You can delete Bixby, but the method depends on your Samsung model and Android version
Bixby is Samsung's voice assistant, and it comes pre-installed on most Samsung phones. Unlike some other built-in apps, you can remove it — though Samsung makes the process different depending on whether you have a newer or older phone. On recent Samsung devices running Android 11 or later, you can uninstall Bixby like any other app. On older phones, you may only be able to disable it, which stops it from running but leaves the app files on your device.
The reason for this difference is that Samsung classifies Bixby as a system app on older devices, meaning it's tied more closely to the phone's core functions. Newer versions of Android give you more control over what you can remove entirely. Either way — uninstall or disable — Bixby will stop appearing on your home screen, responding to voice commands, or using your phone's resources.
Key Takeaways
- On Android 11 and newer Samsung phones, you can fully uninstall Bixby through Settings > Apps, then search for Bixby and tap Uninstall.
- On older Samsung phones, you may only be able to disable Bixby rather than remove it entirely, which stops it from running but keeps the app files on your device.
- You can also remap or disable the Bixby button (the physical button on the side of your phone) so it doesn't launch the app when pressed.
- Disabling Bixby will not harm your phone or affect other Samsung features like your camera or messaging apps.
How to uninstall Bixby on Android 11 and newer
Open Settings on your phone. Scroll down and tap Apps (sometimes labeled Applications). Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner and select Show system apps — this reveals apps that Samsung hides by default. Search for Bixby or Bixby Voice.
When you find it, tap the app name, then tap Uninstall. A popup will ask you to confirm. Tap Uninstall again. The app will be removed from your phone. If you see an option to uninstall updates first, do that before uninstalling the app itself — some phones require this step.
After uninstalling, check your home screen and app drawer to confirm Bixby is gone. You should no longer see it in your recent apps or when you swipe to your leftmost home screen panel (where Bixby often places a shortcut by default).
How to disable Bixby on older Samsung phones
If you have an older Samsung phone or Android 10 or earlier, uninstall may not be an option. Instead, you can disable the app. Open Settings, tap Apps, then search for Bixby. Tap the app name, then look for a Disable button (it may say Turn off or Disable app).
A popup will warn you that disabling a system app may cause problems. This is a standard warning — disabling Bixby specifically will not break your phone. Tap Disable to confirm. The app will stop running, and you won't see it in your app drawer or home screen anymore.
Disabling is less thorough than uninstalling because the app files remain on your device and take up storage space. However, it stops Bixby from consuming battery, memory, or processing power, and it prevents the app from launching accidentally.
Disable or remap the Bixby button
Many Samsung phones have a physical Bixby button on the side of the device. Even if you uninstall or disable Bixby, pressing this button may still try to launch the app or open a settings screen. You can remap it to do something else instead.
Open Settings, then search for Bixby Key or Side key. Tap the result. You'll see options to change what happens when you press the button once, twice, or hold it down. You can set it to open any app you want — your camera, a flashlight, a messaging app, or a fitness tracker. Some phones also let you disable the button entirely so it does nothing.
If you don't see a Bixby Key option in Settings, your phone may not have a dedicated Bixby button, or it may be managed through a different menu. Try searching for Side key or Physical buttons instead.
Remove Bixby from your home screen and lock screen
Even after uninstalling or disabling Bixby, you may see a Bixby widget or shortcut on your home screen or lock screen. To remove it, long-press the widget or shortcut and select Remove from the menu that appears. On some Samsung phones, you can also swipe left on the Bixby home screen panel (the leftmost screen) to remove it entirely.
If Bixby shortcuts keep reappearing after you remove them, it's usually because Samsung's system is re-adding them. This typically stops once you've fully uninstalled the app. If it continues after uninstalling, restart your phone — this clears the system cache and often fixes the issue.
What happens after you remove Bixby
Removing Bixby does not affect any other Samsung features. Your camera, gallery, messaging, phone calls, notifications, and all other built-in apps will work exactly as before. Samsung's other services — like SmartThings (home automation), Samsung Health, or Samsung Pay — are separate apps and will not be impacted.
You may free up a small amount of storage space and battery life, though Bixby uses relatively little of either when it's disabled. The main benefit is removing an app you don't use and reducing clutter on your device. If you ever want Bixby back, you can reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing Bixby break my phone or cause errors?
No. Bixby is not essential to your phone's core functions. Uninstalling or disabling it will not cause crashes, errors, or problems with other apps. Samsung phones are designed to work without Bixby.
Can I reinstall Bixby if I change my mind?
Yes. You can download Bixby from the Google Play Store or the Samsung Galaxy Store at any time. Search for "Bixby" and tap Install. Your phone will work the same way it did before you removed it.
What's the difference between uninstall and disable?
Uninstall removes the app completely from your device and frees up storage space. Disable stops the app from running and removes it from your app drawer, but the app files stay on your phone. On newer Android versions, uninstall is usually available. On older phones, you may only be able to disable.
Why does Bixby keep coming back after I remove it?
Samsung sometimes re-adds Bixby shortcuts or widgets after system updates. If this happens, remove them again the same way. If Bixby itself keeps reinstalling, check your phone's automatic app update settings — you can turn off automatic updates for Bixby in the Google Play Store by opening the app page, tapping the three-dot menu, and selecting "Don't auto-update."
Can I just turn off Bixby voice commands without removing the app?
Yes. Open Settings, search for Bixby, then look for Voice wake-up or Voice interaction. Toggle it off. This stops Bixby from responding to voice commands while keeping the app installed. You can also disable the Bixby button separately as described above.