How to use Circle to Search on Android

⚡ Fast fix

• Get curious. Circle to Search lets you look up images, social media posts, webpages, and more.
• Activate Circle to Search. Press and hold the home button until the Google Search bar appears.
• Get circling. You can circle, highlight, scribble over, or tap the content you want to search.
• Check out the results. You may need to redraw or tap again to refine your search.

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You're scrolling Instagram® when you spot a shirt you need to know more about. But switching apps means risking the classic feed refresh—and good luck finding that post again.

That's where Google's Circle to Search comes in. It lets you search whatever's on your screen without leaving what you're doing. At Asurion, we love helping people discover the features that make their tech a little more useful. Here's how Circle to Search works and how to start using it.

What is Circle to Search?

Circle to Search is one of the latest Android™ AI features. It lets you search for on-screen content without leaving your current app.

Here are a few types of content you can search for:

• Images
• Objects
• Products
• Text

For example, you can use Circle to Search to translate text in a French influencer's social media caption. It can also identify objects, such as vehicles, and search for products or similar versions.

So far, this feature is only available on compatible Android devices, including Google Pixel™ 8 and later and certain Samsung Galaxy phones.

How to use Circle to Search

You may already use Google Lens for visual search. Circle to Search is even easier because you don't have to open a separate app. All you need to do is activate it using gesture navigation or the home button, depending on your phone.

1. Activate Circle to Search

If you have a compatible phone, you don't need to download anything to start using Circle to Search on Android. Follow these steps to launch it:

1. Open the content you want to investigate with the on-screen search feature.
2. Hold down the Home button or the navigation bar at the bottom of your screen.

The Google Search bar will pop up on your screen.

2. Select what you want to search

Choose the content you want to search for by circling or highlighting it. You can also scribble over it or tap it, depending on what's easiest.

Let's say you're looking at an advertisement, and you're curious about the model's sneakers. By circling one of the shoes, you can run a quick image search. If you don't know what a word means in Spanish, tap it to do a text search.

3. Explore and refine your results

Once you select content, Google AI will show the results at the bottom of your screen. If they're not quite what you were looking for, you can always refine your search and try again.

If the AI didn't interpret the content correctly, zoom in by using two fingers to pinch outward. For instance, you might zoom into the print on a sweater to get more precise results.

You can also use the search bar at the bottom of the screen to add more context. If you're trying to identify a dish, you might type, "What are the ingredients in this sandwich?" or "What country is this food from?"

Ways to use Circle to Search

This AI feature has plenty of practical uses in your everyday browsing. Here are a few ways it can help:

• If your favorite snack has been discontinued, use Circle to Search to find similar products.
• Use it to translate lyrics from a popular song in a different language.
• Search for a quote that appears at the beginning of a TV episode while you watch Netflix on your phone.
• Look up an unfamiliar object in the background of an Instagram photo.

What to do if Circle to Search isn't working

If this feature isn't working on your phone, make sure it's enabled. Here's how to access the Circle to Search settings:

1. Open the Settings app and tap System.
2. Toggle on Circle to Search.

Still not working? Try these troubleshooting tips:

• Check whether your device supports Circle to Search.
• Install any available Android software updates.
• Verify that the feature is available in your region.

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FAQ

Which Android phones support Circle to Search?

Circle to Search is available for certain Google Pixel phones, including Pixel 8 through 10. It's also part of some Samsung phone features. In the future, Google may expand it to additional Android devices.

Can you turn Circle to Search off?

Yes, you can disable Circle to Search in the Settings app. Tap System and toggle the feature off.

How do you trigger Circle to Search?

If you have a compatible phone, you can use this feature by pressing and holding the Home button or the navigation bar at the bottom of your screen. The Google search bar should appear in a few seconds.