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How to Disable Bixby and Bixby Routines on the Samsung S20 and S20+
I was impressed by the form factor of the Samsung Galaxy S20. It was slim compared to the larger Galaxy Note 10 Plus that I used before. After exploring the camera and settings, I attempted a quick restart. To my surprise, long-pressing the side button opened Bixby instead of the power menu.
I am sure you have faced a similar situation with Samsung’s Bixby. Thankfully, most of the settings in the Galaxy S20 series are customizable to your preference. Disabling or deactivating Bixby is one of them.
You can not only disable Bixby Routines on your Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+, but also remap the action of the side button, called Side Key, to any app you prefer. We will share some interesting tricks for the Galaxy S20 and S20+, so make sure to read till the end.
Let’s begin.
How to Disable Bixby on the Galaxy S20/S20+
Step 1: Access Settings through the Quick Settings menu and scroll to Advanced Settings.
Step 2: Choose Side Key and select Power off menu under the ‘Press and hold’ option.
Afterward, when you press and hold the Side Key, the Power off menu will appear.
Then, remap the Double press action of the Side Key.
To do this, tap on the Settings cog next to the Open app option and select an app.
I have chosen Instagram as it’s one of the frequently opened apps on my phone. Additionally, photography enthusiasts can enable the Quick launch camera option on their phone. However, if you are not a fan of the double-press action, you can switch it off via the toggle at the top-right corner.
Switch off Bixby Routines and Bixby From Home Screen
Unfortunately, Bixby has multiple modules, including Bixby Home, Bixby Reminders, and Bixby Routines. Unlike Bixby on the Side Key, Bixby Routines is non-intrusive. It automates tasks such as enabling the Do Not Disturb mode at night or changing lock screen shortcuts based on location. However, if you want to disable it, you can simply go to Advanced Settings in the Settings menu and turn off the toggle.
Deactivating Bixby on your Galaxy S20’s home screen is easy.
To remove Bixby Home or Samsung daily, go to Advanced Settings and turn off the toggle.
Tweak Face Widgets
Your Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+ displays Bixby Routines on the Lock Screen and Always On Screen by default. Since you’re removing Bixby from your phone, it’s logical to remove this module as well.
Instead, you can have useful widgets like Weather and Calendar events on this screen.
To do this, go to Lock screen, scroll down, and choose Face Widgets.
Step 2: Disable Bixby Routines. Then, enable desired services on your home screen, such as Weather or Next Alarm.
I have kept FaceWidgets enabled for Alarm, Music, and Weather. You can also reorder the widgets. To see the changed widgets, lock your phone and swipe left over the clock.
Bonus Points: Disable Dynamic Wallpapers
Another annoying feature of the Samsung Galaxy S20 series is the inclusion of Wallpaper services. If you accidentally swipe left on the lock screen, you will be greeted with wallpapers. And trust me, if you’re in a hurry, it can be frustrating. Thankfully, there’s a way to disable it. Go to lock screen settings and disable Show guide page in Wallpaper services.
Next time you accidentally swipe left on your lock screen, you will encounter the lock pattern. Thank me later.
Customize Your Phone to the Fullest
Bixby has two sides. While functions like Bixby Routines can be helpful in the long run, others like Bixby Home and the Side Key can be a pain if not handled properly.
In addition, you can set up Google Assistant and call it with a swipe up and hold gesture.
Next: Don’t like the default Samsung apps on your Samsung Galaxy 20? Read below to find out how these apps differ from Google apps.
As Fred Humiston, the author behind Twothirds.us, I focus on providing practical and easy-to-follow guides and solutions for a variety of technical issues that people commonly face.
My articles cover a wide range of topics, from troubleshooting out-of-sync audio on TikTok and managing Firestick devices, to understanding the impact of Capcut on video quality and resolving sound issues on Hisense Roku TVs.
I also delve into more general tech tips, like how to block numbers on landlines or use VPNs without Wi-Fi. My goal is to make technology more accessible and less intimidating for everyone, whether you’re a tech novice or a seasoned user. I strive to offer clear, concise, and helpful advice to make your digital experience smoother and more enjoyable.