Bixby is the virtual assistant developed by Samsung for their Galaxy devices. It provides voice control functionality similar to Siri on iPhones or Google Assistant on other Android phones. While some users find Bixby useful, others consider it bloatware that takes up space and resources. A common question asked by Samsung device owners is “Can I delete Bixby?”
What is Bixby?
Introduced in 2017, Bixby is Samsung’s proprietary virtual assistant. It allows users to interact with their device through voice commands to complete tasks like setting reminders, answering questions, opening apps, and controlling device settings.
Bixby consists of several components pre-installed on Samsung Galaxy devices:
- Bixby Voice – The voice control interface that allows hands-free operation
- Bixby Vision – Augmented reality camera features for scanning objects, text translation, etc.
- Bixby Home – A customized feed of info like reminders, news, and recommendations
- Bixby Routines – Automation app to trigger actions based on contexts
- Bixby Key – Dedicated physical button to activate Bixby Voice
These Bixby apps come preloaded on most new Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. While helpful to some users, others find Bixby unnecessary bloatware taking up storage space and resources.
Can I disable Bixby?
Yes, it is possible to disable or limit Bixby on Samsung Galaxy devices. There are a few ways to do this without fully deleting Bixby:
- Disable Bixby Voice – In Settings, go to Apps > Bixby Voice > Disable. This stops the voice control functionality.
- Disable Bixby Key – Go to Settings > Advanced features > Bixby key and toggle the switch off. This disables the physical Bixby button.
- Disable Bixby Home – Go to Settings > Apps > Bixby Home > Disable. This removes the Bixby homepage.
- Disable Bixby Routines – In Settings go to Advanced features > Bixby Routines and toggle off. This stops automated routines.
Disabling these features prevents Bixby from running in the background, responding to voice commands, opening automatically, or taking up system resources. The Bixby apps themselves remain installed.
How to completely delete Bixby
If you wish to completely delete Bixby from a Samsung device, the process is a bit more involved:
- First disable Bixby Voice, Bixby Key, Bixby Home and Bixby Routines as shown above.
- Download a third-party uninstaller app like CCleaner or BCUninstaller.
- Open the uninstaller app and search for “Bixby” apps.
- Select and uninstall the following Bixby-related apps and services:
- Bixby Voice
- Bixby Service
- Bixby Vision
- Reboot your device.
This will remove all Bixby apps and services from the device completely. However, keep in mind:
- Samsung does not recommend or support fully deleting Bixby, as it is an integrated feature.
- Future Samsung software updates may reinstall Bixby automatically.
- Deleting Bixby can sometimes cause other apps or features to malfunction.
Reasons you may want to delete Bixby
Here are some common reasons Samsung device owners consider removing Bixby:
- Prefer alternative assistants – You already use Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa and don’t need Bixby too.
- Accidental activation – Pressing the Bixby button by mistake opens it when you don’t want to.
- Takes up storage space – Bixby apps use up precious internal storage on your device.
- Uses system resources – Having Bixby running in the background eats up RAM and battery life.
- Privacy concerns – You don’t want Samsung collecting voice data and usage information.
- Not useful – You simply don’t have a need for Bixby in your daily usage.
For users that fit these scenarios, deleting or disabling Bixby can provide a cleaner, leaner user experience.
Reasons you may want to keep Bixby
Before deciding to remove Bixby, consider these benefits of keeping it enabled:
- Hands-free control – Bixby Voice allows convenient hands-free operation of your device.
- Integrated experience – Bixby is optimized specifically for Samsung devices.
- Unique features – Bixby Routines and other tools offer helpful automations not available elsewhere.
- Future improvements – Samsung continues developing Bixby with more capabilities on the way.
- Ecosystem connectivity – Bixby will work with other Samsung products like smart fridges, TVs, etc.
For users that utilize these Bixby benefits, keeping it on your device provides the full Samsung ecosystem experience.
Conclusion
While Samsung does not recommend removing Bixby completely, it is possible to disable or limit Bixby’s functionality for a cleaner experience. Consider whether you actually utilize Bixby’s unique features before deciding to delete it.
The simplest option is disabling Bixby Voice, Bixby Key, Bixby Home and Bixby Routines. But using a third-party uninstaller can remove Bixby more thoroughly. Just be aware Bixby is integrated into Samsung devices, so fully deleting it may cause issues.
The choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. But now you know the steps to delete Bixby if you wish, while keeping the option open to restore it later if needed.
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