The fastest way to disable Bixby
You can turn off Bixby's voice activation in Settings without removing the app entirely. On most Samsung phones, go to Settings > Apps > Bixby > Permissions and toggle off Microphone. This stops Bixby from listening for the wake word "Hi Bixby" but leaves the app installed.
If you want to prevent the Bixby button from launching anything at all, you can remap it in Settings > Advanced Features > Bixby Key. Choose a different action — like opening an app or taking a screenshot — or set it to do nothing. The exact menu name varies slightly by Samsung model and Android version, but the option exists on most devices from the last five years.
For a more complete removal, you can disable the app entirely through Settings > Apps > Bixby > Disable. This removes Bixby from your home screen and stops it from running in the background, though you cannot fully uninstall it on most Samsung phones because it comes pre-installed.
Key Takeaways
- Turning off Bixby's microphone permission in Settings stops voice activation without removing the app.
- The Bixby button can be remapped to launch a different app or disabled entirely through Advanced Features.
- You can disable the Bixby app through Settings > Apps, which removes it from your screen and stops background activity.
- The exact menu path varies by Samsung model and Android version, but the options are similar across devices.
- Bixby cannot be fully uninstalled on most Samsung phones because it is a system app, but disabling it has the same practical effect.
Disabling Bixby voice activation
The most common reason people want to turn off Bixby is accidental voice activation. If Bixby launches when you do not want it to, the quickest fix is to remove microphone permission. Open Settings, tap Apps, find Bixby, select Permissions, and toggle Microphone to off. Bixby will no longer respond to "Hi Bixby" or other voice commands.
This method keeps the app on your phone but silences it. You can still open Bixby manually from your app drawer if you ever need it, but it will not listen for voice triggers. The setting persists across restarts, so you only need to do this once.
Remapping or disabling the Bixby button
Many Samsung phones have a dedicated Bixby button on the side of the device. If you press it by accident or simply do not use it, you can change what it does. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Bixby Key (the name may be "Side Key" or "Physical Key" on some models). You will see options to launch a different app, open a specific function like the camera, or disable the button entirely.
Some older Samsung models do not allow you to fully disable the button, but you can usually set it to open an app you use frequently instead. Newer devices give you more control, including the option to do nothing when pressed. Check your device's settings to see what options are available for your specific model.
Fully disabling the Bixby app
If you want Bixby completely out of the way, you can disable it as an app. Go to Settings > Apps > Bixby, tap the three-dot menu, and select Disable. The app will disappear from your home screen and app drawer, and it will stop running background processes. This is different from uninstalling — the app remains on your phone but is turned off.
Disabling Bixby has the same practical effect as uninstalling it for most users. You will not see it, it will not use battery or storage, and it will not interfere with your phone. If you ever change your mind, you can re-enable it through the same Settings menu.
Why you cannot fully uninstall Bixby
Bixby comes pre-installed on Samsung phones as a system app, which means it is built into the operating system. Samsung does not allow users to uninstall system apps through the normal app removal process. This is a design choice by Samsung to keep core features available even if you do not use them.
Disabling the app is the closest you can get to removal without using specialized tools or modifying your phone's software. Disabled apps take up minimal space and do not run, so the practical difference between disabling and uninstalling is negligible for most people.
Differences between Samsung models and Android versions
The exact steps to disable Bixby vary slightly depending on your Samsung phone model and which version of Android it runs. Older phones may have fewer options for remapping the Bixby button, while newer models offer more control. The Settings menu structure can also differ — some devices use "Advanced Features" while others use "System" or "Device Care."
The best approach is to open Settings on your specific phone and search for "Bixby" using the search bar at the top. This will show you all Bixby-related settings available on your device, regardless of the menu structure. If you cannot find an option you expected, your phone model may not support it.
What happens after you disable Bixby
Once Bixby is disabled, you will notice your phone responds faster to the Bixby button press (or does not respond at all, depending on your settings). Voice commands like "Hi Bixby" will no longer work. Any widgets or shortcuts that relied on Bixby will stop functioning, but your phone will continue to work normally otherwise.
If you use other Samsung features like Routines or SmartThings, those will continue to work even with Bixby disabled. Bixby is separate from these features, though it can integrate with them if you choose to use it. Disabling Bixby does not affect your phone's core functions or other apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling Bixby slow down my phone?
No. Disabling Bixby may actually free up a small amount of battery and RAM because the app will no longer run in the background. The impact is minimal on modern phones, but removing any unused app helps slightly.
Can I re-enable Bixby after I disable it?
Yes. Go back to Settings > Apps > Bixby and tap Enable. Your phone will restore Bixby to its default state, and you can use it again immediately. Re-enabling takes the same amount of time as disabling.
What if I accidentally press the Bixby button and want to stop it?
Remap the button to do nothing or to launch a different app. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Bixby Key and choose a different action. You can also disable the button entirely on newer Samsung models.
Does disabling Bixby affect Samsung Pay or other Samsung services?
No. Bixby is separate from Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and other Samsung apps. Disabling Bixby will not affect these services or your ability to use them.
Can I uninstall Bixby using a third-party app manager?
Third-party app managers cannot uninstall system apps like Bixby without special permissions. Disabling Bixby through Settings is the safest and most reliable method. Attempting to force-uninstall system apps can cause problems with your phone.