Circle to Search: Google's New Smart Search Feature, Exclusive to Select Devices

Google has deployed this AI search tool to older Samsung and Google devices, and today announced new sharing features. Circle to Search, an AI-based feature that allows users to search specific parts of images or videos online on Android, has now become even more powerful.

At the Made by Google event today, Google announced that Android users with compatible devices can now share Circle to Search results with friends and family.

As a faster, AI-powered version of Google Lens, Circle to Search allows you to select any part of the screen for a visual search simply by circling it with your finger or another input device.

When you see a product like clothing, electronics, or household items in a photo or video on your Android phone, you can activate Circle to Search by holding down the Home button or gesture bar, then circling those products to see more images and potentially search for where to buy them.

Which devices support Circle to Search?

Wondering if your Android phone or tablet will get this new AI search functionality? We’re tracking the latest Android devices that have received the new feature, so keep reading to see if you have access to Circle to Search.

The AI-powered exploration tool, Circle to Search, has been added to several Samsung and Google phones, including some released a few years ago. Circle to Search is also available on certain Android tablets, including the Pixel Tablet.

Here is the full list:

• Samsung Galaxy S24, S24 Plus, and S24 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, S23 Ultra, and S23 FE
• Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus, S22 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Flip 6
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Flip 5
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Flip 4
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3
• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, S9 Plus, and S9 Ultra
• Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
• Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
• Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 6A and 7A
• Google Pixel Fold
• Google Pixel Tablet

How to Use Circle to Search

Now, if you have a compatible phone or tablet, it’s time to use Circle to Search. From anywhere on your Galaxy or Pixel device, press and hold the Home button in the navigation bar and select the new Circle to Search option that appears the first time you open it. After you use the tool once, it will become the default search tool, activated whenever you press and hold the Home button instead of Google Assistant.

Once the feature is enabled, use your finger to circle, scribble, or tap anywhere on the screen to search on Google. Circle to Search will then display a panel at the bottom of the screen, which you can swipe up to see more information about the object you circled, just like you would in Google Search.