(Credit: PCMag / Google / Natural Geographic)
Google makes it easy to submit a search query, but its latest AI innovation removes the need to type out or dictate a request. With Circle to Search, you draw a circle around or a line across text, an image, or a video to open a search window and see results. Here's how it works.
How to Activate Circle to Search
If your device supports Circle to Search, it's enabled by default. Not every Android phone has it, though. The feature was introduced in January 2024 on the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Galaxy S24 series of devices. In late March, the Samsung One UI 6.1 update added Circle to Search to older devices, including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5, and Galaxy Tab S9 family. It then launched on the Galaxy S22 line, Z Flip 4, Z Fold 4, and the Galaxy Tab S8 series.
It's also running on the Pixel 6 and up, as well as the Google Pixel Fold.
Circle to Search is not available on Apple devices. However, you can use the iOS Shortcuts app to imitate the capability in a roundabout way.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)If you have a supported device, using Circle to Search is easy. If you're using the three-button navigation mode, long-press the Home button at the bottom of the screen. If you use gestures, long-press on the navigation handle at the bottom of the screen.
When Circle to Search is activated, the screen color will change and a new pop-up toolbar will appear at the bottom that grants quick access to several features. Tap the G icon to open the Google app or select the empty black space next to it to perform a Google search. You can also activate Google Assistant, Google Lens, or Google Translate with a tap.
How to Search With a Swipe
Once you've triggered Circle to Search, you're free to search your screen. The feature will work anywhere; on your Home screen, in the phone's settings, or within an app or web page. Keep in mind that you won't be able to scroll once it's activated, though.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)To start a Google search, tap a word or long-press or draw a line across a selection of text. This will highlight the words and launch a Google search window. You can further adjust the selected text to change what your phone looks up. Pop-up options allow you to copy or translate the text.
For an image or video, you can draw a circle around it and Google will search for what's inside the area for a quick reverse image search. The feature uses crosshairs to narrow what it focuses on, and you can further adjust them to only look at a portion of an image, for instance. If there is text in the image, you can select it to copy or translate it.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)You can also add extra context to your search query by typing text into the Google search window. Press Enter, and the new search will remain within this pop-up window. Tap a result, and it will open in a new window.
How to View and Manage Search History
You can view and manage your search history from the Circle to Search screen. While the feature is active, tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner to view your search history or delete the last 15 minutes of history.
(Credit: PCMag / Google)If you tap Search history, you'll be taken to your Google account settings page, where your Circle to Search inquiries will appear alongside all your traditional Google searches. You can then delete individual searches with a tap.
How to Disable Circle to Search
(Credit: PCMag / Google)While Circle to Search is enabled by default on supported devices, there is a way to disable the feature (unlike Google's AI Overviews feature). Head to Settings > System > Navigation mode and tap the gear next to your navigation method of choice. You can then disable the switch next to Circle to Search.