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There are many ways to perform a Google search on your phone, and with Circle to Search, Google lets you search for items on your phone’s screen. Below, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Google’s Circle to Search feature.
What Is Circle to Search?
Circle to Search is Google’s search tool, released in 2024, that lets you look up anything on your phone’s screen without leaving the app you’re currently in. Using a long-press gesture, you can activate a superior version ofthe Google Lens tool, which usesartificial intelligenceandmachine learningfor better subject recognition.
Circle to Search is handy in daily use. For example, you can use the feature to quickly translate a message your friend sent you in their native language. Similarly, when finalizing travel plans with your family, you can quickly check available hotels or places to explore in a city without leaving that group conversation.
Currently, Circle to Search is only available on the following devices:
However,Samsung confirmed to Engadgetthat it plans to bring Circle to Search and some Galaxy AI features later in 2024 to its 2023 smartphone lineup, which includes the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 5, and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
According toAndroid Police, Samsung Netherlands allegedly announced that its Circle to Search exclusivity will end in October 2024. This means the feature may find its way to other Android devices. However,Samsung Netherlandshas removed all traces of this announcement from its post.
How to Use Circle to Search on Your Android Phone
Whether you usegesture navigation or 3-button navigationon your Pixel 8 or Galaxy S24, you can follow these steps to take advantage of Circle to Search:
After invoking Circle to Search, you may use the two-finger pinch gesture to zoom in on a subject. Further, you can refine the results by entering additional search terms in the search bar. To return to the app you were using, swipe down from the top of the search window, press thebackbutton, or tap theXbutton in the top-left corner.
For safety reasons, you cannot use Circle to Search in banking and other secure apps. To view your Circle to Search history or delete the last 15 minutes of your activity, tap thethree dotsicon at the top-right corner of the Circle to Search screen and select the relevant option.
How to Disable Circle to Search
If you don’t like the Circle to Search gesture or keep accidentally triggering it, you can turn it off on your Pixel by following these steps:
On Galaxy phones, you can toggle off Circle to Search by heading toSettings > Display > Navigation bar.
If you frequently switch between apps to run a Google search, this Circle to Search feature will make your life easier. It’s an excellent addition to Android that makes searching for items displayed on your phone’s screen much easier and quicker.
