What To Know
- Bixby Routines are automated actions triggered by specific events, such as connecting to a Bluetooth device or arriving at a specific location.
- If you find the Bixby button too sensitive, you can adjust its sensitivity in the Bixby settings.
- A phone case with a button cover can help prevent accidental activation of the Bixby button.
Do you find yourself constantly battling with Bixby, Samsung’s built-in voice assistant, accidentally triggering it with a stray phrase or a misplaced hand gesture? You’re not alone! Many Samsung Galaxy users find Bixby‘s persistent presence a bit intrusive. Luckily, turning off Samsung Galaxy voice assistant is a straightforward process. This blog post will guide you through the various ways to silence Bixby and regain control of your phone.
Understanding Bixby: Its Purpose and Features
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s understand what Bixby is and why it’s there. Bixby is Samsung’s attempt to provide users with a hands-free, voice-activated interface to control their phone. It can perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Making calls and sending messages: You can dictate messages, make calls, and even send emails with your voice.
- Setting reminders and alarms: Bixby can help you stay organized by setting reminders and alarms.
- Controlling your smart home devices: If you have Samsung SmartThings devices, Bixby can control them with voice commands.
- Getting information: Bixby can provide you with weather forecasts, news updates, and even restaurant recommendations.
- Launching apps and navigating your phone: You can use Bixby to open apps, switch between screens, and even adjust settings.
While these features can be useful, some users find Bixby‘s constant presence annoying. If you’re one of them, let’s explore how to tame this vocal assistant.
Turning Off Bixby Completely
The most straightforward way to stop Bixby from interrupting you is to disable it entirely. Here’s how:
1. Open the Settings app: You can find this by swiping down from the top of your screen and tapping the gear icon.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Advanced features“: This option may be located in a different section depending on your phone model and Android version.
3. Select “Bixby”: This will open the Bixby settings screen.
4. Toggle the “Bixby Voice” option to “Off”: This will disable Bixby‘s voice activation.
By disabling “Bixby Voice,” you essentially mute Bixby. It will no longer respond to your voice commands. However, you may still see Bixby’s button on your phone screen.
Removing the Bixby Button
The Bixby button, usually located on the side of your phone, can be a constant trigger for accidental activation. While you can’t remove the physical button, you can reassign its functionality. Here’s how:
1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to “Advanced features” and select “Bixby.”
3. Tap on “Bixby Key.”
4. Choose “Don’t use.”
This will reassign the Bixby button to do nothing. You can also choose other options, such as launching a different app or performing a specific action.
Disabling Bixby Routines
Bixby Routines are automated actions triggered by specific events, such as connecting to a Bluetooth device or arriving at a specific location. While these routines can be helpful, they can also be intrusive if you don’t need them. Here’s how to disable them:
1. Open the Bixby app.
2. Tap on the “Routines” tab at the bottom of the screen.
3. Select the routine you want to disable.
4. Toggle the “On” switch to “Off.”
You can also delete routines entirely by tapping the trash can icon next to the routine name.
Avoiding Accidental Activation
Even with Bixby fully disabled, you may still experience accidental activation. There are a few ways to minimize this:
- Disable “Wake with voice”: This setting allows Bixby to respond to your voice even when your phone is locked. To disable it, go to the Bixby settings and toggle “Wake with voice” to “Off.”
- Disable “Wake with voice command”: This setting allows Bixby to respond to specific wake words, such as “Hi Bixby” or “Hey Bixby.” To disable it, go to the Bixby settings and toggle “Wake with voice command” to “Off.”
- Adjust the sensitivity of the Bixby button: If you find the Bixby button too sensitive, you can adjust its sensitivity in the Bixby settings.
- Use a case with a button cover: A phone case with a button cover can help prevent accidental activation of the Bixby button.
Alternative Voice Assistants
If you’re looking for an alternative to Bixby, there are other great voice assistants available. Here are a few popular options:
- Google Assistant: Google Assistant is available on most Android devices and offers a wide range of features, including voice search, music playback, and smart home control.
- Amazon Alexa: Amazon Alexa is a popular voice assistant that can be used with a variety of devices, including Amazon Echo devices and smartphones.
- Siri: Siri is Apple’s voice assistant and is available on Apple devices.
Living a Bixby-Free Life
By following the steps outlined above, you can effectively silence Bixby and reclaim control of your Samsung Galaxy phone. You can enjoy a more peaceful and less intrusive mobile experience without sacrificing the convenience of a voice assistant. Remember, you have options, and it’s your phone – choose how you want to interact with it!
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I still use Bixby for specific tasks even after disabling it completely?
A: Yes, even after disabling Bixby completely, you can still access its features by opening the Bixby app. However, it will no longer be actively listening or responding to your voice commands.
Q: What happens to my Bixby routines if I disable Bixby?
A: Your Bixby routines will remain saved but will not be active. You can reactivate them at any time by going to the Bixby app and toggling the “On” switch.
Q: Can I use Bixby for some features and disable it for others?
A: Unfortunately, you cannot selectively disable specific Bixby features. You can either disable Bixby completely or allow it to run with all its features. However, you can reassign the Bixby button to other functions, such as launching a different app.
Q: Is there a way to permanently delete Bixby from my phone?
A: Currently, there is no way to permanently delete Bixby from your Samsung Galaxy phone. However, by disabling it and reassigning the Bixby button, you can effectively eliminate its presence.
