The Samsung Galaxy S20 is a remarkable smartphone that boasts numerous features designed to enhance your user experience. But one feature that many users find intrusive is Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant. If you’re tired of Bixby popping up at inopportune moments or just prefer a more streamlined interface, you might be considering how to remove Bixby from your Samsung S20. This comprehensive guide will take you through various methods to disable, hide, or remove Bixby entirely.
Understanding Bixby and Its Features
Before diving into the removal process, it’s important to understand what Bixby truly is and why it may not be to everyone’s liking. Bixby functions as a personal assistant, offering features like:
- Bixby Voice: Voice-activated commands for hands-free operation.
- Bixby Vision: Augmented reality features to identify objects or translate text.
- Bixby Routines: Automate tasks based on your usage patterns.
While these functions can be useful, they often take up space in your interface and may not be utilized by every user.
How to Remove Bixby: Different Methods
There are multiple ways to either disable or remove Bixby from your Samsung S20, depending on your preference. Here we’ll discuss various methods, ranging from simple settings adjustments to more technical solutions.
Disabling Bixby Voice
If you prefer not to use Bixby Voice but still want to keep Bixby Routines for specific functions, you can simply disable Bixby Voice. Here’s how:
- Open the Bixby app from your app drawer.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines (hamburger icon) in the top-left corner to open the menu.
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and locate Bixby Voice Settings.
- Toggle off Bixby Voice.
This will prevent Bixby Voice from activating whenever you say “Hi Bixby” or press the Bixby button.
Disabling the Bixby Key
The Bixby key is located on the side of your Samsung S20 and can be accidentally pressed at any time. If you want to stop Bixby from launching whenever you hit this button, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Scroll down and tap on Advanced Features.
- Select Bixby Key.
- Choose the option labeled Double Press to Open Bixby or Single Press to Open App.
- Set your preferred action according to your needs, possibly selecting an app instead if you want to avoid Bixby entirely.
This ensures that you won’t accidentally trigger Bixby while reaching for your phone.
Disabling the Bixby Home Screen
Many Samsung users find the Bixby Home screen (accessible by swiping right from the main home screen) superfluous. To disable it, you can do the following:
- Long-press on the home screen until the home screen settings menu appears.
- Swipe left on the home screens until you reach the Bixby Home screen.
- Toggle off the switch at the top to disable Bixby Home.
The Bixby Home screen will now be hidden, providing a more direct interface for your apps.
Uninstalling Bixby Updates
If you want to ensure that Bixby doesn’t take up unnecessary space, one option is to uninstall updates:
- Go to the Settings app.
- Tap on Apps.
- Find and select the Bixby app.
- Tap on the three dots in the upper-right and choose Uninstall Updates.
Keep in mind that this doesn’t entirely remove the app but resets it to factory settings, which may provide a little more space and functionality.
For the Advanced User: Using the ADB Tool
For those who are technically inclined and wish to remove Bixby completely from their Samsung S20 without rooting the device, using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a viable alternative. This method requires some technical steps, so ensure you’re comfortable following detailed instructions.
Prerequisites
To utilize the ADB command, you will need:
- A computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
- USB cable to connect your phone to the computer.
- ADB tools installed on your computer (you can download them from the official Android developer site).
- USB debugging enabled on your Samsung S20 (Settings > About Phone > Software Information > Tap on Build Number multiple times to unlock Developer Options, then enable USB Debugging).
Steps to Remove Bixby Using ADB
Once you have your prerequisites ready, follow these steps:
- Connect your Samsung S20 to your computer using the USB cable.
- Open a command prompt or terminal window on your computer.
- Type the command adb devices to ensure your device is recognized.
- To disable Bixby completely, enter the command: adb shell pm uninstall -k –user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.
- If successful, Bixby will be removed from your device.
