Samsung’s assistant is called Bixby. On supported Galaxy devices, it can respond to voice, text, or taps to carry out device actions, answer some requests, and control compatible connected devices. What it can do depends on your device, software, region, language, and account and network access.
What is Bixby and what does it do?
Bixby is Samsung’s AI assistant, first introduced with the Galaxy S8 and S8+. It is designed to work with Samsung devices and selected apps, rather than serving only as a general-purpose question-and-answer tool. You can ask it to open apps, send messages, create reminders, change supported device settings, or identify an object with the camera. Samsung also describes accessibility actions and Quick Commands, which run several preset tasks in sequence after you configure them.
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Examples of everyday requests include “Take a screenshot,” “Set an alarm for 7 AM tomorrow,” and “Tell me today’s schedule.” Supported app and content integrations vary by country and language; music features may require a service subscription. For compatible SmartThings devices, including SmartTag, Samsung says you must first connect the device in the SmartThings app.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat is new in Bixby with One UI 8.5?
Samsung announced a more conversational version of Bixby for One UI 8.5 on February 20, 2026. Rather than requiring the exact name of a setting, the updated assistant can interpret a desired outcome and use the device’s current settings to suggest an action. Samsung’s example is asking to keep the display on while you are looking at it; Bixby can suggest enabling “Keep Screen on While Viewing.” Users can also ask why a setting behaves a certain way and receive a relevant setting suggestion.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
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The announcement also describes live web search results displayed inside Bixby. For example, a user might ask for hotels in Seoul with swimming pools for children. This capability is distinct from Bixby’s established device controls, and its availability should not be assumed on every Galaxy device.
At announcement, Samsung said the One UI 8.5 updates were available in Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the U.S., with wider expansion planned. That is a dated rollout statement, not a guarantee that the features are available now on a particular model or in every market. Check the software and feature availability for your device and region. Samsung’s announcement lists supported language variants including English (UK, U.S., and India), French (France), German (Germany), Italian (Italy), Japanese (Japan), Korean (South Korea), Mandarin Chinese (China), Spanish (Spain), Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Latin America). Samsung cautions that recognition does not cover every accent, dialect, or expression, and can vary with pronunciation, speaking volume, and surroundings.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
How do you set up and use Bixby?
You need a Samsung account and an internet connection for Bixby service use. Samsung Canada’s setup guide, updated September 17, 2026, gives this phone setup route: Settings → Advanced features → Bixby. Menus differ across devices and software versions, so treat that path as a guide rather than a universal map.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Open Settings, then choose Advanced features and Bixby, if those labels appear on your device.
- Follow the on-screen setup prompts. You may be asked to grant permissions, sign in to your Samsung account, and register your voice.
- Select a wake-up phrase if prompted, then try a straightforward request such as “Take a screenshot” or “Set an alarm for 7 AM tomorrow.”
You can interact by voice or text. Depending on the model, you may also launch Bixby with a Bixby button or Side button. Button behavior and labels vary, so check your device’s settings if a press opens a different feature.
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Using compatible Galaxy Buds
Earbuds are optional. Selected Galaxy Buds can call the assistant configured on the connected phone, and Samsung documents a Bixby voice-wake setting in the Galaxy Wearable app. Its supported list includes Buds3, Buds3 Pro, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds Live, and Buds Pro; the exact setting path can vary by model. To try it, connect compatible Buds to the phone, open Galaxy Wearable, and look for the Bixby voice-wake option.
What devices does Bixby support?
Bixby is available across selected Galaxy phones and other Samsung product categories, but support for a device does not mean that every Bixby feature works identically on it. Samsung’s U.S. FAQ lists Galaxy S8/S8+, S9/S9+, S10, the S20 through S25 series, Note8/9/10/20 families, Z Fold and Z Flip families, and certain A-series phones. Samsung notes that some A-series models are not available in the U.S. Its broader product overview also covers selected tablets, watches, laptops, and earbuds. Confirm support for your exact model, software, country, and desired feature before relying on it.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Does Bixby need Wi-Fi or mobile data?
Samsung says Bixby service use requires a data connection, through Wi-Fi or mobile data, as well as a Samsung account login. The precise features available can depend on the connection and service. Bixby Voice may be limited or unavailable while media is being recorded, during a call, while docked on Samsung DeX, or in Power saving, Emergency, or Kids mode. Samsung’s product page also identifies Maximum Power Saving as a limitation.
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Can you turn off or uninstall Bixby?
Samsung’s U.S. FAQ says Bixby cannot be uninstalled, but can be reset or disabled. A separate Samsung Canada guide documents a “Leave Bixby” flow that deletes personal Bixby data and signs you out on connected devices; Samsung says you can sign up again later. These are different actions, and the controls may vary by region or software. Follow the options shown on your device and read the deletion prompt before confirming.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
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- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
How does Bixby’s privacy policy work?
Samsung’s FAQ says Bixby Voice requires a Samsung account and does not support Incognito mode, because information may remain visible through the account. The same FAQ describes a consent policy for audio-recording review on mobile devices running Bixby app version 2.3.10.14 or later: consent on one device applies to other Bixby Voice-enabled devices using the same Samsung account, while other devices use separate consent procedures.
For the location-dependent features described in its One UI 8.5 announcement, Samsung says it requests location permission when an answer needs location data and that the data is used to generate the response, then deleted immediately after the response is provided. That statement concerns the feature context in the announcement; it should not be read as a description of every Bixby interaction. Review Samsung’s current privacy information and the permissions enabled on your own device.
Why doesn’t Bixby Voice understand me properly?
Recognition is not guaranteed for every accent, dialect, expression, or speaking environment. Samsung says pronunciation, voice level, and surroundings can affect performance. Check that the language selected for Bixby matches the language you are speaking, try a shorter, more direct command, and speak clearly in a quieter setting. If recognition problems persist, check your device’s Bixby settings and confirm that its software supports the language and feature you need.
How should you decide whether Bixby fits your needs?
Start with the task rather than assuming one assistant is best for every user. Bixby’s clearest role is carrying out supported actions on Galaxy devices and within selected Samsung and connected-device features. Before depending on it, check:
- Device control: Does it support the specific setting, app, or SmartThings device you want to control?
- Compatibility: Is the feature available on your exact phone, watch, earbuds, or other connected device?
- Language and region: Are your preferred language and local services supported?
- Type of help: Do you mainly want device actions, web results, or smart-home control?
- Account and privacy: Are you comfortable using a Samsung account, maintaining a data connection, and managing the relevant permissions and consent?
Those checks are more useful than treating Bixby’s feature list as a promise that every command works on every Galaxy device.
Quick Recap
Official Samsung sources
- Samsung U.S.: Bixby general questions and information
- Samsung Canada: Set up and use Bixby on your Samsung Galaxy
- Samsung Global Newsroom: Samsung Introduces the New Bixby in One UI 8.5
- Samsung U.S.: Bixby product overview
- Samsung U.S.: Use voice commands with your Galaxy Buds
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