Samsung’s voice assistant is Bixby. On supported Galaxy devices, you can interact with it by speaking, typing, or tapping to perform selected tasks such as opening apps, sending messages, setting reminders, and changing device settings. What works depends on your device, software, language, region, and connected services.
What is Bixby?
Bixby is Samsung’s assistant for Galaxy devices. It is not limited to voice commands: Samsung describes voice, text, and tap-based interactions. It can carry out selected actions on a phone or other supported device, and it can control compatible connected devices after they are set up in SmartThings. Samsung’s US support FAQ outlines the assistant’s functions and requirements.
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What can Bixby do?
Handle selected phone tasks
Depending on the device and software, you can ask Bixby to launch apps, send messages, create reminders, or adjust supported phone functions. Quick commands let you configure a phrase to trigger a bundle of actions. These are examples, not a guarantee that every command works with every app, language, or Galaxy model.
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For supported smart-home actions, first connect the relevant devices in the SmartThings app. You may then be able to use Bixby to do things such as switch lights on or off. Compatibility depends on the device and service. Samsung describes these features on its US Bixby page.
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Support accessibility and visual tasks
Samsung also describes voice access to some accessibility features and Bixby Vision features such as scene descriptions. Availability varies by device and region; check the support information for your model before relying on a particular function.
How to set up and activate Bixby
The exact screens and menu names can differ by Galaxy model and software version. Samsung’s regional setup guides provide the steps for supported devices; the following is the general flow:
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- 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.
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- Open the Bixby app, or press and hold the Side key if that action is configured to launch Bixby.
- Choose a language when prompted and sign in to your Samsung account.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup and, if offered, register your voice.
- To use hands-free activation, open Bixby settings and enable voice wake-up if that option is available on your device.
- Alternatively, open Bixby and type a request, or use the available button or on-screen controls.
For regional instructions, see Samsung Canada’s setup guide or Samsung Saudi Arabia’s guide to using Bixby.
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What you need—and when voice commands may not work
Samsung’s US support FAQ says Bixby Voice requires a Samsung account and an internet connection, using Wi-Fi or mobile data. Voice recognition can also be affected by background noise and pronunciation. Samsung notes that Bixby Voice may be limited or unavailable in situations including recording media, calls, DeX docking, power-saving modes, Emergency mode, and Kids mode. See Samsung’s FAQ for its stated conditions.
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Check compatibility, region, and One UI version
Bixby is available across a range of Galaxy products, but Samsung’s published device lists differ by market and are not a universal compatibility guarantee. The US FAQ lists Galaxy S, Note, Z, and certain A-series phones; Samsung UK’s page also names later Galaxy generations, tablets, watches, Buds, and Galaxy Book devices. Confirm support for your exact model and country with Samsung’s local support or product page: Samsung US and Samsung UK.
Important US notice for One UI 7 and later
Samsung’s US article on Bixby software updates states that Bixby Voice is not available on Galaxy phones running One UI 7 or higher. This notice is specific to Bixby Voice and to Samsung’s US support information; it does not establish that every Bixby feature is unavailable on those phones or that the same rule applies in every region. Check the current support page for your market and model: Check the software version and update Bixby.
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What to know about accounts and privacy
Samsung’s US FAQ says Bixby Voice requires Samsung-account sign-in and that Incognito mode is not supported because account information may remain visible. Samsung’s US setup guidance points users to the Samsung Privacy Portal for removing Bixby. These statements do not, by themselves, explain voice-data retention, processing, or training practices; consult Samsung’s privacy information for those details.
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Choosing the right way to use Bixby
- For a hands-free request: use voice wake-up if your device and software offer it, and check regional support before relying on voice features.
- If speaking is inconvenient: use the Bixby app or type a request where supported.
- For a button shortcut: check your phone’s Side key settings and the available Bixby options; behavior can vary by model and software.
- For smart-home control: connect compatible devices in SmartThings before asking Bixby to control them.
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