Keep in mind that using ADB can be risky if you’re not familiar with command-line tasks and could potentially lead to issues if mistakes are made.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Samsung S20 Free from Bixby
Removing or disabling Bixby can drastically enhance your user experience on the Samsung Galaxy S20 by decluttering your interface and improving battery performance. Whether you choose to disable Bixby Voice, adjust the Bixby key settings, hide the Bixby Home screen, or go the technical route with ADB, the freedom to tailor your smartphone according to your preferences is in your hands.
Remember to explore your device settings and find what works best for you. Enjoy your Samsung S20 without the interruptions of Bixby, and make the most out of its incredible features!
What is Bixby on the Samsung S20?
Bixby is a virtual assistant developed by Samsung, designed to help users interact with their devices and perform tasks using voice commands, text, or taps. It ranges in functionalities from executing basic phone commands to providing personalized recommendations and controlling smart home devices. The assistant aims to enhance user experience by making interactions with your Samsung device more intuitive and efficient.
While some users find Bixby beneficial for its features, others prefer not to use it. It can be intrusive at times, activating accidentally or consuming space on the home screen. Fortunately, if you are among those who wish to disable Bixby, the process is straightforward and can help you simplify your device’s interface.
How do I disable Bixby on my Samsung S20?
Disabling Bixby on your Samsung S20 can be done in a few simple steps. First, swipe to the left from the home screen to access the Bixby Home. Once you reach the Bixby Home screen, tap on the three vertical dots or the settings icon usually located in the top right corner. From the settings menu, locate the option that allows you to deactivate Bixby and toggle it off.
After turning off Bixby Home, you may also want to disable the Bixby voice activation feature. To do this, open the Bixby settings from the app and find the option for Voice wake-up. Toggle this setting off to prevent Bixby from activating whenever you say “Hi Bixby.” By following these steps, you can deactivate Bixby and enjoy an unencumbered smartphone experience.
Will disabling Bixby affect other functionalities on my Samsung S20?
Disabling Bixby will not affect the core functionalities of your Samsung S20. The phone will continue to operate normally, and you will still have access to all of the other features and applications you regularly use. Bixby is just one of many built-in applications, and turning it off will not interfere with calls, messages, or regular app usage.
However, some users may miss specific features that Bixby offers, such as voice commands for multitasking or smart home control. If you relied on Bixby for these features and choose to disable it, consider exploring alternative applications or settings that may accomplish similar tasks without having Bixby active.
Can I uninstall Bixby completely from my Samsung S20?
Currently, Bixby cannot be completely uninstalled from the Samsung S20 as it is integrated into the system. However, you can effectively disable and hide it from your home screen to prevent it from interfering with your user experience. By turning off Bixby Home and disabling voice activation, you can ensure that Bixby does not impact your daily phone usage.
While complete uninstallation isn’t an option, Samsung allows users to configure their settings to minimize Bixby’s presence significantly. If you want to avoid any accidental activations, remember to customize the side button settings as well, which may also have been configured to launch Bixby.
What alternative voice assistants can I use instead of Bixby?
If you decide to disable Bixby, you have a variety of alternative voice assistants to choose from. Google Assistant is a popular option that is compatible with most Android devices, including the Samsung S20. Its capabilities range from answering questions, setting reminders, and controlling smart home devices, providing a robust alternative to Bixby.
Another option is Amazon Alexa, known for its smart home integration and voice-command functionalities. You can access Alexa through the app, allowing for voice-activated control over compatible smart devices. Both of these assistants can be downloaded and installed directly from the Google Play Store, offering you flexibility in managing your device hands-free.
Will disabling Bixby restore my original Samsung home screen layout?
Disabling Bixby will not automatically restore your original home screen layout, as this setting is independent of Bixby’s functionality. However, once you have turned off the Bixby Home feature, you can easily customize your home screen according to your preferences. You can remove the Bixby Home screen and rearrange or add widgets and apps as desired.
To fully tailor your home screen, long-press on the home screen to access customization options. Here you can add or remove panels, choose background images, and modify app placements. By taking these measures, you can create a personalized home screen layout that reflects your style and usage habits without the Bixby intrusion.