Galaxy S8/S8+ – How to Disable Bixby

The Galaxy S8 was the first Samsung phone that features Bixby – the company’s answer to Apple’s Siri and Google’s Virtual Assistant. Like its competitors, Bixby is a voice-operated smart assistant whose purpose is to better your user experience.

It can handle daily tasks like browsing and reminders. But for one reason or another, some users prefer to disable Bixby. Since you are here, that’s probably what you have in mind. Here’s the good news, turning Bixby off is pretty straightforward.

Disabling the Bixby Key on Your Galaxy S8/S8+

1. Press the Bixby Button

It’s the button under the Volume rockers. Press it to launch Bixby and then hit the “gear” icon on the top right.

2. Toggle Off Bixby Key

Tap on the button in the option that pops down to disable the Bixby key.

Alternatively, you can long press on an empty space on your Home screen to reveal more actions. Swipe to the right and tap on Bixby Home. You’ll be taken to the same window as above.

Completely Disabling Bixby

The above only shuts off the physical Bixby key. This way you wouldn’t be able to call up the virtual assistant by accident. But Bixby would still be fully operational on your phone.

To disable it entirely, you need to turn off Bixby Home and Bixby Voice. This is how to do it:

1. Go to Settings

Tap on the Settings app and browse for Bixby Settings.

2. Hit Bixby Settings

Tap on the button next to Bixby Voice to toggle it off. Now Bixby will no longer be listening for your voice commands.

3. Go Back to Home Screen

Long press on an empty spot on the Home screen and swipe to the right to reach Bixby Home.

4. Toggle Off the Button

Tap on the button next to Bixby Home to turn it off and now your Galaxy S8/S8+ is entirely Bixby-free.

What Does Bixby Do for You?

It’s worth taking a closer look at some of the Bixby functions before you decide to disable it. Here are the highlights:

Bixby Voice

Like all virtual assistants, Bixby can be voice operated. It is triggered by saying, Hi Bixby, but you need to be careful since it can easily be turned on by accident.

Some of the cool commands include – share this on my TV, use this as my wallpaper. In addition, you can ask Bixby to take your selfie and share it on Facebook.

Bixby Vision

This function sets Bixby apart from some other virtual assistants. It is similar to Amazon Shopping App and Google Goggles. In essence, Bixby scans what it sees and provides you with more information on the item.

Hi Bixby, End This Article

Now you know how simple it is to disable Bixby on your Galaxy S8/S8+. Nevertheless, some of its functions can be quite useful. For example, you can show Bixby the box of your favorite sweets and it’ll tell you where to buy them.