Samsung Galaxy phones come with Bixby, Samsung's voice assistant, often tied to the side button. If you prefer Google's assistant, which on newer phones is Gemini (Google's replacement for Google Assistant on many Android devices), you can stop the side button from opening Bixby and make Google's assistant the default. This guide covers both steps, how to launch the Google assistant afterward, and how to turn off Bixby wake-up.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Advanced features > Side button and under Press and hold, choose Power off menu. Then go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app > Device assistance app and select Google (or Gemini). Swipe up from a bottom corner of the screen or press and hold the Home button to open it.
Step 1: Stop the Side Button From Opening Bixby
- Open Settings.
- Tap Advanced features.
- Tap Side button (called Side key on some models).
- Under Press and hold, select Power off menu.
Now pressing and holding the side button shows the power menu, as on most Android phones. You can also open this setting by swiping down twice, tapping the power icon, and tapping Side button settings.
Double press
Under Double press, choose Quick launch camera, Open app, or turn it off, so it does not launch Bixby either.
Step 2: Make Google's Assistant the Default
- Make sure the Google app (and Gemini app, if your phone uses Gemini) is installed and updated from the Play Store.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps.
- Tap Digital assistant app, then Device assistance app.
- Select Google or Gemini and confirm.
Step 3: Launch Google's Assistant
- Gesture navigation: swipe up diagonally from the bottom-left or bottom-right corner.
- Button navigation: press and hold the Home button.
- Voice: say "Hey Google" after turning on voice activation in the Google or Gemini app settings (Hey Google & Voice Match).
- Side button (some models and software versions): newer Samsung software may let the side button open your default digital assistant instead of Bixby. Check Side button settings for this option.
Turn Off Bixby Voice Wake-Up
- Open the Bixby app.
- Tap the menu or your profile, then Settings.
- Turn off Voice wake-up.
Bixby is built into Samsung's software, so it usually cannot be fully uninstalled, but with these changes it stays out of your way.
Bixby vs. Google's Assistant
| Bixby | Google Assistant / Gemini | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Controlling Samsung phone settings and Samsung devices | Search, Google services, smart home, general questions |
| Wake phrase | "Hi, Bixby" | "Hey Google" |
| Default launch | Side button (on many models) | Corner swipe or Home button |
Troubleshooting
I do not see Side button settings
Older Galaxy phones with a dedicated Bixby key have Bixby key settings instead, where you can set a single or double press to open another app. Some models may not allow remapping it to Google.
Hey Google does not work
Open the Google or Gemini app settings, turn on Hey Google, retrain your voice, and make sure the microphone permission is allowed.
The corner swipe opens nothing
Make sure Swipe from bottom corner to invoke assistant is on under Settings > Display > Navigation bar > More options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I uninstall Bixby?
No, it is part of Samsung's software, but you can disable its shortcuts and voice wake-up.
Is Gemini the same as Google Assistant?
Gemini is Google's newer AI assistant, which is replacing Google Assistant on many Android phones. The steps to set it as default are the same.
Does this work on non-Samsung phones?
Other phones do not have Bixby, but you can set the default assistant under Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app.
Summary
- Set Side button > Press and hold to Power off menu.
- Choose Google or Gemini as the Digital assistant app.
- Launch it with a corner swipe, the Home button, or "Hey Google".
- Turn off Bixby voice wake-up in Bixby settings.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.