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Samsung’s voice assistant is Bixby. On Galaxy devices, it can also accept typed requests and taps—not just spoken commands—to perform selected phone tasks and control compatible connected devices. What works depends on your device, software, language, region, and account setup.
What is Bixby?
Bixby is Samsung’s assistant for supported Galaxy devices. You can use it by voice, by typing in its interface, or by tapping on-screen controls. Samsung lists examples such as opening apps, sending messages, setting reminders, and changing selected device settings. These are supported actions, not a guarantee that every app or command works on every Galaxy device.
Bixby also supports Quick commands: phrases you configure in advance to trigger a set of actions. Some supported accessibility features can be activated by voice, and Bixby Vision can describe scenes on supported devices. Samsung’s feature pages describe these capabilities, while noting that availability varies by device and region: Samsung US Bixby and Samsung UK Bixby.
What can Bixby control?
Galaxy phone and app tasks
Bixby can carry out selected actions on the phone, such as launching an app, sending a message, setting a reminder, or changing a supported setting. The exact command and app support can vary with the model, software, language, and region.
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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
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
SmartThings-connected devices
To control compatible lights or other connected devices, first connect them in the SmartThings app. Bixby can then handle supported controls. Some music-related functions may require a subscription, and not every connected product or service is supported.
How to set up and start using Bixby
- Open Bixby. Launch the Bixby app, or press and hold the Side key if that action is assigned to Bixby on your device.
- Choose a language and sign in. Follow the setup prompts and sign in to your Samsung account.
- Choose how to interact. Use the app or assigned key to make a request. If available, enable voice wake-up in Bixby settings. You can also type a request in the Bixby interface.
- Allow an internet connection. Samsung says Bixby Voice requires Wi-Fi or mobile data; some functions may also need compatible services or connected devices.
Menu names and setup screens vary by software version and region. Samsung’s regional setup instructions provide additional device-specific guidance: Samsung Canada’s Bixby setup guide and Samsung Saudi Arabia’s guide to using Bixby.
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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.
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Will Bixby work on your Galaxy device?
Samsung lists Bixby for a range of Galaxy phones, but its regional pages do not provide one universal compatibility promise. The US FAQ lists Galaxy S8/S8+ through S25 series, Note8 through Note20, Z Fold and Z Flip families, and certain A-series phones. Samsung UK lists additional product families, including tablets, watches, Buds, and Galaxy Book devices. Check Samsung support for your exact model and country, and confirm the specific feature you want to use.
Important One UI 7 caveat: Samsung’s US support article says Bixby Voice is not available on Galaxy phones running One UI 7 or higher. This statement concerns Bixby Voice and appears in Samsung’s US support context; it does not establish that every Bixby feature is unavailable on every device with One UI 7. Check the current support information for your model and region: Samsung’s Bixby software-version and update guidance.
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- 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.
Why might Bixby voice commands not work?
- Check connectivity and sign-in. Bixby Voice requires an internet connection and Samsung-account sign-in.
- Check the feature and software version. Voice availability can depend on the device and software; Samsung’s US One UI 7 notice is specifically about Bixby Voice.
- Check the language and region. Supported languages, accents, devices, apps, and features vary by country, service provider, and software. Background noise or pronunciation can affect recognition.
- Check the operating mode. Samsung’s US FAQ says Bixby Voice may be limited or unavailable during media recording, calls, DeX docking, and in power-saving, Emergency, or Kids modes.
Samsung’s Bixby general questions and information page lists account, connection, and operating-mode requirements.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you know about Bixby and privacy?
Samsung’s FAQ says Bixby Voice requires a Samsung account and that Incognito mode is not supported because account information may remain visible. Samsung’s US setup guidance points to the Samsung Privacy Portal for removing Bixby. Those statements do not, on their own, explain voice-data retention, processing, or model training. For account and privacy choices, consult Samsung’s current privacy controls and the setup guidance: Samsung’s Bixby setup instructions.
Quick Recap
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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
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- 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
Rank #4
- 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.
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