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
- On your Galaxy phone running One UI 6 or later, open Settings.
- Find and tap Galaxy AI.
- 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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