Circle to Search lets you search whatever is already on your screen without leaving the current app. You can circle an object, tap text, scribble over an image, or search part of a paused video.
These steps apply to Android phones that support Circle to Search, including recent Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models and other phones that received it by update.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want to identify a product, translate text, search a name, or look up something in another app without copying, saving, or switching screens.
Check That Circle to Search Is Available
- Update Android system software.
- Update the Google app from the Play Store.
- Search Settings for Circle to Search.
- If the setting appears, make sure the toggle is on.
- If it does not appear after updates, your phone may not be part of the rollout.
Circle to Search started on Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 devices and expanded to more models later. Availability still depends on phone model, region, and software updates.
Use Circle to Search
- Open any app or screen with something you want to search.
- Long-press the Home button if you use three-button navigation, or long-press the gesture bar if you use gesture navigation.
- When the screen dims and the search panel appears, circle, tap, or scribble over the item.
- Review the results panel at the bottom.
- Scroll the panel up for more results or tap a result to open it.
- Circle another item if you want to search again without restarting.
- Swipe the panel down or tap outside it to close.
Useful Circle to Search Tricks
Search Text Without Copying
Underline or scribble over a word or sentence to search that text directly, which is handy for unfamiliar names, terms, and captions.
Translate On-Screen Text
Circle or select a paragraph in another language and look for the Translate option in the results panel.
Combine Search Details
After the first selection, some phones let you add more to the same search, such as a product plus a color or style detail.
Sources
- Google: Search what is on your screen with Circle to Search
- Samsung Support: Use Circle to Search on Galaxy phones
- Google Support: Circle to Search device availability