Circle to Search: More Phones Getting It
Yes, Circle to Search is coming to more phones, expanding well beyond the initial Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel lineup. This article explains which devices currently support it, how the feature works, and what to expect as it rolls out more widely.
What Is Circle to Search?
Circle to Search is an Android system-level feature that lets you search for anything on your screen without switching apps. Instead of taking a screenshot or typing a query, you simply circle, highlight, or tap an object—a landmark, a product, a piece of text—and Google instantly shows you search results. It was first announced in January 2024 as a collaboration between Google and Samsung, debuting on the Galaxy S24 series and the Pixel 8 series.
The feature is built into the Android operating system itself, not into a specific app. That means it works across any app you have open—Chrome, Instagram, YouTube, or a game—as long as your phone supports it. It uses Google’s visual search technology, which combines image recognition, text recognition (OCR), and knowledge graph data to identify what you’ve selected.
Which Phones Have It Now?
As of mid-2025, Circle to Search is available on a growing list of devices. The initial rollout covered:
- Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro (later added to Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, and the Pixel 8a)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 series (S24, S24+, S24 Ultra)
- Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip 5 (via One UI 6.1 update)
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series (tablets also got it)
Since then, Google has expanded it to more devices. The Pixel 9 series ships with it, and Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series includes it out of the box. Several mid-range and older flagship phones have received it through software updates, including the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4. Google has also confirmed that Circle to Search will come to more Android devices throughout 2025, including select models from other manufacturers like OnePlus and Xiaomi.
How Does Circle to Search Work?
Using Circle to Search is straightforward, but the underlying technology is more complex. Here’s how it works:
- Activate it: Press and hold the home button or the gesture handle at the bottom of the screen (depending on your navigation mode). On some phones, you can also use a dedicated button in the notification shade.
- Select what you want to search: Draw a circle around an object, tap on a word, or scribble over a region. The system highlights your selection.
- Get results: A bottom sheet slides up with visual search results, matching products, images, or text. You can refine your query by adding text or using voice input.
- Take action: Tap a result to open it in the browser, or use the “Add to search� field to refine further. You can also copy text or translate it directly from the selection.
The feature uses on-device machine learning to recognize objects and text, then sends that information to Google’s servers to fetch results. It’s designed to be fast—typically under a second—and works even when you’re in the middle of a video or game.
Why Is It Coming to More Phones?
Google’s strategy is to make Circle to Search a standard Android feature, not a premium exclusive. The company has stated that it wants the feature to be available on as many devices as possible, as it drives more searches and more engagement with Google’s services. For phone manufacturers, having the feature can make their devices more attractive to buyers, especially those who value convenience and AI-powered tools.
However, there are technical constraints. Circle to Search requires a certain level of processing power and memory to run smoothly, particularly for the on-device image recognition. That’s why it initially launched on flagship devices. As hardware improves and the feature becomes more optimized, it can be pushed to lower-end devices. Google has also been working with Qualcomm and MediaTek to ensure compatibility with their chipsets.
How to Check If Your Phone Has It
If you’re not sure whether your phone supports Circle to Search, here’s how to check:
- Check your settings: Go to Settings > System > Gestures > Circle to Search. If you see the option, you have it.
- Try the gesture: Press and hold the home button or gesture handle. If a search bar appears at the bottom, you’re good.
- Look for updates: If you don’t see it, check for a system update in Settings > System > System update. Manufacturers often add the feature in security or feature drops.
- Check with your manufacturer: Some brands, like Samsung, list which devices have received the feature on their support pages.
Remember that even if your phone is eligible, the rollout can be gradual. It might take a few weeks after an update is announced before it appears on your device.
Common Problems and Fixes
Users sometimes report issues with Circle to Search. Here are the most common ones and what to do:
- Feature not working after update: Restart your phone, then try again. If it still doesn’t work, clear the cache for the Google app (Settings > Apps > Google > Storage > Clear cache).
- Can’t activate it: Make sure you’re using the correct gesture. If you use gesture navigation, you need to hold the gesture handle (the thin bar at the bottom). If you use three-button navigation, hold the home button.
- Search results are poor: The feature works best when you circle a clear, distinct object. Try to include more of the object in your selection, or tap on text instead of circling.
- It drains battery: The feature itself uses minimal battery, but the constant listening for the gesture might. If you’re concerned, you can disable it in settings.
Circle to Search vs. Google Lens
Many people wonder how Circle to Search differs from Google Lens, which has been around since 2017. The key difference is integration. Google Lens is a separate app or a camera mode; you have to open it, point your camera, or take a screenshot. Circle to Search is a system-level shortcut that works on any screen, without leaving the app you’re in. It’s also faster because it doesn’t require a screenshot or app switch. However, Lens still has some unique features, like real-time translation through the camera and the ability to add images to your search history. Both are powered by similar technology, but Circle to Search is designed for quick, on-the-go searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Circle to Search free?
Yes, Circle to Search is completely free. There’s no subscription or in-app purchase. It’s a built-in feature of Android, just like the notification shade or the recent apps view. You don’t need a Google One subscription or any other paid service to use it.
Will Circle to Search come to my Xiaomi or OnePlus phone?
Google has said that the feature will expand to more Android devices, and several manufacturers have confirmed they are working on it. However, there’s no official list of specific models or dates. The best way to know is to check your phone’s system update regularly, or follow your manufacturer’s official news. As of now, it’s confirmed for many Samsung and Pixel devices, and it’s expected to reach others in 2025.
Can I use Circle to Search on a tablet?
Yes, if the tablet runs Android and has the feature enabled. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S9 series has it, and it’s likely to come to more tablets. The gesture is the same: hold the home button or gesture handle. On tablets, you might also find a dedicated button in the taskbar or quick settings.
Does Circle to Search work on iPhones?
No, Circle to Search is an Android-only feature. iPhones have a similar feature called “Visual Look Upâ€� in the Photos app, but it’s not a system-wide search. There’s no official way to get Circle to Search on iOS, and third-party apps that claim to do so are not the same.
Why doesn’t my phone have Circle to Search even though it’s a Samsung?
If you have a Samsung phone, the feature is usually included in One UI 6.1 or later. If you don’t see it, you might be on an older version of One UI, or your phone model might not be supported yet. Check for software updates in Settings > Software update. If there’s no update, your phone may not be on the list of supported devices. Samsung has a support page listing which models have received the feature.
Can I turn off Circle to Search?
Yes. Go to Settings > System > Gestures > Circle to Search and toggle it off. This will disable the gesture, and you won’t accidentally trigger it. You can turn it back on at any time.
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