Bixby is Samsung's voice assistant, and you can disable it entirely or just turn off the button that launches it

Bixby comes turned on by default on most Samsung phones and tablets. If you do not use it, the Bixby button on the side of your device can be annoying — it launches the assistant when you press it by accident, or it sits there unused. You have three real options: remap the button to do something else, turn off Bixby completely, or disable just the voice activation while keeping the app.

The steps differ slightly depending on whether you have a recent Samsung phone (Galaxy S21 and newer) or an older model, and whether you are using Bixby Voice or just the Bixby button. This guide covers the most common setup: a Samsung phone with the physical Bixby button on the side.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bixby button on the side of your phone can be remapped to launch any app or function you choose, which is faster than disabling Bixby entirely.
  • You can turn off Bixby Voice (the voice assistant) without removing the Bixby app, which stops accidental voice activation but keeps the button functional.
  • Newer Samsung phones (Galaxy S21 and later) let you remap the button in Settings under Advanced Features, while older models require the Bixby app itself.
  • If you disable Bixby completely, the button will not work unless you remap it first — remapping is the best first step on any phone.
  • Bixby cannot be fully uninstalled on most Samsung phones because it is built into the system, but you can hide it and prevent it from running.

Remap the Bixby button to something useful

Remapping the button is the fastest solution if you want to keep using the physical button for something else. On Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer phones, open Settings, scroll down to Advanced Features, and tap Side Key. You will see options to set what the button does when you press it once, twice, or hold it down. Choose an app like Camera, Flashlight, or Power Off Menu — or leave it unmapped so the button does nothing.

On older Samsung phones (Galaxy S20 and earlier), open the Bixby app itself, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Settings, and select Side Key. The same remap options appear. Pick what you want the button to do and save your choice. The button will now launch that app or function instead of Bixby.

This approach works even if you never plan to use Bixby again, because it turns the button into something useful rather than leaving it dead weight on the side of your phone.

Turn off Bixby Voice without removing the app

If you want to keep the Bixby app but stop it from responding to voice commands, open the Bixby app, tap the menu icon, go to Settings, and scroll to Voice. Toggle off Voice Wake-Up and Voice Feedback. This stops Bixby from listening for the wake word "Hi Bixby" and from speaking responses aloud.

You can also turn off the Bixby button itself in the same Settings menu by choosing Side Key and selecting Do Nothing. This combination — voice off and button disabled — means Bixby will not bother you, but the app remains on your phone and takes up storage space. Most people prefer to remap the button instead, because it gives you a useful function rather than a dead button.

Disable Bixby completely on your phone

You cannot uninstall Bixby on most Samsung phones because it is part of the system software, but you can disable it so it does not run at all. Open Settings, go to Apps, and search for Bixby. Tap it, then select Disable. Your phone will ask you to confirm — tap Disable again. The app will now be hidden from your home screen and will not run in the background.

If you see an option to Uninstall instead of Disable, your phone allows full removal — tap Uninstall and confirm. This is rare on newer Samsung phones, but some carriers or older models do permit it. After disabling or uninstalling, remap the Bixby button to something else so the button still works.

Disabling Bixby completely is more thorough than just turning off voice, but it also means you lose any Bixby features you might have used (like Bixby Routines, which automate tasks based on time or location). If you think you might use those features later, turning off voice and remapping the button is a safer choice.

Stop Bixby from running in the background

Even if you do not use Bixby, it may still run in the background and use battery or data. Open Settings, go to Apps, find Bixby, and tap Battery. Select Restrict or Unrestricted depending on what your phone calls it — you want Restrict so Bixby cannot run when you are not actively using it. Then go back and tap Permissions, and turn off Microphone so Bixby cannot listen even if it somehow starts.

This approach is gentler than disabling the app entirely, because Bixby can still run if you open it manually, but it will not drain your battery or listen for voice commands. It is a good middle ground if you are not sure whether you want to disable Bixby permanently.

What to do if the Bixby button keeps launching Bixby

If you have already tried to remap the button but it still launches Bixby, the remap did not save properly. Go back to Settings (or the Bixby app on older phones) and check the Side Key setting again. Make sure you selected a different app or function and tapped Save or Apply. On some phones, you have to confirm the change twice.

If remapping still does not work, try disabling the Bixby app first, then remapping the button. Sometimes Bixby overrides the remap if it is still active. After you disable Bixby, go back to Side Key settings and choose your preferred function. This usually fixes the problem.

If the button still launches Bixby after disabling the app, restart your phone. Hold the power button, select Power Off, wait 10 seconds, and turn it back on. This clears any stuck settings and gives the remap time to take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Bixby slow down my phone or cause problems?

No. Bixby is designed to be disabled, and turning it off will not harm your phone or cause errors. If anything, disabling it may free up a small amount of battery and storage space. You can re-enable it later if you change your mind by going back to Settings and tapping Enable.

Can I remap the Bixby button on older Samsung phones?

Yes. Open the Bixby app, tap the menu, go to Settings, and select Side Key. The remap options are the same as on newer phones. If you do not see a Side Key option, your phone model may not support remapping, but you can still disable Bixby Voice or the app itself.

What happens to Bixby Routines if I disable Bixby?

Bixby Routines will stop working if you disable the Bixby app. If you use Routines to automate tasks, turn off Bixby Voice and remap the button instead, so the app stays active but does not bother you. You can also move your Routines to Samsung's SmartThings app, which handles automation separately.

Does disabling Bixby affect Samsung Pay or other Samsung services?

No. Bixby is a separate app and does not control Samsung Pay, Messages, or other Samsung services. You can disable Bixby without affecting any other features on your phone.

Can I hide Bixby from my home screen without disabling it?

Yes. Long-press the Bixby app icon on your home screen, tap Remove or Uninstall, and choose Remove from Home Screen. The app stays on your phone but disappears from view. You can still access it from Settings or the app drawer if you need it later.