Look, I get it. That persistent Bixby button on your Samsung phone keeps getting accidentally pressed when you're trying to adjust volume. Or maybe Bixby Home keeps swiping into your screen when you least expect it. Whatever the reason, you're searching for how do I remove Bixby because it's more annoying than helpful. I've been there too – my Galaxy S10 constantly triggered Bixby while in my pocket, draining battery and frustrating me to no end.
Removing Bixby isn't always straightforward, and Samsung doesn't exactly advertise the option. Through trial and error (and a few factory resets I'd rather forget), I've compiled every working method for 2024. Forget vague tutorials – we'll cover specific steps for different models, explain the risks, and even discuss alternatives. Let's reclaim your phone's control.
Why People Want to Remove Bixby (And Why I Did)
Before diving into the how to remove Bixby steps, let's address the 'why'. Based on countless forum threads and my own experience, here's why Bixby frustrates users:
- Accidental Activation: The dedicated Bixby button (on older models) is notoriously easy to press unintentionally, disrupting whatever you're doing. My gym sessions constantly paused music thanks to this!
- Resource Hog: Bixby services run in the background, consuming RAM and battery life. After disabling them on my Note 9, I gained nearly 45 minutes of extra screen time.
- Limited Usefulness: Compared to Google Assistant, Bixby often feels clunky. Its voice recognition sometimes stumbles, and its deep device controls aren't needed daily by most.
- Intrusiveness: Bixby Home (the left-most home screen panel) can't be fully removed without workarounds, and prompts to use Bixby pop up unexpectedly.
- You Just Prefer Google Assistant: Let's be honest, Google's ecosystem integration is hard to beat for many users.
Samsung has toned down Bixby's aggressiveness in recent years (One UI 5+), but the core desire for removal remains strong.
What You Lose If You Remove Bixby Completely
Fair warning – ripping out Bixby has trade-offs. Some features genuinely rely on it:
- Bixby Routines: Samsung's powerful automation tool (different from Google Routines) stops working entirely. I miss turning on Wi-Fi automatically when I got home.
- Camera Mode Optimization: Bixby Vision powers features like scene optimizer and food mode in the camera app.
- Galaxy Watch Features: Deeper integration between Samsung watches and phones often uses Bixby services.
- Samsung Account Features: Some account syncing and backup services might be indirectly affected.
Your Removal Options: From Easy to Advanced
There's no single answer for how to remove Bixby from Samsung phones. The best method depends on your device model, Android version, and how deep you want to go. Here's a quick comparison:
Method | Difficulty | Effectiveness | Best For | Revertible? |
---|---|---|---|---|
Disable Bixby Apps | Easy | Stops background processes & notifications. Blocks voice activation. Hides Bixby Home. | Most users (One UI 3.1+) | Yes (instantly) |
Remap Bixby Button | Easy | Stops accidental presses. Turns button into useful action. | Phones with physical Bixby key (S8-S10, Note 8-10) | Yes (instantly) |
ADB Removal (No Root) | Advanced | Completely uninstalls core Bixby services. Frees storage/RAM. | Tech-savvy users wanting full removal | Yes (requires reinstall) |
Replace Bixby with Google Assistant | Medium | Keeps button functionality but triggers Assistant instead. | Users wanting quick access to Google Assistant | Yes |
Method 1: Disabling Bixby (The Safest & Easiest Way)
For most folks searching how do I remove Bixby, disabling is the sweet spot. It cripples Bixby without breaking core functions like Samsung Pay or camera modes. Works on One UI 3.1 (Android 11) and newer. Here's how:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Tap the filter menu (usually three dots) and select Show system apps.
- Find ALL Bixby-related apps. This is crucial! Don't miss any. Look for:
- Bixby Voice
- Bixby Vision
- Bixby Routines
- Bixby Voice Stub
- Bixby Service
- Bixby Home
- Bixby Vision Framework
- Tap each app > Disable > Confirm. Repeat for every Bixby item.
Immediately after disabling, Bixby Home disappears from your home screens, voice activation stops, and background processes halt. Your phone suddenly feels lighter.
Pro Tip: On newer Galaxies (S22/S23 series, Fold/Flip 4/5), Samsung hides disabling for core services. Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Bixby and disable every toggle. Then disable any remaining apps as above.
Method 2: Killing the Bixby Button (For Older Galaxy Models)
If your phone has a physical Bixby key (S8, S9, S10, Note 8, Note 9, Note 10), you know the pain. Accidentally pressing it constantly drove me nuts until I remapped mine. Here's how do i remove bixby button functionality:
Option A: Using Samsung's Settings (Limited)
- Go to Settings > Advanced Features > Side Key.
- Change "Press and hold" to Power off menu or another option.
- Disable "Double press" if it triggers Bixby.
This reduces accidental launches but doesn't repurpose the button for custom actions.
Option B: Remapping with Button Mapper (Best Solution)
I've used Button Mapper (Remap your keys) from the Play Store for years. Free for basic remapping, paid ($3) unlocks advanced features:
- Install Button Mapper.
- Grant Accessibility permission (follow in-app prompts).
- Open the app > Select Bixby Key.
- Choose your action:
- Single Tap: Flashlight, Camera, Play/Pause (my fav!), Google Assistant.
- Double Tap: Screenshot, Recent Apps, Split Screen.
- Long Press: Silent Mode, Power Dialog, Custom App.
- Enable "Block original action". This stops Bixby entirely!
