Samsung Galaxy: How to Change Your AI Assistant

Quick summary: Pressing and holding the side button on your Samsung Galaxy opens your digital assistant. You can switch it to ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Amazon Alexa, Meta AI or another assistant app in a couple of minutes.

Step 1: Install the assistant app

Your new assistant only shows up as an option after you install its app from the Play Store (ChatGPT, Meta AI, Amazon Alexa and so on). Gemini is probably already installed.

Step 2: Make it your default

1. Swipe down twice and tap the gear to open Settings.
2. Go to Apps > Choose default apps.
3. Tap Digital assistant app, then tap Digital assistant app again.
4. Pick the one you want. Gemini is listed as Google.

On the same screen you’ll find Analyze on-screen text and Analyze on-screen images, plus flash screen. Some apps can use them, some can’t. When I made this video, ChatGPT couldn’t look at my screen even with it enabled.

Some assistants have a gear with extra settings. For Google, you can turn on spoken results and choose the voice.

Step 3: Set the side button

1. In Settings, go to Advanced features > Side button.
2. Under Press and hold, tap the option and select your digital assistant (it shows whichever one you picked).

Which one is best?

Right now on Android, Gemini and Bixby are the best, because they can understand what’s on your screen. The others are mostly just you talking to them.

My picks

• Galaxy S26 Ultra from Samsung
• Mint Mobile: $15 unlimited data, talk and text