Since the Galaxy S8, Samsung is dedicating a physical touch to its Bixby virtual assistant. We explain how to use it otherwise or how to deactivate it.
If you are the proud owner of a Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S9, you have surely noticed the horrible flaw of the Bixby button: its location.
By aligning the button dedicated to its virtual assistant and that of the unlock button, Samsung has made Bixby an unwanted friend that we would like to see less regularly. Too often, Bixby triggers without your knowledge due to impromptu squeeze. A problem that we also find with the screenshots. Too close to the volume button, the Bixby button is often wrongly pressed, and the assistant pops up when you don’t need it.
In recent months, Samsung has been able to partially disable the Bixby key through its settings. There are even simpler and more comprehensive methods. For example, you can reprogram the key to use it however you want.
Officially deactivate Bixby
In the official settings of Bixby, you can disable the launch of the assistant when the key is pressed. However, this solution has a big limit: you must be logged in to a Samsung account and have completely configured the Bixby application. This is however the easiest solution to deactivate the button.
Disable Bixby with an app
On the Google Play Store, applications exist to completely deactivate Bixby. One application stands out from the rest: Bixby Button Remapper – BxActions.
This software allows you to do what you want with the button, whether to give it new actions or to disable it completely (and without having configured the application).
On first launch, the application requests specific permissions. It takes a few seconds and consists of launching various settings and checking all the parameters related to the application. Everything is detailed from its home screen.
Once in the app, go to the Actions section, select Bixby and check “Disabled”. You can now try to press the button, nothing happens. The Bixby button is completely inactive. Just be sure not to delete the app if you don’t want it to reappear.
Reprogram the Bixby button
At a time when manufacturers are eliminating physical buttons, taking advantage of an extra button to do what you want with it can be an interesting idea. Also in Bixby Button Remapper – BxActions, you can assign a new function to the Bixby button.
From the main interface of the app, select Actions then Bixby and choose an action among the thirty proposed in the list such as “Camera” or “Google Assistant”. Certain features such as taking a screenshot are reserved for the paid version of the application, marketed at 1.69 euros.
Finally, if you want to go further, it is possible from your PC to modify the application to assign two other actions during a double tap or a long press, everything is explained in the application.
While waiting to see Bixby Voice land in France and speak French, Galaxy S8 and S9 users therefore have the opportunity to get rid of the scourge that is the Bixby button. Depending on your uses, it’s up to you to see if you prefer to use it differently, or simply eliminate it.
Remember that Bixby remains accessible by simply swiping to the left on the home screen, and that none of the methods mentioned actually removes the assistant from the smartphone.
Download Bixby Button Remapper – BxActions.