In the fast-paced world of technology, smart devices have become an integral part of our lives. Samsung’s Galaxy S20 is no exception, boasting advanced features, sleek design, and, notably, Bixby—Samsung’s voice assistant designed to make everyday tasks easier. However, some users may find Bixby unnecessary or prefer to use alternative voice assistants. If you’re one of those users, you’re in the right place! This article provides a thorough, step-by-step guide on how to turn off Bixby on your Samsung S20.
Whether you’re looking to disable Bixby completely or just reduce its functionality, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding Bixby: What It Is and How It Works
Bixby is more than just a voice assistant. It’s a complete ecosystem designed to help users interact with their devices more efficiently. Some of its core functions include:
- Voice Commands: You can control your phone with your voice, from sending texts to changing settings.
- Bixby Vision: Uses the camera to provide information about objects, translate text, and shop for items online.
- Bixby Routines: Automate tasks based on your usage patterns, enhancing productivity.
While Bixby can be quite useful, many users find themselves preferring other assistants or simply do not want the additional functionality. If you feel the same way, follow these steps to turn Bixby off.
Steps to Disable Bixby on Samsung S20
This section will guide you through the process of disabling Bixby on your Samsung Galaxy S20. There are several methods to do this, depending on your preferences.
Method 1: Turn Off Bixby Voice
Bixby Voice is one of the most utilized features of Bixby. To disable it, follow these simple steps:
- Wake up your Samsung Galaxy S20 and go to the Home screen.
- Press and hold the Bixby button (located on the side of your device) or say “Hi Bixby” if activated.
- Once Bixby appears, tap on the More icon (three vertical dots) in the top right corner.
- Tap on Settings and locate the Bixby Voice option.
- Toggle the Bixby Voice switch to the off position.
This will disable Bixby Voice and prevent it from responding to voice commands.
Method 2: Disable Bixby Home
The Bixby Home screen is a dedicated space for Bixby cards that provides updates, reminders, and news. If you want to disable this feature:
- Long press on an empty space on your Home screen to access the Home screen settings.
- Swipe left to find Bixby Home (if it’s activated).
- Toggle the switch to turn it off.
Now, the Bixby Home screen will no longer appear when you swipe right on your Home screen.
Advanced Methods for Turning Off Bixby
If you want to take additional steps to reduce Bixby’s presence on your device, here are some advanced methods.
Method 3: Disable the Bixby Button
Many users accidentally trigger Bixby by pressing the dedicated button. To prevent this, you can disable the button itself:
- Open the Settings app on your Galaxy S20.
- Scroll down to find Advanced features and select it.
- Tap on Bixby Key.
- Choose the option Don’t open anything.
With this setting enabled, pressing the Bixby button will no longer launch the assistant.
Method 4: Remove Bixby from the Edge Panel
If you use the Edge Panel feature on your Samsung Galaxy S20, you can also remove Bixby from there:
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select Display, then tap on Edge screen.
- Choose Edge panels and uncheck Bixby from the options available.
This will remove Bixby from your Edge Panel, making it less accessible.
Checking Your Results
After you’ve gone through the steps outlined above, it’s a good idea to double-check that Bixby has been completely disabled. You can do this by trying to activate Bixby through voice commands or by pressing the dedicated button. If Bixby doesn’t respond, you’ve successfully turned off the assistant.
Exploring Alternatives to Bixby
Now that you’ve disabled Bixby, you may be on the lookout for alternative voice assistants that better suit your needs. Here are a couple of popular options:
- Google Assistant: Known for its accuracy and integration with Google services, it can assist with various tasks seamlessly.
- Amazon Alexa: Suitable for those who own other smart home devices and wish to control them using voice commands.
Both assistants offer extensive features and can be easily installed on your Samsung Galaxy S20 from the Google Play Store.
Conclusion
Disabling Bixby on your Samsung Galaxy S20 can significantly change your user experience, making your device feel more aligned with your preferences. Whether you choose to disable Bixby Voice, remove it from your Home screen, or limit its presence altogether, the process is simple and straightforward.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you now have full control over Bixby. This way, you can personalize your Samsung S20 as per your requirements and enjoy a clutter-free interface. Embrace the freedom to utilize alternative voice assistants and make the most out of your smart device!
Now that you know how to turn off Bixby, feel free to explore the full capabilities of your Samsung Galaxy S20 without the interruption of features you may find unnecessary. Enjoy your device, your way!
How do I completely disable Bixby on my Samsung S20?
To completely disable Bixby on your Samsung S20, you can start by going into the Settings menu. From there, scroll down and tap on ‘Apps’. In the list of applications, find and select ‘Bixby Voice’. Once you’re on the Bixby Voice application page, you can tap on ‘Force Stop’ to halt its operations temporarily.
Next, return to the ‘Apps’ section and tap on ‘Bixby Home’. Here, you will find an option to disable Bixby Home. You may also want to revisit the permissions given to Bixby to ensure that it cannot start automatically. This effectively disables the Bixby feature on your device, but keep in mind that some Bixby functionalities may still remain available.
Can I remap the Bixby button on my Samsung S20?
Yes, you can remap the Bixby button on your Samsung S20 to perform different actions. To do this, navigate to the Settings app, then select ‘Advanced Features’. Look for an option that says ‘Bixby Key’. Here, you will have the choice to change the button’s functionality to open other apps or perform specific tasks.
You can set it to launch the camera, open an app, or even assign it to different shortcuts that fit your needs better. Keep in mind that some third-party applications may also allow you to remap the Bixby button, providing even more customization options for your user experience.
What happens if I disable Bixby on my Samsung S20?
When you disable Bixby on your Samsung S20, all voice command functionalities of Bixby will no longer be active. This means you will not be able to use voice commands to perform tasks such as checking the weather or sending texts through Bixby. Any Bixby apps or features that rely on voice interaction will also become unavailable.
However, disabling Bixby does not affect other functionalities of your device. All other features and applications you regularly use will continue to function seamlessly. You can still access Samsung’s built-in features and services, minus the Bixby interface.
Is Bixby necessary for Samsung S20 to function properly?
No, Bixby is not necessary for the Samsung S20 to function properly. The device will run smoothly, handling all essential functions and applications without Bixby. Users can fully operate their phones and utilize other personal assistants like Google Assistant or Alexa instead, should they prefer them over Bixby.
Disabling Bixby won’t cause any adverse impact on performance or functionality. It simply removes the voice assistant from your daily use, allowing you to customize your Samsung S20 according to your personal preferences, with a focus on features you find more valuable.
Can I reactivate Bixby after disabling it?
Yes, you can easily reactivate Bixby after having disabled it on your Samsung S20. To do this, go to the Settings app, then tap on ‘Apps’. From the list of applications, look for both ‘Bixby Voice’ and ‘Bixby Home’. You will see options to enable or turn them back on, which will reinstate Bixby’s functionalities.
Once reactivated, you can customize Bixby’s settings again to better suit your preferences. This flexibility ensures that whether you prefer using Bixby or not, you have the ability to toggle it on and off according to your needs.
Can I delete Bixby from my Samsung S20 entirely?
Unfortunately, you cannot completely delete Bixby from your Samsung S20, as it is integrated into the system. However, you can disable its functionalities fully to ensure it does not interfere with your user experience. This can be done by following the steps in the app settings where you can disable both Bixby Voice and Bixby Home.
While it’s not possible to remove Bixby altogether, this level of customization allows you to choose whether you want to interact with Bixby or use other functionalities of your device without it affecting your phone’s operation. You will still have access to all other features of the phone, ensuring a smooth user experience without Bixby’s presence.