You can disable Bixby without fully deleting it, or remove it entirely depending on your Samsung model and Android version

Bixby is Samsung's voice assistant, pre-installed on most Samsung phones and tablets. It runs in the background, uses device resources, and some people find the Bixby button (usually on the side of the phone) activates it accidentally. You have three options: disable it completely, turn off the Bixby button, or uninstall it if your device allows it. Which route works depends on your Android version and whether Bixby is a system app on your specific model.

The simplest approach for most people is disabling the Bixby button and turning off Bixby's background activity through Settings. Full removal requires your device to allow uninstallation, which newer Samsung phones sometimes do but older ones do not. This guide covers all three paths so you can pick the one that fits your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Disabling the Bixby button through Settings stops accidental set up without removing the app, and works on nearly all Samsung devices.
  • Turning off Bixby's background permissions in Settings reduces its resource use even if you keep the app installed.
  • Full uninstallation is only possible on some Samsung models; system apps cannot be removed but can be disabled.
  • If you cannot uninstall Bixby, disabling it through Settings or using a third-party launcher prevents it from running.

Disable the Bixby button so it stops launching the app

The Bixby button is the physical button on the side of your Samsung phone, usually below the volume controls. Pressing it launches Bixby even if you never want to use it. Disabling it is the fastest way to stop accidental set up.

Open Settings, then go to Apps or Applications (the exact name varies by Android version). Find Bixby in the list and tap it. Look for an option called Bixby button or Side key settings. Tap that option and choose Off or Disabled. On some Samsung devices, you can also reassign the button to do something else — like launch the camera or a different app — instead of leaving it blank.

If you cannot find this setting in the Bixby app itself, go to Settings > Advanced features > Side key (or Bixby key). Toggle it off or reassign it there. The exact path depends on your Android version, but the option exists on most Samsung phones from the last five years.

Turn off Bixby's background permissions to reduce resource use

Even with the button disabled, Bixby can still run in the background and use battery, storage, and processing power. You can restrict what it can do without fully removing it.

Open Settings > Apps > Bixby. Tap Permissions. You will see a list of things Bixby can access — microphone, location, contacts, camera, and others. Tap each one and select Don't allow or Allow only while using the app. Removing microphone access is especially important if you want to prevent Bixby from listening for voice commands.

Next, go back to the Bixby app page and look for Battery or Battery optimization. Tap it and choose Restrict or Don't optimize (depending on your version). This tells Android to close Bixby when you are not actively using it instead of letting it stay open.

You can also disable notifications from Bixby. On the Bixby app page, look for Notifications and toggle them off. This prevents Bixby from sending you reminders or alerts.

Uninstall Bixby if your device allows it

Some Samsung phones and tablets allow you to uninstall Bixby like any other app. Others have it locked as a system app that cannot be removed. Try uninstalling first — if it does not work, you will know your device does not allow it.

Open Settings > Apps > Bixby. Look for an Uninstall button at the top of the screen. If it is grayed out or missing, your device does not allow uninstallation. If it is active, tap it and confirm. The app will be removed.

If uninstall is not available, you can still disable the app instead. On the same Bixby app page, look for a Disable button. Tapping it turns off Bixby completely without removing it from storage. A disabled app does not run, does not use resources, and does not send notifications. For most purposes, disabling works as well as uninstalling.

Use a third-party launcher to replace Samsung's default interface

If disabling Bixby through Settings does not fully stop it from running, or if you want more control over your phone's interface, you can install a different launcher. A launcher is the app that controls your home screen, app drawer, and how your phone looks and behaves.

Open the Google Play Store and search for a launcher — popular options include Nova Launcher, Microsoft Launcher, or Lawnchair. Install one and open it. The launcher will ask if you want to set it as your default. Choose yes. Once a third-party launcher is active, Samsung's interface — including Bixby integration — takes a back seat. Bixby may still exist on your phone, but it will not be woven into your daily experience.

This approach also gives you more customization over how your home screen looks and works. You can keep Bixby disabled in Settings at the same time for maximum separation.

What to do if Bixby keeps reactivating after you disable it

Occasionally, Samsung updates or system processes re-enable Bixby even after you have turned it off. If this happens, the issue is usually that a system update reset your settings, or a Samsung app is re-enabling it in the background.

First, repeat the disabling steps above — go to Settings > Apps > Bixby and disable it again. Then go to Settings > Apps and look for Samsung apps like Samsung Experience Service, Samsung Device Care, or Bixby Service. Tap each one, go to Permissions, and remove microphone and location access. This prevents them from waking Bixby.

If Bixby keeps coming back after updates, consider using a third-party launcher as described above. That is the most reliable way to keep Bixby out of your way permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling Bixby slow down my phone or cause problems?

No. Disabling or uninstalling Bixby does not harm your phone. Samsung's core functions — calls, texts, apps, camera — all work normally without it. You may actually notice slightly better battery life because Bixby is no longer running in the background.

Can I re-enable Bixby later if I change my mind?

Yes. If you disabled it, go back to Settings > Apps > Bixby and tap Enable. If you uninstalled it, you can reinstall it from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. The Bixby button will work again once it is enabled.

Does disabling Bixby affect Samsung Pay or other Samsung services?

No. Bixby is separate from Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, and other Samsung services. Disabling Bixby does not affect them. They will continue to work normally.

What if the Bixby button keeps activating even after I disabled it?

Check Settings > Advanced features > Side key to make sure it is truly off. If it is still activating, the button itself may be physically stuck or damaged. Try cleaning around the button with a dry cloth. If that does not help, the hardware may need service.

Is there a way to completely remove Bixby from my Samsung tablet?

The same steps explore to tablets. Try uninstalling through Settings > Apps > Bixby. If uninstall is not available, disable it instead. Tablets usually have fewer system restrictions than phones, so uninstallation often works on them.