How to turn on Galaxy AI’s on-device processing

Samsung’s newest flagships all carry SoCs that are capable of processing AI, thanks to a capable NPU. Still, a lot of Galaxy AI workloads are processed on the cloud. For security-conscious users, it might be a good idea to enable on-device processing only. Here’s how.

The Galaxy S25 carries a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC. That processor system houses a neural processing unit specifically for handling complex AI tasks, like what Galaxy AI offers in One UI 7. Galaxy AI has grown in the past year, and it now offers a ton of value throughout the Galaxy series. That, of course, means it processes personal data along the way. For instance, if you’re using Call Assist to get real-time translations of a call, there is a chance data in that call is sensitive. The same goes for transcriptions and edited photos using AI.

Samsung has assured users that using Galaxy AI is a safe endeavor. Many safeguards keep users’ data secure from prying eyes and malicious actors. Still, some might want to ensure that all data is processed on-device rather than in the cloud.

Samsung makes that possible through the settings. The process is easy, though it comes with a caveat. If you turn on Galaxy AI on-device processing only in One UI 7, you’ll lose access to a few “advanced intelligence features.”

Those include:

• Writing Assist
  • Summarize
  • Organize
• Note Assist
  • Auto format
  • Summarize
  • Spelling and grammar
  • Generate cover
  • Sketch to image
• Browsing Assist
  • Summarize
  • Read highlights aloud
• Photo Assit
  • Sketch to edit
  • Portrait studio

There are still a few available features within the above-listed apps. Across the board, it looks like summarization and sketch-to-image functions are heavily reliant on online processing. If you use these features often, you might want to consider leaving cloud processing on.

How to enable Galaxy AI on-device processing

1. On your Galaxy phone running One UI 6 or later, open Settings.
2. Find and tap Galaxy AI.
3. Scroll to the bottom and toggle Process data only on device.’

As mentioned, you might notice some intelligence features are missing. You can always head back and toggle on-device processing off.

Samsung notes that many Galaxy AI features are processed on-device anyway, but some need to utilize the cloud for faster results. Leaving the setting off as-is won’t stop your device from processing what it can on-device. Even with Samsung’s security what it is, this can still be a safer option for those who’d like to keep data tucked away safely on their phone.

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