How to Replace Bixby with Google Gemini AI in Samsung Phones (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you use a Samsung Galaxy phone, you’ve probably encountered Bixby—Samsung’s built-in voice assistant. While Bixby can handle basic device controls, many users prefer Google’s AI experience for everyday search, writing, planning, and voice tasks. With Google Gemini (formerly Bard, now Google’s flagship AI assistant), you can get smarter conversational help, better integration with Google services, and a more natural assistant workflow.

This guide explains how to replace Bixby with Google Gemini AI on Samsung phones—including the best setup options, what you can and can’t change, how to remap keys where possible, and how to make Gemini your go-to assistant. It’s written for beginners but includes advanced tips for power users.

What Does “Replace Bixby with Gemini” Actually Mean?

On Samsung phones, Bixby is deeply integrated in a few places:

Bixby Voice (voice assistant)
Bixby Routines / Modes & Routines (automation)
Bixby key / side key behaviors on some models
Bixby Home (older devices) / Samsung Free / Samsung News panels

Google Gemini can replace Bixby primarily as your voice assistant and AI assistant. However, full replacement depends on your phone model, your One UI version, region, and the exact Gemini availability on your device.

In practice, replacing Bixby means:

Making Gemini the default digital assistant (instead of Bixby)
Launching Gemini quickly using gestures, voice hotwords (when available), or a remapped key
Disabling or reducing Bixby triggers so it doesn’t pop up unexpectedly

Requirements: What You Need Before You Start

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

A Samsung Galaxy phone running a recent version of Android and One UI
An active Google account
Google app updated to the latest version
Gemini app (if available in your region) or Gemini within the Google app

Tip: Open the Play Store and update these apps:

Google
Gemini (if listed)
Google Assistant (often managed through Google app updates)
Android System Intelligence (if available)

Method 1: Set Google Gemini as Your Default Assistant (Best Option)

This is the cleanest and most “official” way to replace Bixby for assistant tasks. When Gemini is set as the default assistant, gestures or assistant triggers will open Gemini instead of Bixby (or instead of Google Assistant, depending on your setup).

Step-by-Step: Change Default Digital Assistant on Samsung

Open Settings on your Samsung phone.
Tap Apps.
Tap Choose default apps (may be under a menu like “Default apps”).
Find and tap Digital assistant app (sometimes shown as “Assist app”).
Select Google or Gemini (depending on what your phone shows).
Confirm prompts and grant any requested permissions.

What you might see:

Some devices list “Google” as the assist app even if Gemini is the experience that launches.
Some devices let you pick “Gemini” directly (newer rollouts).

How to Confirm Gemini Is Now Your Default Assistant

Try any of these:

Use the assistant gesture (swipe diagonally from the bottom corner on gesture navigation).
Long-press the Home button (if using 3-button navigation).
Say the wake phrase if enabled (varies by device and region).

If Gemini opens, you’ve successfully replaced Bixby for assistant actions.

Method 2: Install and Enable the Gemini App (If Available)

Depending on your country and device, you may have access to the dedicated Google Gemini app. Installing it can make it easier to set Gemini as the default assistant and keep features updated.

Steps

Open the Google Play Store.
Search for Google Gemini.
Tap Install.
Open Gemini and sign in with your Google account.
Follow the onboarding prompts to set Gemini as your assistant.

Note: If the Gemini app is not available in your region, you can still access Gemini features through the Google app (when enabled for your account).

Method 3: Disable Bixby Voice Triggers (So It Stops Interrupting)

Even after setting Gemini as your default assistant, Bixby can still appear if its triggers remain enabled. Disabling these makes the “replacement” feel complete.

Turn Off “Hi, Bixby” Wake Word (If Enabled)

Open Bixby (Bixby Voice app).
Tap Settings (gear icon).
Find Voice wake-up or Wake word.
Turn off “Hi, Bixby”.

Reduce Bixby Pop-Ups and Auto Launch

On some phones you can also:

Disable Bixby’s permissions you don’t want it to have
Disable notifications
Disable “Run in background” where applicable

To manage Bixby notifications:

Go to Settings > Notifications.
Tap App notifications.
Find Bixby Voice / Bixby Service.
Turn off notifications (optional).

