How to disable Galaxy AI features on your Samsung phone

The Samsung Galaxy S24 series brought a wave of AI-powered features that are gradually making their way to older Galaxy phones with the One UI 6.1 update. While some users embrace this technological advancement, others may not be thrilled about having so much artificial intelligence in their pockets. Thankfully, you have the power to disable or enable these new AI features on your Samsung Galaxy device.

It’s important to remember that AI doesn’t imply your phone is sentient or constantly monitoring you. While your phone already collects data for various purposes, the new AI features on Samsung Galaxy devices are designed to be activated only when you explicitly use them. For example, the grammar and spelling check tool requires you to tap a specific icon on your keyboard, and the Circle to Search feature only works when you hold the home button. Similarly, the Interpreter and Live Translate tools require manual activation before or during a call.

That said, here is how you can opt out of Galaxy AI features on your Samsung phone or tablet.

1. Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Advanced features.”
3. Look for the “Advanced intelligence” section at the top of the new window and tap on it.
4. You’ll find a list of apps that rely on AI. Tap on each of these items to disable the respective Galaxy AI features such as Live Translate, Interpreter mode, Note Assist, Chat Translation, Spelling and Grammar checks, Photo Editor, and so on. Simply toggle off the ones you don’t want to use.

To further protect your privacy, you can opt for on-device processing in the advanced settings, preventing data from being sent to external servers. This is particularly useful for features that require more processing power than your phone can provide, such as generative editing. Additionally, you can disable Circle to Search in the display settings to avoid accidental triggers. Check out the video below for a visual guide:

While you can disable individual Galaxy AI features, completely eradicating AI from your phone may be a futile endeavor. AI is becoming deeply integrated into core functions, such as battery optimization and app recommendations. However, by disabling specific features, you can significantly reduce AI’s influence on your user experience.

Other key culprits to consider disabling include Bixby Routines since it monitors your behavior in order to automate tasks based on your usage patterns, Scene Optimizer that enhances your photos by automatically adjusting settings, and even Shot Suggestions that recommends optimal camera settings for different scenes. There are other Galaxy AI features that require digging into app-specific settings, so be sure to look deeper.

For those prioritizing privacy, the aforementioned on-device processing is a powerful tool that Galaxy S24 users can leverage. This means that certain AI tasks, like image and language processing, can be performed locally on your phone without sending your data to the cloud. To enable this, look for the option within the “Advanced intelligence” settings and toggle it on.

Disabling AI features can give you greater control over your data and how your phone operates. However, some AI functionalities can genuinely enhance your experience by automating tasks, optimizing photos, and offering personalized recommendations. It’s a balancing act, and the right approach depends on your individual preferences and priorities.

As AI continues to advance, striking a balance between its benefits and potential drawbacks will become increasingly important. Remember, you’re not powerless in this equation. By understanding the settings and options available on your Samsung Galaxy device, you can tailor your AI experience to suit your needs and preferences.

Featured image: Samsung