What is Circle to Search on Android and how to use it

The first time I used Circle to Search, my face was basically “why didn’t this exist before?” Imagine scrolling through Instagram, finding something you like, and instead of searching for descriptions or taking screenshots, you just point at it on screen and Google tells you what it is. That’s exactly what this feature does. Here’s what it is, how it works, and how to make the most of it.

Table of contents

What is Circle to Search

Circle to Search is a Google feature that lets you search for anything you see on your phone’s screen. Instead of typing a search, you simply point at, circle, or tap the object, text, or image you’re interested in, and Google shows you related results instantly.

You don’t need to leave the app you’re using. You don’t need to take screenshots. You don’t need to copy text. Everything happens on top of the app, like a floating overlay.

How it works under the hood

Circle to Search combines three Google technologies:

1. Google Lens: For recognizing objects, products, and text in images
2. AI Overviews: For generating intelligent summaries of results
3. Multisearch: For combining text and image in a single search

When you point at something, the system captures that area of the screen, analyzes it with AI, and shows you relevant results. If you point at a product, it shows where to buy it. If you point at text in another language, it translates it. If you point at food, it tells you what it is and how to make it.

Pro-tip: Circle to Search works in any app: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, photo gallery, browser, WhatsApp… Literally anywhere you see something on screen.

Which phones have Circle to Search in 2026

Circle to Search first launched on Samsung Galaxy S24 and Google Pixel 8, but has since expanded to many more devices.

Compatible phones list

To use Circle to Search you need:

• Android 14 or higher
• Updated Google app
• The feature enabled in settings

How to activate Circle to Search if it’s not working

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps > Digital assistant app
2. Select Google
3. Go to Settings > Display > Navigation bar
4. Enable Search on screen or Circle to Search
5. Restart your phone

How to use Circle to Search step by step

Using Circle to Search is very intuitive, but there are several methods depending on what you want to search for.

Method 1: Point at an object or image

1. You’re in any app viewing an image
2. Long press the navigation bar (if using gestures) or the home button
3. The screen will slightly darken
4. Tap or circle the object you’re interested in with your finger
5. Google will show results instantly
6. Tap outside the box to close

Method 2: Select and copy text

1. Long press the navigation bar to activate Circle to Search
2. Select the text you want to copy
3. Options for Copy, Translate, or Search will appear
4. Choose your preferred action

Method 3: Voice search

1. Activate Circle to Search
2. Tap the microphone icon
3. Speak your question about what you see on screen
4. Google will combine your voice with visual analysis

Method 4: Multisearch

1. Activate Circle to Search and point at something
2. In the results, tap Add a question
3. Type an additional question about the object
4. Example: you point at sneakers and ask “do they come in black?”

Practical examples of Circle to Search usage

The best way to understand this feature’s potential is through real examples. These are the ones I use most.

Shopping and product identification

You’re on Instagram and see shoes you like. Instead of searching “brown shoes thick sole,” you point at the shoes and Google shows you that exact model or similar ones, with prices and where to buy them.

Instant translation

You see a meme in English or text in a photo in another language. You point at the text and Circle to Search translates it without leaving the app.

Identify plants, animals, or places

You’re out for a walk and see a plant you don’t recognize. You take a photo, open it in your gallery, activate Circle to Search, and point at the plant. Google tells you what species it is.

Get answers while watching videos

On YouTube, while watching a tutorial, you point at an object or tool you don’t recognize. Google tells you what it is, what it’s for, and where to buy it.

Identify food in photos

You see a photo of a dish on TikTok and don’t know what it is. You point at the dish and Google identifies the name, its origin, and even a recipe.

Pro-tip: For online shopping, Circle to Search is a beast. Point at any product in any app and it shows prices across multiple stores. I’ve found much better deals this way than by searching manually.

Circle to Search vs Google Lens: what’s the difference?

Many people confuse Circle to Search with Google Lens. They’re similar, but have important differences.

In short: Circle to Search is like Google Lens but without needing to leave where you are. It’s more convenient and faster, but has more demanding hardware requirements.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Does Circle to Search work without internet connection?

No. It needs a connection to analyze images and show results. If you don’t have internet, the feature won’t activate.

Is it available in Spanish?

Yes, Circle to Search works perfectly in Spanish. Search results, translations, and AI summaries appear in the language configured on your phone.

Can I use it in apps like WhatsApp or Telegram?

Yes, it works in any app where you can see something on screen. Photos, videos, documents, messages with images… Everything is searchable.

Does it use a lot of mobile data?

Very little. Each search uses between 50KB and 200KB, depending on the complexity of the analysis. It’s like a normal Google search.

Conclusion

Circle to Search is one of those features that, once you try it, you can’t understand how you lived without it. Searching for anything you see on screen without leaving your app is a paradigm shift in how we interact with our phones. If you have a compatible Android, enable it today. It will save you a ton of time and unnecessary searches.