Method 4: Remap the Side Key / Bixby Key to Launch Gemini (Model-Dependent)

Many Samsung phones allow you to customize the Side key behavior (formerly called the power key, and on older models a dedicated Bixby key existed). If your phone supports customization, you can set a double-press or long-press action to launch an app—like Gemini.

Change Side Key Settings (Samsung One UI)

Open Settings.
Tap Advanced features.
Tap Side key.
Under Press and hold, select Power off menu (to prevent Bixby from launching).
Under Double press, enable it and select Open app.
Choose Gemini (or choose Google if Gemini is embedded there).

Result: Your Side key no longer summons Bixby, and a quick double-press launches Gemini.

If You Don’t See Gemini in the App List

Try selecting:

Google (it may open Gemini inside the Google experience)
A shortcut app (if you use one) that launches Gemini

Some Samsung models restrict which apps can be launched by the Side key; if Gemini isn’t listed, use the default assistant method in Method 1.

Method 5: Make Gemini Easy to Access (Home Screen, Edge Panel, and Quick Launch)

To truly replace Bixby in daily usage, make Gemini faster to reach than Bixby.

Add Gemini to Your Home Screen

Find the Gemini app icon (or the Google app if Gemini is inside it).
Long-press it.
Tap Add to Home or drag it to your Home screen.

Add Gemini to the Edge Panel (Samsung Feature)

If you use Edge panels:

Go to Settings > Display > Edge panels.
Enable Edge panels.
Tap Panels and choose a panel that supports app shortcuts (like Apps panel).
Add Gemini as a shortcut.

Use a Search Shortcut (Fastest for Many Users)

On Samsung devices, you can quickly open Gemini via:

Samsung Finder search (swipe down and search “Gemini”)
Google search widget (tap the microphone or Gemini entry point if available)

Method 6: Replace Bixby Routines with Google Alternatives (Optional)

Some users want to replace not only Bixby Voice but also Samsung automations. While Gemini is an AI assistant rather than an automation engine, you can combine Google tools to reduce reliance on Bixby.

Use Google Assistant / Gemini for Smart Home and Everyday Commands

Gemini is excellent for:

Drafting messages, emails, and summaries
Planning trips and generating to-do lists
Answering questions with context
Working with Google apps (Gmail, Calendar, Docs/Drive where supported)

Use Google Home for Device and Smart Home Automations

If your goal is automations like “when I get home, turn on Wi‑Fi and lights,” Google Home routines can help:

Open Google Home
Go to Automations / Routines
Create triggers based on time, voice command, or device states (availability varies)

Note: Samsung’s Modes & Routines can be very powerful and local to the phone; many people keep it even if they replace Bixby Voice with Gemini.

How to Stop Bixby from Taking Over the Side Button (Common Fix)

One of the most frequent complaints is Bixby opening when pressing and holding the side key. Here’s the direct fix again, since it’s the most important for many users:

Settings
Advanced features
Side key
Set Press and hold to Power off menu (instead of Bixby)

After doing this, you can use Method 4 to map double-press to Gemini.

Can You Uninstall Bixby on Samsung?

In most cases, you cannot fully uninstall Bixby because it’s a system app tied to Samsung’s firmware. However, you can usually:

Disable or turn off Bixby Voice triggers
Remove Bixby from key shortcuts
Disable notifications
Restrict permissions
Hide Bixby-related panels and minimize its presence

That’s enough for most users to feel like Gemini has replaced Bixby.

How to Set Gemini Up for the Best Experience on Samsung

Replacing Bixby is only half the job. The other half is making Gemini genuinely useful day-to-day.

