How to Use Circle to Search on Android: Steps and Tips

Circle to Search is one of those features that saves you the faff of screenshots, app switching and retyping. You see something on your phone, you circle it, and Google tells you about it. I've gone through Google's help page so the steps below match what it says, and I've flagged the bits that depend on your phone.

What Circle to Search does

Google describes Circle to Search as a way to search anything on your screen without switching apps. You can circle, highlight, scribble on or tap an image or some text, and the results appear over what you're already reading. It's only on select Android phones, so there's no version for iPhone.

Which phones have Circle to Search

Google's page says it's available on select Android phones, including Pixel 6 and later. Some features need specific newer Pixel models, or need AI Mode or AI Overviews to be supported where you live. If you can't find it, check your phone maker's help for whether your model is included.

How to start Circle to Search step by step

1. Open the screen you want to search, such as a web page, a photo, a message or a social post.
2. Touch and hold the Home button or the navigation handle at the bottom of the screen. The Search bar and a glow appear.
3. Circle, highlight, scribble or tap the image or text you want to search. You can drag the edges, or move the whole selection, to adjust it.
4. Read the results in the lower half of the screen. Tap that area to make it bigger.
5. To leave, swipe down, use the back gesture, or tap X at the top left.

Menus vary by phone and by software update, so if the gesture doesn't work, look under your phone's navigation settings for the Circle to Search option.

Translating your screen with Circle to Search

Tap Translate next to the Search bar to translate the whole screen. Google also describes a scroll-and-translate option: hold the Home button or handle, tap Translate, then choose to scroll and translate. It works for web pages, messages and social media, but not for videos or GIFs.

For a business owner buying from or selling to people abroad, that's a quick way to read a supplier's page or a customer's message without leaving the app.

Circle to Search for shopping and everyday questions

• Find the look: circle an outfit and tap the Find the look button. If it isn't there, Google says to type 'find the look' in the Search bar.
• Names and places: highlight a restaurant or shop in a post to learn more about it.
• Ask a follow-up: select something, then type a question where 'Add to your search' appears to get an AI Overview.
• Photo transparency: Google says automatic checks look at whether a photo is original or modified, though they may not work in banking, medical or other confidential apps.

If you run a business that wants to be found in these AI-style answers, my guide on how to track your brand in Google AI Overviews explains how to see where you show up.

Circle to Search compared with a normal Google search

Question	Typing into Google	Circle to Search
Where you start	In the Google app or a browser	On top of whatever app you're already in
What you search with	Words you type	Something you can see: a picture, a name, a sentence
Switching apps	Usually yes	No, results appear over the screen
Which phones	Almost any	Select Android phones only

The practical difference is that you never have to describe what you're looking at. If you can see it, you can circle it. That's helpful when you don't know the name of a part, a plant, a font or a product, which is most of the time with something unfamiliar.

It also changes how you can check things while you work. When a customer sends a photo of a faulty item, a screenshot of a competitor's offer or a link with a product you don't recognise, you can search straight from the message rather than saving the image, opening the browser and starting again. Over a busy day, those saved steps add up.

Using Circle to Search in a small business

• Circle a competitor's product photo in a post to see where similar items appear in Google results.
• Circle a word or phrase in a document or message that you don't know, and read the explanation without switching apps.
• Circle a supplier's name in an email to find out who they are before you reply.
• Highlight text in a screenshot a customer sent you and search it quickly.

It's a research shortcut, not a replacement for checking facts. Treat AI Overviews as a starting point and confirm anything important on the source.

Turning Circle to Search off, and fixing 'Screen search isn't available'

To turn it off, go to your phone's Settings and search for Circle to Search. Google says that on a Pixel it's under Settings, then System. If you see a message that screen search isn't available, Google's help suggests these steps:

1. Set Google as your default digital assistant app.
2. Turn on 'Use screen and app data'.
3. Update the Google app.

Privacy when you use Circle to Search

Because Circle to Search looks at what's on your screen, think before you use it over private material. Google says photo transparency checks may not work in banking, medical or other confidential apps, and your search history and personalised recommendations for Search are controlled by your Web and App Activity setting. I'd avoid circling anything with customer details or passwords in it.

If you'd like to work out which AI tools suit your business best, my list of the best AI tools for small business owners is a good place to start.

Frequently asked questions

How do I use Circle to Search?

Touch and hold the Home button or the navigation handle at the bottom of your Android screen, then circle, highlight, scribble or tap what you want to search.

Does Circle to Search work on iPhone?

No. Google's help describes it for select Android phones, including Pixel 6 and later.

Can Circle to Search translate?

Yes. Tap Translate next to the Search bar to translate the screen, or use scroll and translate. It doesn't work for videos or GIFs.

How do I turn Circle to Search off?

Open Settings and search for Circle to Search. On a Pixel, go to Settings, then System.

Why does it say screen search isn't available?

Google suggests setting Google as the default digital assistant app, turning on 'Use screen and app data' and updating the Google app.