice on your device.
By following these steps, you can ensure Bixby Voice won’t be triggered accidentally, giving you a cleaner and more efficient experience.
Step 2: Remap the Bixby Key
Samsung lets you remap the side key (formerly the Bixby key), giving you control over what the button does when you press it.
Changing Side Key Functions
- Open the Settings app and tap on Advanced features.
- Tap Side Key settings. Here, you’ll find options to change what happens when you double press or long press the side button.
Customizing Button Press Actions
Choose options like Power off menu instead of launching Bixby. Alternatively, you can assign it to open an app or take screenshots.
This change can prevent you from opening Bixby unintentionally, adding a layer of convenience to your daily phone use.
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Step 3: Disable Bixby Routines
Bixby Routines automates tasks based on your activity and location. While it’s useful for some, it can be intrusive for others.
Turning Off Bixby Routines
- Head to Settings > Advanced Features.
- Scroll to Bixby Routines and toggle it off.
Disabling Bixby Routines will prevent the assistant from automating activities, giving you more manual control over your phone’s functions.
Step 4: Remove Bixby Home
Bixby Home is a panel on the leftmost screen of the Samsung Galaxy home screen, which displays updates and Bixby suggestions. To remove it:
- Long-press an empty area on the home screen or pinch the screen with two fingers to enter Edit Mode.
- Swipe right to reach the Bixby Home panel.
- Toggle off Bixby Home to disable it.
With this, Bixby Home will no longer appear, leaving you with a more streamlined home screen.
Additional Tips
If you still need an assistant on your Samsung device but prefer to avoid Bixby, you might consider using Google Assistant. It offers a wide range of functionality and integrates well with Android devices.
Conclusion
While Bixby is a powerful tool, it’s not for everyone. With this guide, you now know how to disable Bixby on different fronts, from voice commands to routines and even the Bixby Home panel. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist setup or simply prefer a different assistant, these steps provide full control over your Galaxy experience.
FAQs
- Can I re-enable Bixby if I change my mind?
Yes, you can easily re-enable Bixby by returning to the settings for each component. - Will disabling Bixby affect my phone’s performance?
No, disabling Bixby won’t affect overall performance. - How do I set Google Assistant as my default assistant?
Go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app, and select Google Assistant. - What happens if I clear Bixby’s data? Clearing data resets Bixby, removing any saved preferences or voice data. This step is useful if you want to disable Bixby entirely or ensure it doesn’t activate unexpectedly.
- Will disabling Bixby free up storage space?
Disabling Bixby might free up a small amount of space by stopping background data usage, but it doesn’t significantly impact overall storage unless you use ADB to uninstall it. - How do I disable Bixby on older Samsung models?
On models like Galaxy S8, S9, and Note 9, you can reduce Bixby activations by changing the Bixby key to a double press. Settings may vary slightly by model. - Can I use both Google Assistant and Bixby together?
Yes, both assistants can coexist, but you might want to disable Bixby if you prefer Google Assistant to avoid conflicts when using voice commands. - Will disabling Bixby affect other Samsung features?
In most cases, disabling Bixby will not impact other Samsung features. However, Bixby Routines and voice commands tied to Samsung-exclusive apps might be limited. - How can I access Bixby again after disabling it?
Simply return to each respective setting—such as Bixby Voice or the Bixby Home panel—and enable it again if you wish to use Bixby in the future. - Are there alternatives to Bixby for Galaxy users?
Absolutely! Google Assistant is a popular alternative, and it’s fully compatible with Samsung Galaxy devices, providing a range of helpful features. - Is Bixby still available on the latest Samsung Galaxy models? Yes, Bixby is pre-installed on most Samsung Galaxy models, but recent One UI updates have added more customization options to control and reduce its activation.
