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How to Activate Bixby on a Samsung Galaxy Phone or Tablet

Press and hold the Side key or Bixby button to set up Bixby. For hands-free use, register a wake-up phrase in Bixby settings; availability varies by model, region, and software.
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To activate Bixby on a supported Galaxy device, press and hold the Side key or Bixby button, then follow the setup prompts. If the button is assigned to another action, open the Bixby app instead. To use hands-free activation, turn on Voice wake-up and register a wake-up phrase in Bixby settings.

Check whether your Galaxy supports Bixby Voice

Bixby availability depends on the device model, region, language, and software. Samsung’s US support information lists Galaxy S8 through S25 series, Note8 through Note20 series, Z Fold and Z Flip devices, and some Galaxy A models. That does not mean every model supports every Bixby feature, and Samsung notes that availability can differ by market. See Samsung’s Bixby support information for its current US guidance.

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For Galaxy A phones, Samsung specifically lists the A35, A36 5G, A50, A51, A52 5G, A53 5G, A54 5G, A56 5G, and A71 for Bixby Voice. Some A-series models are not available in the US. Check Samsung’s Galaxy A series guidance and your regional support page if your model is not listed.

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Set up Bixby for the first time

  1. Press and hold the Side key or Bixby button. On devices with a dedicated Bixby button, use that button. The Side key is the button on the side of many newer Galaxy phones.
  2. Sign in to your Samsung account if prompted.
  3. Tap Start, review the setup prompts, and tap Continue when asked. Complete any remaining on-screen steps.

If the button does not open Bixby, launch the Bixby app instead; it may be in the Samsung folder. Samsung’s Bixby setup guide covers both launch methods and the initial setup prompts.

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Turn on hands-free “Hi, Bixby” activation

Voice wake-up lets you call Bixby without pressing a button. After opening Bixby, you can ask it to open Bixby Settings, or navigate to Settings > Advanced features > Bixby. Select Voice registration, choose an available wake-up phrase, and follow the prompts to register your voice. The precise menu labels can vary by device and software version. Samsung’s Voice wake-up instructions and Canadian setup guide describe the process.

Adjust wake-up behavior

Depending on your device and software, Voice wake-up settings may let you choose between “Hi, Bixby” and “Bixby,” adjust sensitivity to Low, Medium, or High, enable voice-specific responses, or allow wake-up while media is playing. You may also be able to delete stored voice recordings. These are optional controls; their availability and exact names are not universal.

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If holding the Side key opens something else

The Side key can be assigned to an action other than Bixby, such as opening the power menu. Check Settings > Advanced features > Side key and review the press-and-hold assignment. If Bixby is offered, select it; otherwise, open the Bixby app. Menu names and available assignments vary by model and software. Samsung’s Side Key customization guidance explains the general control; follow the menu on your device if it differs.

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If Bixby Voice setup or wake-up is unavailable

  • Confirm support for your exact model and region. A Galaxy device may support some Bixby functions but not Voice wake-up, or the feature may not be offered in your market or language.
  • Check your Samsung account and connection. Samsung says Bixby Voice requires a Samsung account and Wi-Fi or mobile data.
  • Check what the device is doing. Voice may be limited while the phone is recording, during a call, while docked in Samsung DeX, or when Power saving, Emergency, or Kids mode is active.
  • Look for different menu names. If the documented settings are missing, consult Samsung support for your specific model and software version rather than assuming the device has the same controls as another Galaxy.

These availability and usage conditions are described in Samsung’s Bixby general information.

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What you can ask Bixby to do

Depending on your device, region, and language, Bixby can help create reminders, open apps, send messages, make calls, control device features, set alarms, play media, and find content on the device. Supported tasks vary, so an example that works on one Galaxy may not be available on another. Samsung gives examples in its Bixby overview and Galaxy setup guide.

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