How to Use Circle to Search Tool on Android
A recently introduced and intriguing AI feature is Circle to Search, debuting with the latest Galaxy S24 series in partnership with Google. With Circle to Search, when browsing through apps like Instagram or TikTok and encountering something unfamiliar that piques your curiosity, there’s no need to switch to your browser for a search. Simply draw a circle around the item, and let AI answer your questions seamlessly.
Phones that Offer Circle to Search
Unlike most features introduced across a wide range of phones within an operating system, the Circle to Search is only available on newer versions of Android phones. Samsung chose to incorporate this feature into their high-end series from 2023 onwards. Google has also adopted this approach, except for the Pixel 6a, released in 2022. Below is a list of devices that support the Circle to Search feature:
Samsung
- Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
How to Use Circle to Search
To use Circle to Search on Samsung or Pixel, simply confirm that your phone is on the supported list and that your operating system is up to date. Then, you have to enable it. While using Circle to Search, ensure that you have an internet connection, as this feature retrieves information online. Now, let’s dive into the details.
Enable Circle to Search
For Samsung devices, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Settings menu on your phone.
- Then, choose Display, and after that, select Navigation Bar.
- Tap the Buttons or Swipe Gesture option, then enable the Circle to Search option.
To utilize this feature, simply long-press either the home button or the navigation bar, depending on your navigation preference — buttons or gestures. Then, proceed to tap, scribble, highlight, or circle the item you want more information about.
If you want to use Circle to Search on Pixel 8 or another supported Google Pixel device, the good news is that this feature should already be enabled. However, if by any chance it is not, follow the steps below to enable it:
- Navigate to the Settings, then select System.
- After that, choose the Navigation mode option.
- Select the cog icon before the Gesture navigation, then enable the Circle to Search switch.
Now, open any app you like, then long-press the handle or Home button (3-button navigation). Then, the screen will blur out a little, and a small text at the bottom of the screen will appear saying, “Circle or tap anywhere to search.” Under that, you’ll see a Google search bar. That’s it.
The answer is yes if you’re wondering whether the experience is the same on Google Pixel 8 and Samsung Galaxy S24. As we explained earlier, you can drag a line of text on both brands, scribble on top of it, or even tap the object.
Add More to Your Search
Once you’ve circled or tapped the text, image, or object on your screen, Google search results will appear with the answer. If you want to delve further, you can input additional questions or details into the search bar at the top of the screen. For example, if you draw a circle around a TikToker to discover their identity but have yet to find information about their origin, you can simply add your query to the Google search bar and find the answers you seek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What devices support Circle to Search?
For Samsung, it includes the Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra), the Galaxy S23 series (S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra), the Galaxy S23 FE, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, the Galaxy Z Flip 5, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series (S9, S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra). For Google Pixel devices, it covers the Pixel 8 series (Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro), the Pixel 7 series (Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro), the Pixel 6 series (Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro), the Pixel 7a, the Pixel 6a, the Pixel Fold, and the Pixel Tablet.
Can I use Circle to Search on my iPhone?
No, the iPhone doesn’t natively support Circle to Search, but you can achieve this using the Google app. Here’s how: First, install the Google app and Google app shortcut for iOS. Navigate to Settings, then tap on Accessibility, followed by Touch. From there, select Back Tap and opt for either Double Tap or Triple Tap. Scroll down to SHORTCUTS at the bottom of the menu, and choose Search your screenshot. Now, whenever you encounter something, you want more information about, simply double-tap or triple-tap the back of your phone to capture a screenshot and use Google Lens.
How do I turn on Circle to Search?
If you want to know how to use Circle to Search on S24 Ultra or other high-end Samsung device, navigate to Settings, Display, and Navigation Bar, select the Buttons or Swipe Gesture, and then enable the Circle to Search option. For Pixel devices, go to Settings, System, Navigation mode, choose the cog icon in front of Gesture navigation, and activate the Circle to Search option.