Circle to Search: How to Use it on Android

Imagine effortlessly searching for anything on your screen—no app switching, no copy-pasting, just a simple gesture. That’s exactly what Circle to Search brings to Android users. Whether you spot an unfamiliar landmark, a trendy sneaker, or a foreign phrase, this feature lets you circle, scribble, or tap to get instant search results. But the question is, How to Use Circle to Search to its full potential?

It’s not just a shortcut; it’s a game-changer for information seekers. From identifying objects to translating text, Circle to Search integrates seamlessly into your daily browsing. Ready to learn How to Use Circle to Search? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents 

1) What is Circle to Search? 

2) The Phones You Need 

3) How to Enable Circle to Search? 

4) How to Use Circle to Search? 

5) Troubleshoot "Circle to Search Isn't Available" Error

6) Conclusion

What is Circle to Search? 

Circle To Search is a new search feature created by Google that works by using AI. It lets people look for things on their phone by circling, scribbling, or even tapping on the screen. This feature works smoothly without changing apps or switching to a separate browser.

This feature works in conjunction with Google Lens and Google Search to help the user quickly identify information, images, and content that can be found after something is highlighted on the screen. It is especially handy for recognising certain objects and places or even translating text right away.
 

 

The Phones You Need 

Circle to Search, an exciting feature, first appeared on the Samsung Galaxy S24 series in January 2024. Shortly after, it became accessible on Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Now, this innovative functionality is also available on older Samsung and Google devices.  

With Circle to Search, you can explore and learn more about anything that piques your curiosity by simply circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping on it, all without switching apps. The list includes: 

As of now, Circle to Search is available on these devices, enhancing the search experience for a wide range of users. Hopefully, the feature will be available on other Android phones in the future. 

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How to Enable Circle to Search? 

Curious about how to activate Circle to Search on your smartphone? Follow these simple steps to get started and revolutionise your search experience! 

1) For Google Pixel Phones: 

 To enable this feature on Google Pixel, follow these steps: 

Step 1. Update Software:  

a) Ensure your phone has the latest software. Go to Settings > System > Software updates to check for and install updates 

Step 2. Open Settings: 

a) Navigate to the main Settings menu on your Pixel phone 

Step 3. Display and Navigation Mode: 

a) Tap on Display 

b) Select Navigation mode 

Step 4. Enable Circle to Search:
 

a) Choose between gesture or button navigation 

b) Tap the gear icon next to the current mode 

c) Turn on the Circle to Search toggle switch to enable the feature 

2) For Samsung Galaxy Phones: 

To enable this feature on Samsung Galaxy, follow these steps: 

Step 1. Update Software: 

a) Make sure your phone is running the latest software. Go to Settings > Software update to check for and install any available updates. 

Step 2. Open Settings: 

a) Navigate to the main Settings menu on your Samsung Galaxy phone 

 Step 3. Display and Navigation Bar: 

a) Tap on Display 

b) Select Navigation bar 

Step 5. Enable Circle to Search 

a) Look for the Circle to Search toggle switch 

b) Turn it on. This enables Circle to Search for all navigation modes. 

Now, you can enjoy the enhanced search experience provided by Circle to Search on your Samsung Galaxy or Google Pixel phone. 

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How to Use Circle to Search? 

Circle to Search is a convenient feature that simplifies how you search for information on your smartphone. Here’s how to get started: 

1) Getting Started: 

When you first activate Circle to Search, you'll see an introductory screen explaining how the feature works. Tap “Try it now” to begin. (You won’t see this screen on subsequent searches.) 

2) Launching Circle to Search: 

a) With Navigation Buttons: Long-press the home button (the circle) to launch Circle to Search. 

b) With Gesture Navigation: Long-press the navigation handle at the bottom of the screen to access the feature. 

3) Using Circle to Search: 

Circle or Select an Item: You can circle text or an image, drag a line across text, scribble on an image, or just tap on it. Android’s AI will identify and begin the search based on your selection.
 

