Circle to Search and Google Lens: search what’s on your screen
How to use Circle to Search on Android: circle, highlight or tap anything on screen, translate the whole screen and check if a photo is original. With troubleshooting.
Circle to Search lets you search anything on your phone’s screen without switching apps, on compatible Android devices.
Touch and hold Home or the navigation handle, circle, highlight, tap or scribble, see results below, then swipe down or tap X. Tap Translate to translate the whole screen; it can also check whether a photo is original or modified (deepfakes).
If it fails: Google as default digital assistant, Use screen and app data on, Google app updated. May be unavailable in banking or medical apps. What you circle is sent to Google.
Frequently asked questions
Does it work on every Android?
No, on compatible Android devices; on Pixel from Pixel 6.
“Screen search isn’t available”?
Set Google as default digital assistant, turn on Use screen and app data, update the Google app.
In banking apps?
It may be unavailable in banking or medical apps.
Main guide on this topic: Gemini: a practical guide to getting started (2026)
Keep reading
Sources
Change log
- : First published with Google’s official help as checked that day.
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