How to use Circle to Search on Android

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Touch and hold the Home button or the navigation handle at the bottom of the screen. Then circle, tap or scribble over anything on the screen. Google shows search results for it without leaving the app.

Circle to Search looks up whatever is on your screen: a pair of shoes in a video, a building in a photo, a word in a chat. You do not have to take a screenshot or switch apps. It is on Pixel 6 and later and on selected phones from other makers.

Step by step

  1. Touch and hold the bottom of the screen

    With gesture navigation, touch and hold the navigation handle, the thin line at the bottom. With three buttons, touch and hold the Home button. A search bar appears and the edge of the screen glows.

  2. Mark what you mean

    Circle it, scribble over it, highlight text or simply tap it.

  3. Adjust the selection

    Drag the corners of the frame, or drag the whole frame, until it covers the right thing.

  4. Read the results

    They slide up from the bottom. Swipe up for more. You can type an extra question into the search bar, for example the word price.

  5. Translate the whole screen

    Start Circle to Search and tap the Translate button. The text on the screen is translated in place.

  6. Close it

    Swipe the results down or use the back gesture. You are back in the app where you started.

Good to know

To switch the feature on or off, open Settings and look for Circle to Search. On a Pixel it is under Settings, System.

If nothing happens when you hold the handle, the phone either does not support the feature or it is switched off in Settings.

Circle to Search can also show information about whether a photo is original or has been changed.

In short: Hold the Home button or the bar at the bottom, then circle or tap what you want to look up.

Sources
  • Android Help: Search your screen with Circle to Search

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.