Google AI has unveiled a revolutionary way to search on Android devices:
Circle to Search. This intuitive feature, initially available on Pixel phones and now
expanding to the Galaxy S24 and S24 Pro, lets you seamlessly search for
information about anything on your screen with a simple gesture.
Meet the New Search Features on your Galaxy S24
Gone are the days of typing keywords or navigating through apps. With
Circle to Search, you can simply draw a circle around any object or text on your screen –
whether with your finger or the S Pen – and instantly access relevant
information. This powerful tool even recognizes scribbles and highlights,
making it effortlessly adaptable to your preferred search style.
How does it work with explanatory examples
Circle Search is a quick and intuitive way to search for information about
anything you see on your screen. It eliminates the need for typing and makes
exploring the web more visual and interactive.
Let's say you're browsing Instagram and see a picture of a delicious-looking
dessert you've never seen before. You want to know what it is and where to
find it.
Or
For example, maybe you need help identifying a few items a creator wore in
their “Outfit of the Day” video, but they didn’t tag the brands.
In any of these scenarios, all you need to do is long-press the home button on
your Galaxy phone to activate Circle to Search. From there, you can select any
item that you see with your preferred gesture - like circling their
handbags
Watch the following video to see more for yourself
Setting Up Circle to Search on Galaxy S24
The circle-to-search feature is activated through a simple phone gesture.
Ensure it's enabled in your phone settings, as it's usually on by default for
many devices. However, occasionally manual confirmation may be required. To
confirm, follow these steps:
1. On your phone settings, locate and click on the display option
2. On your display settings, find and click on the
Navigation option
3. When on the navigation settings, toggle to switch the
Circle to Search button if it is not already on otherwise leave or turn
it off.
How to circle to search on Galaxy S24
Follow the instructions below to correctly use this feature.
1. Long-press the home button on your phone to activate the Google search
bar.
-
The home button is typically located at the bottom center of your
device, depending on your phone's gesture settings.
2. Use your finger or S Pen to draw a circle around the object or text
you want to search for. You can adjust the size of the circle by dragging
its edges. You can also scribble, or highlight the object you want to
search.
-
This action will display related information or similar objects from
various sources. Additionally, there's a search box and a Google Lens
camera for more search options.
General Tips
1. You can search for text outside of websites or apps. For instance, if you
come across an email address in a document, simply circle it to initiate a
search for relevant information.
2. For optimal results, ensure that the objects you're searching for are
clear and well-defined. If an object is blurry or surrounded by clutter,
Circle to Search might struggle to identify it.
3. To tailor your Circle to Search experience, access the settings by
tapping the three dots in the top right corner of the Circle to Search
screen. Here, you can modify the circle size, adjust animation speed, and
choose between Google and Bixby for your web searches.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Circle to Search on Galaxy S24
How do I activate Circle to Search?
Just long-press the Home button (customizable in settings) or tap the small
circle icon at the bottom left corner of your screen.
Can I use Circle to Search with my S Pen?
Yes, Circle away with your S Pen for even more accuracy and ease.
Can I customize the size of the circle?
Yes, drag the edges of the circle to adjust it perfectly around your target.
Circle to Search isn't working. What do I do?
Double-check your internet connection, restart your phone, or ensure Circle to
Search is enabled in settings. If issues persist, contact Samsung support.
I'm not getting relevant search results with Circle to Search. Why not?
The accuracy of results depends on the clarity of your selection. Try drawing
a cleaner circle around your target.
How can I turn off Circle to Search?
Head to Settings > Display > Navigation bar and toggle Circle to Search off.
How do I search for text with Circle to Search?
Circle any text on your screen, like news headlines or captions, and relevant
search results will pop up.
What can I search for with Circle to Search?
Anything your curiosity finds! Images, text, phone numbers, products,
addresses – the possibilities are endless.
Does Circle to Search work on all apps?
While it works on most major apps, there are a few exceptions due to technical
limitations.
What search engine does Circle to Search use?
You can choose between Google and Bixby, depending on your preference.
Can I search for multiple things at once with Circle to Search?
Currently, you cannot, but future updates might bring exciting multi-search
features!
What happens if I accidentally draw a circle around something I don't want to
search for?
Simply lift your finger, and the circle will disappear without initiating a
search.
Have any other questions? feel free to ask in the comment section below.
