Samsung Removing Google Assistant From Smart TVs: What to Know

Yes, Samsung is removing Google Assistant from its smart TVs. The change was announced in late 2023 and rolled out in early 2024, affecting most 2022 and newer TV models. After the removal, the Google Assistant button on your remote and the built-in voice feature will no longer respond, but you can still use Bixby or Amazon Alexa for voice control.

Background: Why Samsung Dropped Google Assistant

Samsung has long used its own voice assistant, Bixby, as the default on its TVs. Google Assistant was added as an option starting with the 2020 models, giving users a second choice. However, in October 2023, Samsung announced it would phase out Google Assistant support on its smart TVs to streamline the user experience and focus on Bixby and Alexa integration. The company cited a desire to simplify the voice assistant ecosystem on its devices, though it did not give detailed public reasons. The removal was completed via a firmware update in early 2024, so it wasn’t a physical change—it happened over the internet.

Which TV Models Are Affected

The removal applies to most Samsung smart TVs from 2022 and later. This includes the Crystal UHD, QLED, Neo QLED, and OLED lines. If you have a 2020 or 2021 model, you might still have Google Assistant, but Samsung has said it will eventually phase it out on those too. To check your specific model, go to Settings > General > Voice Assistant on your TV. If you see only Bixby and Alexa listed, Google Assistant is already gone. If you still see it, you can use it until the next firmware update removes it.

How the Removal Works

The removal is done through a software update, not a physical change. When your TV installs the update, the Google Assistant app and its background services are removed. The microphone on your remote still works, but it will now trigger Bixby or Alexa instead. The Google Assistant button on the remote (if your remote has one) will either do nothing or be remapped to Bixby, depending on the model. You won’t lose any other Google services—like YouTube or Google Play Movies—because those are separate apps, not tied to the voice assistant.

What You Can Use Instead

After the removal, you have two built-in options:

Bixby – Samsung’s own assistant. It can control TV functions, change channels, adjust volume, and search for content. It works well with Samsung’s ecosystem, but it doesn’t integrate with Google services like Google Calendar or Google Home.
Amazon Alexa – If you have an Echo speaker, you can link it to your TV and use Alexa to turn the TV on/off, change volume, and launch apps. The TV must be set up with the SmartThings app, and you need to enable the Samsung SmartThings Alexa skill.

You can also use Google Assistant on other devices to control the TV via the SmartThings app, but only if you have a Google Home speaker or a phone with Google Assistant. That works through the SmartThings integration, not the TV’s built-in microphone.

Common Problems and Fixes

After the update, some users report that the remote’s microphone button doesn’t work at all. Here are typical issues and solutions:

Microphone button does nothing – Go to Settings > General &strong; Voice Assistant and make sure Bixby is set as the active assistant. If Bixby is off, the button will be dead.
Alexa not responding – Ensure your TV is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your Echo, and that the SmartThings skill is enabled in the Alexa app.
Google Assistant still appears in settings – This is normal until the next update. You can manually disable it by selecting Bixby or Alexa as your assistant.
Voice search in YouTube not working – YouTube’s voice search uses its own system, not the TV’s assistant. Check YouTube’s app settings to enable voice input.

Comparison: Bixby vs. Alexa on Samsung TVs

Choosing between Bixby and Alexa depends on your needs:

Bixby is better for controlling the TV itself—it can change picture modes, open apps, and adjust settings that Alexa can’t. It’s also faster because it’s built into the TV.
Alexa is better for smart home control—if you have other Alexa-compatible devices, you can say “Alexa, turn on the TV” and it will work. But Alexa can’t change picture settings or access some TV-specific functions.

If you want the best of both, you can enable both—Bixby for TV control and Alexa for smart home. Just note that you’ll need to say “Alexa” to wake the TV’s mic for Alexa, and “Hi Bixby” for Bixby.

How to Use Google Assistant on Samsung TV After Removal

If you really want Google Assistant, you can still use it through external devices:

Connect a Google Nest speaker or Google Home to the same network as your TV.
Open the SmartThings app on your phone and link your Samsung account.
In the Google Home app, add the SmartThings integration (linked service) and authorize it.
Now you can say “Hey Google, turn on the TV” or “Hey Google, play Netflix on the TV.”

This works because the TV is controlled via SmartThings, not the built-in assistant. It’s a workaround, but it gives you the Google Assistant experience without the TV’s microphone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Google Assistant come back to Samsung TVs?

No, Samsung has not indicated any plan to bring it back. The removal is permanent, and future models will likely only have Bixby and Alexa.

Can I use Google Assistant with my Samsung TV via my phone?

Yes, if you have the SmartThings app and a Google Assistant device (like a phone or speaker), you can control the TV through that device. The TV doesn’t need to have Google Assistant built in.

Will the Google Assistant button on my remote be remapped?

On most models, the button will now trigger Bixby or Alexa, depending on your settings. If it doesn’t work, you can manually set the assistant in the TV’s settings.

Does removing Google Assistant affect other Google apps like YouTube?

No, YouTube and other Google apps remain unaffected. The removal only affects the voice assistant service, not the apps themselves.

Can I downgrade the firmware to get Google Assistant back?

No, Samsung does not allow firmware downgrades on smart TVs. Once the update is installed, you cannot revert to an older version.

What if I have a 2020 or 2021 Samsung TV?

You may still have Google Assistant, but Samsung has said it will be removed in a future update. You can continue using it until then, but don’t rely on it long-term.

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