Introduction

Bixby is Samsung’s built-in virtual assistant that comes preinstalled on all Galaxy devices. While it can be helpful for voice commands, reminders, and smart suggestions, many users find it intrusive or unnecessary—especially when the Bixby button gets pressed accidentally.

If you prefer to use Google Assistant or no assistant at all, you can deactivate Bixby completely on your Samsung phone. In this detailed One UI guide, we’ll walk you through every step to turn off Bixby Voice, Bixby Home (also known as Samsung Daily or Samsung Free), and the Bixby Side Key shortcut.

This tutorial applies to most Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 6 and later.

1. Turn Off Bixby Voice Activation

Bixby Voice is the part that activates when you say “Hi, Bixby” or hold the Side Key. To disable it:

Step-by-step:

  1. Open the Bixby App (you can find it by searching “Bixby” in your Apps drawer).

  2. Tap the Menu (☰) icon in the top-right corner.

  3. Go to Settings.

  4. Find the Voice wake-up option.

  5. Toggle “Wake with ‘Hi, Bixby’” to off.

  6. Scroll down and also disable Use Bixby when phone is locked if you see it.

✅ Result: Bixby will no longer activate when you speak or when the screen is off.

2. Disable Bixby Button (Side Key Shortcut)

In newer Samsung phones, the power button doubles as a Bixby shortcut key. If you hold it too long, Bixby Voice launches automatically. Here’s how to stop that:

Path:
Settings → Advanced features → Side key

Steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Scroll down and tap Advanced features.

  3. Select Side key.

  4. Under Press and hold, choose Power off menu instead of Bixby.

💡 Tip: Now, holding the power button will show the shutdown/restart options instead of triggering Bixby.

3. Remove Bixby from Home Screen (Samsung Free or Bixby Home)

Older versions of One UI had Bixby Home, while newer versions replaced it with Samsung Free or Samsung Discover. If you don’t want it appearing when you swipe right on the Home screen:

Steps:

  1. Long-press on an empty area of your Home screen.

  2. Swipe to the far-left panel.

  3. You’ll see Samsung Free, Samsung Discover, or Bixby Home.

  4. Toggle it off at the top of the screen.

✅ Now the Bixby panel will no longer appear when you swipe left on the Home screen.

4. Disable Bixby Routines (Optional)

Bixby Routines can automate actions based on your behavior, like turning on Wi-Fi when you get home. If you don’t use it, you can disable it as well.

Path:
Settings → Advanced features → Bixby Routines

Steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to Advanced features.

  3. Tap Bixby Routines.

  4. Toggle the Bixby Routines switch off at the top.

💬 Tip: If you prefer automation, you can disable specific routines instead of the whole feature.

5. Stop Bixby From Running in the Background

Even after turning off its features, Bixby might still run background processes. You can restrict it manually:

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Apps.

  2. Scroll and tap Bixby Voice.

  3. Tap Battery.

  4. Choose Restricted to prevent it from auto-starting.

  5. Repeat for Bixby Vision and Bixby Services if available.

✅ This helps improve battery life and performance.

6. Alternative: Disable Bixby Using Samsung Account Settings

If you want a deeper cleanup, you can log out of Bixby from your Samsung account.

Steps:

  1. Launch the Bixby App.

  2. Tap the Profile icon in the top right.

  3. Go to Settings → Samsung Account → Log out.

  4. Confirm to disconnect your account from Bixby.

Once logged out, Bixby features become inactive until you sign back in.

7. What You Can’t Remove (Important Note)

Samsung doesn’t allow you to completely uninstall Bixby, as it’s integrated into One UI. However, by following the steps above, you effectively disable all triggers, shortcuts, and background activity, meaning Bixby won’t bother you anymore.

If you want to take it one step further, you can use tools like ADB (Android Debug Bridge) from a computer to disable the app, but that’s recommended only for advanced users.

8. Bonus Tip: Use Google Assistant Instead

Prefer Google’s voice assistant? Here’s how to make it your default:

Path:
Settings → Apps → Choose default apps → Digital assistant app → Google

Once done, long-pressing the Home button or saying “Hey Google” will activate Google Assistant instead of Bixby.

FAQs About Disabling Bixby

Q1: Can I uninstall Bixby completely from my Samsung phone?
Not officially. You can disable it and stop all triggers, but complete removal requires advanced tools like ADB.

Q2: Will disabling Bixby affect other Samsung apps?
No. Turning off Bixby does not impact Samsung Pay, Galaxy Store, or other One UI features.

Q3: Does disabling Bixby improve battery life?
Slightly, yes. Restricting background usage prevents Bixby from consuming extra resources.

Conclusion

Bixby can be useful for some, but if you prefer a cleaner and simpler experience, disabling it on Samsung One UI is quick and easy.

By turning off Bixby Voice, changing the Side Key shortcut, and removing the Bixby Home panel, you’ll stop Bixby from launching unexpectedly. You can always re-enable it later if you change your mind.

✅ Final Path Summary:

  • Voice Wake-Up → Bixby app → Settings → Voice wake-up → Off

  • Side Key → Settings → Advanced features → Side key → Power off menu

  • Bixby Home → Home screen → Left panel → Off toggle

Now your Samsung phone will stay Bixby-free, smoother, and ready to use your preferred assistant—Google Assistant or none at all.

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