How to Use Bixby to Handle Complex Tasks and Multi-Step Instructions

Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant stands out for its ability to execute complex, multi-step commands that go beyond simple queries. While many voice assistants struggle with chained actions, Bixby can handle sophisticated instructions like “create an album with my vacation photos and share it with Mom” or “turn on mobile data, disable WiFi, set brightness to 40%, and open Spotify.” This capability transforms your Samsung Galaxy device into a truly hands-free automation powerhouse.

The key to unlocking Bixby’s full potential lies in two features: Quick Commands and Bixby Routines. Quick Commands let you create custom voice shortcuts that trigger multiple actions at once, while Bixby Routines automatically adjust settings based on your location, time, or activity. Together, they turn repetitive multi-step tasks into single voice commands.

In this article:

Setting Up Bixby Quick Commands

Quick Commands are custom voice shortcuts that bundle multiple actions into a single phrase. Instead of saying several separate commands, you create one trigger phrase that executes everything at once.

To create a Quick Command:

Press the Bixby button or say “Hi Bixby” to open Bixby
Tap the three-dot menu icon in the top right corner
Select Settings > Quick Commands
Tap Make your own quick command
Enter your trigger phrase (what you’ll say to Bixby)
Add the actions Bixby should perform in sequence
Tap Save to activate your command

For example, create a “Leaving home” command that turns on mobile data, disables WiFi, enables Bluetooth, sets brightness to 50%, and opens your navigation app. Once saved, simply say “Hi Bixby, leaving home” to execute all five actions instantly.

Creating Bixby Routines for Automated Multi-Step Tasks

While Quick Commands require voice activation, Bixby Routines trigger automatically based on conditions you set. These are perfect for complex tasks that happen regularly at specific times or locations.

To set up a Bixby Routine:

Open Settings on your Galaxy device
Navigate to Advanced features > Bixby Routines
Tap the + button to create a new routine
Configure the If section (your trigger conditions)
Add actions in the Then section (what happens automatically)
Name your routine and toggle it On

Common trigger conditions include time of day, location, connected devices, or app usage. The “Then” actions can control virtually any setting: volume levels, network connections, display settings, app launches, and more.

Effective Multi-Step Command Examples

Morning routine: “Hi Bixby, good morning”

Disable Do Not Disturb
Set brightness to 80%
Read calendar appointments
Show weather forecast
Open news app

Driving mode: “Hi Bixby, I’m driving”

Enable Bluetooth
Increase media volume to 70%
Launch Android Auto or navigation
Turn on driving mode
Disable WiFi

Bedtime routine: “Hi Bixby, goodnight”

Enable Do Not Disturb
Set alarm for 7 AM
Activate blue light filter
Reduce brightness to 20%
Enable battery saver mode

Work focus: “Hi Bixby, focus time”

Enable Do Not Disturb with exceptions
Mute notifications from social apps
Open productivity apps
Set screen timeout to 5 minutes

Tips for Better Bixby Command Execution

Speak naturally and clearly when giving commands. Bixby recognizes conversational language, so you don’t need robotic phrasing. Use specific names for contacts, apps, and settings to avoid confusion.

When creating Quick Commands, test each action individually first to ensure Bixby understands the phrasing. Some actions require exact terminology from Samsung’s menus, so experiment with different wordings if something doesn’t work.

Chain related actions together logically. If one action depends on another completing first, order them carefully. For instance, disable WiFi before enabling mobile data to ensure a smooth network transition.

Retrain your voice model periodically by going to Bixby Settings > Voice wake-up > Retrain voice model. This improves recognition accuracy, especially for complex multi-word commands.