Now your Bixby button launches useful functions instead of frustration. Game changer.
Method 3: Nuclear Option - Remove Bixby Completely with ADB (Advanced)
Want full annihilation? Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) lets you uninstall Bixby system packages without root. This is permanent until you reinstall them. Warning: Don't remove packages unless listed below! Messing up can cause bootloops.
⚠️ Critical Backup Step: Back up your phone! This method carries risk. Requires USB debugging enabled and a computer.
- Enable Developer Options: Settings > About Phone > Software Information > Tap "Build Number" 7 times.
- Go to Developer Options > Enable USB Debugging.
- Install ADB Platform Tools on your PC/Mac.
- Connect phone to PC via USB. When prompted on phone, allow USB debugging.
- Open Command Prompt/Terminal where ADB is installed. Type:
adb devices # Verify device is listed adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.wakeup adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.agent.dummy adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.service adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.bixby.plmsync adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.samsung.android.app.routines
After reboot, Bixby is gone. Storage reclaimed. Freedom achieved.
Method 4: Replace Bixby with Google Assistant
Sometimes you don't hate assistants, you just hate Bixby. Here's how do i remove bixby and install google assistant as the default:
- Ensure Google Assistant is installed & updated (Play Store).
- Long-press home screen > Settings > Home screen layout > Disable Bixby Home.
- Open Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Assist app > Select Google.
- For physical buttons: Use Button Mapper (Method 2B) to set "Google Assistant" as the action.
Now swiping left or pressing the button summons Google Assistant instead.
Device-Specific Guide: How Do I Remove Bixby on MY Phone?
Samsung changes Bixby integration constantly. Here's the best removal tactic per popular model:
- Galaxy S24/S23/S22 Series: Disable Bixby Apps (Method 1) + Disable toggles in Advanced Features > Bixby. Replace Assistant (Method 4).
- Galaxy S21/S20 Series: Disable Bixby Apps (Method 1). Remap power/lock key if it triggers Bixby.
- Galaxy S10/S9/S8/Note10/Note9/Note8: REMAP the physical button (Method 2B). Also Disable Apps (Method 1). ADB removal highly effective.
- Galaxy Z Fold 5/4, Flip 5/4: Disable Apps (Method 1) + Disable toggles in Advanced Features > Bixby. Bixby Home must be disabled via Home Settings.
- Galaxy A Series (A54, A34, etc): Disable Apps (Method 1) is usually sufficient. ADB rarely needed.
- Older Models (S7, Note 5): ADB removal (Method 3) is best. Bixby is deeply integrated and disabling options are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will removing Bixby void my warranty?
Disabling or remapping Bixby? Absolutely not. Warranty remains intact. Using ADB uninstall? Technically no, as ADB uses official Android tools. Samsung can't detect it during standard service. I haven't seen warranty claims denied for ADB use alone. Factory reset restores all packages.
Can I remove Bixby without a computer?
Yes! Disabling apps (Method 1) and remapping the button (Method 2) both happen entirely on your phone. ADB removal requires a PC/Mac.
Why can't I disable some Bixby apps?
On newer phones (especially One UI 5+), Samsung sometimes blocks disabling core services like "Bixby Voice Stub." This forces you to use their settings (Advanced Features > Bixby toggles) or employ ADB for full how to disable bixby voice permanently.
Does removing Bixby improve battery life?
Significantly. Disabled Bixby services can't run background processes. On my S10+, I consistently saw 5-10% less battery drain per day after disabling all Bixby components. ADB removal adds a tiny extra gain.
How do I get Bixby back if I change my mind?
If Disabled: Settings > Apps > Disabled Apps > Select Bixby app > Enable.
If ADB Uninstalled: Factory reset your phone OR reinstall packages using ADB:
adb shell cmd package install-existing --user 0 PACKAGE_NAME(replace `PACKAGE_NAME` with the full name, e.g., `com.samsung.android.bixby.agent`).
Can I remove Bixby on non-Samsung phones?
Bixby is exclusive to Samsung Galaxy devices. You won't find it pre-installed on Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.
Troubleshooting: When Removing Bixby Goes Wrong
Ran into issues? Let's fix them:
- "Bixby keeps reinstalling after disable!" Samsung aggressively updates Bixby. Go to Galaxy Store > Menu > Settings Disable Auto update apps. Also disable Bixby Voice Stub via ADB if needed.
- Camera features stopped working: You likely disabled Bixby Vision Framework. Re-enable it. ADB users: Reinstall package `com.samsung.android.bixbyvision.framework`.
- Phone feels sluggish after ADB: Accidentally removed a critical package. Factory reset is the safest fix.
- Button remapper not working: Ensure Accessibility permission is granted correctly. Try alternative apps like BxActions.
The Verdict: What Worked Best for Me?
After owning S8, S10, S21, and now S23 Ultra, here's my take: Disabling all Bixby apps (Method 1) combined with remapping the side key on supported models (Method 2B) offers 95% of the benefits with zero risk. It eliminated every annoyance – accidental triggers, battery drain, intrusive panels – while keeping Bixby Routines intact. For users asking how do I remove Bixby permanently, ADB is powerful, but minor future One UI updates sometimes caused quirks needing reapplications.
The core truth? Samsung makes it deliberately awkward to remove its software. But persistence pays off. Regaining control over your own device feels incredibly satisfying. Choose your method based on your tech comfort level, and enjoy a Bixby-free experience!