Using the S Pen: For Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra users, the S Pen can be used instead of your finger. Handles will appear around the selected item, allowing you to adjust the search area. 

4) Viewing Search Results: 

Search results will pop up quickly, similar to Google Lens. Scroll through the results and tap on any of them to see more details.
 

5) Adding Context to Your Search:

You can refine your search by typing an additional query in the search bar at the top of the results screen or by using the mic icon to voice your query. For example, you might ask, “What can I put this on?” for a condiment, or “Why is this trending?” for a popular image.

You can refine your search by typing an additional query in the search bar at the top of the results screen or by using the mic icon to voice your query. For example, you might ask, “What can I put this on?” for a condiment, or “Why is this trending?” for a popular image. 

6) Exploring Additional Features: 

Circle to Search works seamlessly across various apps, whether it’s an Instagram caption, a webpage image, or artwork on a podcast. This feature doesn’t require the app to support text selection or image saving. 

7) Exiting Circle to Search:

To exit Circle to Search, tap the X in the top-left corner of the screen. If you tap the three dots in the top-right corner, you’ll find options to view your Google search history across all apps and services. You can also delete the last 15 minutes of your search history from there.

To exit Circle to Search, tap the X in the top-left corner of the screen. If you tap the three dots in the top-right corner, you’ll find options to view your Google search history across all apps and services. You can also delete the last 15 minutes of your search history from there. 

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Troubleshoot "Circle to Search Isn't Available" Error

If you're seeing the "Circle to Search isn't available" error, here are some troubleshooting steps to help you resolve the issue.

1) Check Device Compatibility

Ensure that your phone supports Circle to Search. Currently, it is available on:

a) Google Pixel (Pixel 6 and later)

b) Samsung Galaxy S-series, Z-series, and select A-series devices (S21 and later)

If your device is not on the supported list, you won’t be able to use this feature.

2) Update Google App & Play Services

Since Circle to Search relies on Google services, keeping them updated is essential.

Update Google App:

a) Open Google Play Store.

b) Search for Google.

c) If an update is available, tap Update.

Update Google Play Services:

a) Open Play Store.

b) Search for Google Play Services.

c) Tap Update, if available.

After updating, restart your phone and check if the feature works.

3) Enable "Circle to Search" in Settings

If your phone supports the feature but it isn’t working, ensure it is enabled.

On Pixel Phones:

a) Open Settings.

b) Go to System > Gestures.

c) Find "Circle to Search" and toggle it ON.

On Samsung Phones:

a) Open Settings.

b) Go to Advanced Features > Labs.

c) Turn Circle to Search ON.

4) Restart Your Device

A simple restart can fix temporary software glitches:

a) Hold down the Power button and select Restart.

b) Once your phone restarts, try using Circle to Search again.

5) Clear Cache & Data for Google App

a) Open Settings > Apps > Google.

b) Tap Storage & Cache.

c) Select Clear Cache, then try again.

d) If the issue persists, tap Clear Data (this will reset preferences in the app).

6) Ensure Google Assistant Is Enabled

If Google Assistant is disabled, Circle to Search might not work properly.

a) Open Google App.

b) Tap your profile icon > Settings > Google Assistant.

c) Ensure Assistant is enabled and working.

7) Reset App Preferences

a) Resetting app preferences can fix hidden system conflicts.

b) Open Settings.

c) Go to Apps > More Options (⋮) > Reset app preferences.

d) Restart your device and try again.

8) Check for Software Updates

Your phone’s software must be up to date for Circle to Search to function.

a) Open Settings.

b) Go to Software Update.

c) Tap Check for Updates and install if available.

Conclusion 

Circle to Search transforms your Android phone into a treasure trove of knowledge, making every search an adventure and every result a discovery. Embrace this revolutionary feature for a smarter, swifter, and more intuitive way to find your needs. Whether you’re shopping, learning new words, exploring the area of a Semi Circle, or planning travel, this feature makes every search an adventure. Say goodbye to the mundane and hello to instant insights at your fingertips! 

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