1) Choose the Right Language and Voice Settings

Open Gemini (or Google app), then:

Set your preferred language
Adjust voice options (where available)
Enable personalization features if you want more context-aware replies

2) Enable Necessary Permissions (Without Overdoing It)

Gemini will ask for permissions like microphone, notifications, and sometimes location. Enable only what you need:

Microphone for voice input
Notifications if you want reminders or ongoing tasks
Location only if you use location-based help

3) Add Gemini to Your Daily Workflow

Examples of high-value prompts:

Writing: “Rewrite this message to sound polite but direct.”
Planning: “Make a 3-day itinerary for Seoul focused on food and museums.”
Learning: “Explain this like I’m 12, then give a real-world example.”
Productivity: “Turn these bullet points into a meeting agenda.”

Troubleshooting: Gemini Doesn’t Show as an Assistant Option

If you can’t select Gemini as your default assistant, try these fixes.

Fix 1: Update Google App and Gemini

Open Play Store
Update Google and Gemini
Restart your phone

Fix 2: Clear Cache for Google App

Go to Settings > Apps
Select Google
Tap Storage
Tap Clear cache

Fix 3: Check Region and Account Availability

Gemini features are sometimes rolled out by region or account type. If it’s not available:

Use Google Assistant as the default assistant for now
Use Gemini inside the Google app as a chat-based AI tool

Fix 4: Verify Digital Assistant Setting Location

On some Samsung phones, the path differs:

Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app
Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app

Troubleshooting: Bixby Still Opens Even After Changing Settings

If Bixby still launches after you set Gemini as default assistant, check these:

Side key press-and-hold is still set to Bixby (change it to Power off menu)
Bixby Voice wake-up is enabled (disable “Hi, Bixby”)
You’re pressing a different gesture mapped to Samsung features rather than the assistant gesture

In rare cases, a restart is needed after changing default assistant settings.

Gemini vs Bixby on Samsung: Which One Should You Use?

Here’s a practical comparison to help you decide what to keep.

Where Gemini Usually Wins

Better conversational understanding and writing help
More useful for brainstorming, summarizing, and planning
Strong Google ecosystem integration (Search, Gmail, Calendar, Maps depending on features)

Where Bixby Can Still Be Useful

Deep Samsung device controls and settings toggles (varies by model)
Some local device actions may be smoother in Bixby
Modes & Routines remain a Samsung strength

A common “best of both worlds” setup is: Gemini as assistant + Modes & Routines for automation.

SEO Checklist: How to Ensure You Really Replaced Bixby with Gemini

Use this quick checklist to verify the change:

✅ Default assistant is set to Google/Gemini
✅ Side key press-and-hold no longer opens Bixby
✅ Optional: Side key double-press opens Gemini
✅ “Hi, Bixby” wake word is disabled
✅ Gemini is on your Home screen or Edge panel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I completely remove Bixby from my Samsung phone?

Usually no—Bixby is a system component. But you can disable its triggers, remove it from the side button, silence notifications, and effectively stop using it.

Is Google Gemini available on all Samsung phones?

Availability depends on your Android version, One UI version, region, and account eligibility. If Gemini isn’t available, you can use Google Assistant and access Gemini features via the Google app when enabled.

Will changing the default assistant affect Google Assistant?

Gemini is designed to be Google’s AI assistant experience. On many devices, selecting “Google” as the assistant may lead to Gemini where supported. In some setups, you can switch between Gemini and Google Assistant depending on compatibility and settings.

Does Gemini work offline?

Most Gemini features require an internet connection because they rely on cloud-based AI. Some device actions may still work through the system assistant framework, but AI chat and generation typically need data.

What’s the fastest way to open Gemini on a Samsung phone?

The fastest method is often setting Gemini as your default assistant and using the assistant gesture. Another great method is mapping the side key double-press to launch Gemini (if supported).

Final Thoughts: The Best Way to Replace Bixby with Google Gemini on Samsung

If your goal is to replace Bixby with a smarter AI assistant, the best approach is:

Set Gemini (or Google) as the default digital assistant
Disable Bixby triggers like wake word and side-key launching
Add Gemini to your quick-launch options (home screen, edge panel, side-key double press)

Once configured, Gemini becomes the assistant you naturally reach for—without Bixby interrupting your workflow. If you want, I can also provide a version of this post tailored to your exact model (Galaxy S24/S23/A54, etc.) and your One UI version, with screenshots guidance text and a tighter structure for featured snippets.