Quick Guide: How to Use Circle to Search Like a Pro

The latest suite of AI features on Galaxy and Pixel devices recently introduced a new feature called Circle to Search. As the name suggests, the feature allows you to search for anything by drawing a circle over it. Where exactly? Anywhere on your smartphone screen.

Circle to Search is basically an easy access to Google Lens. Earlier, users could use the search screen feature that would allow them to search, translate, and read aloud anything on their screen in most apps. Circle to Search, however, is available across the entire operating system and not just limited to some apps.

Which devices are compatible with this feature? Well, you will need either a Pixel 8 series device or a Galaxy S24/S23 series device running One UI 6.1. How do you use this new feature on your smartphone? Let’s find out.

Getting Started

Before we activate Circle to Search and start using it, we need to make sure that we have a few things ready. 

1. Make Sure your Device is Compatible 

First of all, you need to have a compatible device to use Circle to Search. Here’s a list of devices that are “currently” compatible with Circle to Search:

• Google Pixel 8
• Google Pixel 8 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy S24
• Samsung Galaxy S24+
• Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 

Samsung has confirmed that some of its older devices will also be getting the Circle to Search feature by March 2024. These devices include:

• Galaxy S23 series
• Galaxy S23 FE
• Galaxy Z Fold5
• Galaxy Z Flip5
• Galaxy Tab S9 series

2. Install the Latest Software Update 

Next up, make sure that you have installed the latest software update available for your device. Follow the steps below.

Note: Your device needs to be on the January security patch or later.

On a Google Pixel:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap System.
3. Tap on System update.
4. Tap on Check for update at the bottom.
5. If an update is available, tap on Download and Install.
6. Once finished installing, tap on Restart.

On a Samsung Galaxy:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap Software update.
3. Tap on Download and install at the top.
4. If an update is available, tap on Install now and wait a few minutes for the update to be installed.
5. Restart your phone once the update is installed successfully.

3. Update the Google App

It’s not just your phone that needs to be updated, but also the Google app. It’s because Circle to Search uses the Google app (also known as Google Search) to search for text and images on your screen. Follow the steps below to update the Google app.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Tap on the search bar at the top, type “Google,” and hit Enter.
3. Tap on Google from the first search result.
4. Tap on Update.
5. Once the app has been updated, go to the app info and make sure the version number has “cts” in it. If it has “cts” in the version number, then you are good to go.

4. Enable Use Screenshot in Google Assistant 

You also need to grant permission to “Use screen context” to be able to use Circle to Search. Enabling this permission will allow Circle to Search to capture your screen once activated. Follow the steps below.

1. Open the Google app.
2. Tap on your profile picture at the top right.
3. Then, tap on Settings.
4. Tap on Google Assistant.
5. Scroll down and tap on General > Use screen context.
6. Make sure the “Use screenshot” toggle is turned on.

Enable Circle to Search 

Now that you have everything set, you can enable Circle to Search and start using it. Ideally, the feature should already be enabled by default. However, if that’s not the case or if you accidentally disabled it, follow the steps below to enable it.

On a Google Pixel:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap System.
3. Tap on Navigation mode.
4. Now, tap on the gear icon next to the navigation mode that you are currently using.
5. If you are using gesture navigation, turn on the toggle next to “Hold Handle to Search.”
6. If you are using 3-button navigation though, turn on the toggle next to “Hold Home to Search.”

On a Samsung Galaxy: 

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Go to Display > Navigation bar.
3. Turn on the toggle next to Circle to Search.
4. Make sure to select your preferred navigation mode from here. You can either choose Buttons or Swipe gestures.

Note: To disable Circle to Search, you can simply turn these toggles off.

Use Circle to Search

Once you are all set, you can start using Circle to Search.

3-button Navigation: Press and hold the Home button and draw a circle on your screen. 

Gesture Navigation: Press and hold the navigation or the gesture bar for about 1 second and draw a circle to search.

Besides drawing a circle, you can also simply tap on your screen or scribble over something to do a search. You can search for both text and images.

Add to Circle to Search

Finally, you can also ask more about the screenshot or the circled area by typing something in the “Add to Circle to Search” field. Google uses generative AI and Google Search to provide extremely convincing results.

For example, if you circle a food item, you can ask its recipe, or if you circle a pair of sneakers, you can ask Circle to Search to show you something similar in a different price range.

Note: Add to Circle to Search is still rolling out and may not be available for all users.

FAQs

1. Can I use Circle to Search on any device?

No. Circle to Search is currently only available for the Google Pixel 8 series and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series, with a few more Galaxy devices to join the list soon.

2. When will Circle to Search be coming to the Galaxy S23 series?

Samsung has confirmed that the Circle to Search feature will be coming to the Galaxy S23 series by March 2024. The series of devices includes the recently launched Galaxy S23 FE as well.

3. How is Circle to Search different from Google Assistant’s ‘Search screen’ feature?

While the Google Assistant’s ‘Search screen’ feature is limited to only a few apps, Circle to Search is universal and available across the entire operating system. Circle to Search also has an “Add to Circle to Search” feature that is missing on Google Assistant.

Wrapping Up 

Circle to Search is a cool new feature that makes it easy for users to quickly find what they are looking for. Instead of taking a screenshot and then uploading it to Google Lens, users can simply press and hold, draw a circle, and search. 

While the feature is still limited to only a handful of devices, we can expect it to expand to more in the near future. We hope that this guide has helped you use Circle to Search on your device. If you still have any questions, let us know.

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