The form factor of the Samsung Galaxy S20 impressed me when I received it. The thin factor was a huge step up from the massive size of the Galaxy Note 10 Plus I’ve used before. After messing around with the camera and other settings for a while, it’s time for a quick reboot. Imagine my surprise when I long-press the side button and find Bixby instead of the power menu.
I’m sure you’ve encountered a similar situation with Samsung’s Bixby. Fortunately, most of the settings on the Galaxy S20 series can be customized to your preference. Disabling or disabling Bixby is one of them.
Not only can you disable Bixby Routines on your Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+, you can also remap the action of the side button called Side Key to the app of your choice. We’re going to tell you some interesting tricks about the Galaxy S20 and S20+, so don’t forget to read until the end.
Lets start.
How to Disable Bixby on Galaxy S20/S20+
Step 1: Go to Settings via the Quick Settings menu and scroll down until you see Advanced Settings.
Step 2: Select Side Key and select the Shutdown menu option under ‘Press and hold’.
After that, every time you press and hold the Side Key, you will be greeted with the Shutdown menu.
Once this is done, it’s time to remap the Side Key’s Double-press action.
To do this, tap the Settings cog next to (you guessed it right) Open app to select an app of your choice.
In my case, I chose to go with Instagram as it is one of the most frequently opened apps on my phone (check Instagram privacy settings).
Alternatively, the photography enthusiasts among you can activate the Quick launch camera option on your phone.
But at the end of the day, if you’re not really a fan of the double-press action, you can choose to turn it off with the toggle button in the top-right corner.
Turn Off Bixby Routines and Bixby from the Home Screen
Unfortunately, the above isn’t Bixby’s only module. From Bixby Home to Bixby Reminders to Bixby Routines, this virtual assistant comes in quite a variety of formats.
But unlike Bixby on the Side Key, Bixby Routines is not intrusive, at least for me. This module automates unnecessary tasks like turning on DND mode before going to bed or changing your lock screen shortcuts when you reach a certain location.
However, if you want to disable it, there is an easy way out.
Go to Advanced Settings via Settings and disable the same toggle.
Similar to the above, disabling Bixby on the home screen of your Galaxy S20 is also an easy and painstaking task.
To do this, go to Advanced Settings and turn off Bixby Home or Samsung toggle daily.
Change Face Widgets
By default, your Samsung Galaxy S20/S20+ also displays Bixby Routines on Lock Screen and Always On Display. And since you removed the Bixby traces around the phone, it makes sense to remove this module as well.
Instead, you can have some nifty widgets like your Weather and Calendar events on this screen. Yes, you read it right.
Stage 1: To do this, go to Lock screen, scroll down and select Face Widgets from the list.
Step 2: Once inside, toggle the switch for Bixby Routines. Next, enable the services you want on your home screen, such as Weather or Next Alarm.
In my case, I kept FaceWidgets enabled for Alarm (I’m a sleeper), Music and Weather.
You can also reorder widgets around it. Lock your phone and swipe left on the clock to see the changed widgets.
Bonus Points: Disable Dynamic Wallpapers
Another slightly annoying feature of the new Samsung Galaxy S20 series is the inclusion of Wallpaper services. If you accidentally swipe left on the lock screen, you will be greeted with a series of wallpapers. And trust me, it gets on your nerves if you’re in a hurry.
Fortunately, there is a way to disable it.
Go to lock screen settings again and tap on Wallpaper services. Then disable Show contacts page option.
Next time you accidentally swipe left on your lock screen, you will be greeted with the lock pattern. Yes, you can thank me later.
Customize Your Phone in the Best Way
Everything has two sides, and so does Bixby. While some functions like Bixby Routines can be helpful in the long run, there are other functions like Bixby Home and Side Key that turn into a pain when not used properly.
On top of that, you can also set up Google Assistant and search with a simple swipe up and hold.
Next: Don’t like the default Samsung apps on your Samsung Galaxy 20? Read the post below to learn how these apps differ from Google apps.
