How to Disable Bixby and Bixby Routines on the Samsung S20 and S20+

How to Disable Bixby and Bixby Routines on the Samsung S20 and S20+

I was blown away by the form factor of the Samsung Galaxy S20 when I got my hands on it. The slim factor was a huge step forward compared to the huge size of the Galaxy Note 10 Plus I used before. After manipulating the camera and other settings for a while, the time has come for a quick restart. Imagine my surprise when instead of the power menu, I was greeted with Bixby when I pressed the side button for a long time.

Well, I’m sure you also faced a similar situation with the Samsung Bixby. Fortunately, most of the Galaxy S20 series settings are customizable to your preferences. And disabling or disabling Bixby is one of them.

Not only can you disable Bixby routines on your Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 +, but you can also remap the action of the side button, named Side Key, on the application of your choice. We’ll tell you some interesting tips on the Galaxy S20 and S20 +, so be sure to read until the end.

Let’s start.

How to disable Bixby on the Galaxy S20 / S20 +

Let’s first see how to disable Bixby and customize the side button of the Galaxy S20 / S20 +.

Step 1: Access Settings via the Quick Settings menu and scroll down until you see Advanced Settings.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 6

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 7

2nd step: Select the side key and select the option for the Shut down menu under the ‘Press and hold’ option.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 14

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 9

After that, each time you hold down the side key, you will be greeted with the Power off menu.

Once done, it’s time to remap the double-press action of the side key.

To do this, press the Settings cog next to the Open application option to (you guessed it) choose an application of your choice.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 11

In my case, I chose to go with Instagram (check Instagram privacy settings) because it is one of the most open applications on my phone.

Alternatively, photography enthusiasts in you can also activate the quick launch camera option on your phone.

But at the end of the day, if you’re not really a fan of the double tap action, you can just choose to turn it off via the toggle in the upper right corner.

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines from the home screen

Unfortunately, the above is not the only Bixby module. From Bixby Home to Bixby reminders and Bixby routines, there are many forms of this virtual assistant.

However, unlike Bixby on the side button, Bixby routines are not intrusive, at least for me. This module automates redundant tasks like turning on NPD mode before bedtime or changing lock screen shortcuts when you reach a particular location.

However, if you wish to deactivate it, there is an easy solution.

Go to Advanced Settings via Settings and disable the toggle for the same.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 7

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 8

Similar to the above, disabling Bixby on the home screen of your Galaxy S20 is also an easy task.


Disable the Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 13

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 14

To do this, go to the advanced settings and deactivate the toggle for Bixby Home or Samsung daily.

Tweak Face Widgets

By default, your Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 + also displays Bixby routines on the lock screen and always on the screen. And since you are removing traces of Bixby all over the phone, it is also a good idea to remove this module.

Instead, you can have nifty widgets like weather and calendar events on this screen. Yes, you read correctly.

Step 1: To do this, go to the lock screen, scroll down and select Face Widgets from the list.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 17

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 1

2nd step: Once inside, turn off the switch for Bixby routines. Then activate the services you want on your home screen such as the weather or the next alarm.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on Samsung 2

In my case, I kept FaceWidgets turned on for alarm (I’m a sloppy sleeper), music, and weather.

At the same time, you can rearrange the widgets around. To see the changed widgets, lock your phone and swipe left on the clock.

Bonus points: disable dynamic wallpapers

Another slightly boring feature of the new Samsung Galaxy S20 series is the inclusion of Wallpaper services. If you accidentally swipe left on the lock screen, you will be greeted with a series of wallpapers. And believe me, if you’re in a hurry, it gets on your nerves.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 5

Fortunately, there is a way to turn it off.

Go back to the lock screen settings and tap Wallpaper Services. Then turn off the option to Show guide page.


Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on Samsung 3

Disable Bixby and Bixby routines on the Samsung 4

The next time you accidentally swipe left on your lock screen, you’ll be greeted with the lock pattern. Yes, you can thank me later.

Personalize your phone to the max

Everything has two sides, just like Bixby. While some functions like Bixby routines can be useful in the long run, there are others like Bixby Home and the side button, which are painful if not managed properly.

In addition to that, you can also set up Google Assistant and call it up with a simple swipe up and hold gesture.

Then:

Don’t like the default Samsung apps on your Samsung Galaxy 20? Read the post below to find out how these apps differ from Google apps.

Last updated March 10, 2020

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