How to use Google Circle to Search feature

The Google Circle to Search feature was first introduced on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series and then rolled out on the Pixel 8 series. Through this feature, users can easily search for any object on the screen on Google, by circling, drawing, highlighting or tapping on that object. Below are instructions for using the Google Circle to Search feature.

How to use Google Circle to Search

Step 1:

First, you need to enable the Google Circle to Search feature on your phone. Go to Settings on your phone and tap Display . Scroll down and tap Navigation bar , then enable Circle to Search to use on your phone.

Step 2:

To know information about a detail displayed on the screen, including the wallpaper you use, we press and hold on the gesture navigation bar . At this time, the user will see a notification to circle or tap on the object to search for. We will circle or draw on the object to search for information.

You will immediately see the search results on Google as shown below. We drag up on the screen to expand the results interface in Google. If you want to search for text, you press and hold on the text to search.

Benefits of using Circle to Search

Circle to Search is one of those features you don't realize you need until you try it. It's fast, seamless, and honestly, a little addictive — but that's not the only reason many people can't stop using it.

3. Easier to identify and learn about things while scrolling

Before Circle to Search, finding something mid-scroll meant pausing, switching apps, and typing a query into your browser, dictionary, or one of the many image recognition apps on your phone. If you came across a compelling image in a web series, having to reverse-image search—especially for something you didn’t really need to know—was often enough to make you abandon the search altogether.

Now, all you have to do is hold down the home button and draw a quick circle around anything that interests you. Google will then instantly bring up relevant results without any interruptions or extra steps.

Say you come across a historical reference you didn’t recognize in an article, a sentence in a different language in an ebook, or a shiny new logo in an ad. Instead of copying, pasting, or opening a new tab, just circle it and get the answer on the spot. It even works on images and QR codes. No need to take screenshots or switch between apps.

Even better, Circle to Search isn’t just for looking up information. You can highlight and copy text directly from images, PDFs, or apps that don’t normally allow text selection. Whether you’re doing research or just trying to grab a snippet from an infographic without launching Google Lens and the like, it’s like having a built-in research assistant that works anywhere, anytime.

2. Never leave the app

One of the best things about Circle to Search is that you rarely have to leave whatever app you’re using. Whether you’re working on a crossword puzzle, stuck on a difficult puzzle, or reading through a dense forum thread, you can highlight what you need and get the answer instantly.

It’s especially useful when you’re browsing LinkedIn, chatting, or participating in online forums. If someone mentions a company, book, or concept you’re unfamiliar with, you can immediately get enough context to follow the information without getting sidetracked by a separate Google search.

1. Much easier to take and share screenshots

Circle to Search will also completely change the way you share information. Instead of taking a full screenshot, opening another app, and painstakingly cropping out what’s necessary, you can circle the part you want and send it in seconds.

Best of all, it doesn't clog up your gallery with one-off screenshots you'll never look at again. Once you've shared what you need—whether it's a meme, a product link, or an excerpt from an article—you can just tap the back button a few times and pick up where you left off. No extra steps, no unnecessary clutter.

If you haven't tried it yet, give Circle to Search a try. Who knows, it might become your favorite phone feature.