How to use the Circle to Search feature

Using the Galaxy S Pen to encircle an image with the Circle to Search feature.

Circle to Search is a Google-powered feature that allows you to quickly search for information about what you see on your screen — including images, videos or text by using a simple gesture with your finger or the S Pen. Learn how to utilise Circle to Search to easily search for image information across the Gallery app, web, social media, and more.

Circle to Search is available on the following Galaxy devices:

Smartphones:
S24 Ultra / S24+ / S24 / S24 FE
S23 Ultra / S23+ / S23 / S23 FE
S22 Ultra / S22+ / S22
S21 Ultra / S21+ / S21
Z Fold6 / Z Fold5 / Z Fold4 / Z Fold3
Z Flip6 / Z Flip5 / Z Flip4 / Z Flip3
A55 5G / A35 5G / A54 5G / A34 5G 

Tablets:
Tab S10 Ultra / Tab S10+
Tab S9 Ultra / Tab S9+ / Tab S9 / Tab S9 FE+ / Tab S9 FE
Tab S8 Ultra / Tab S8+ / Tab S8

Circle to Search feature and how to set it up

This distinctive feature enables you to swiftly search the internet for items of interest in an image or text without changing applications or typing out your search query. Simply use your finger or an S-pen to encircle the item or text of interest, and it will automatically trigger a search. This feature functions on all applications that permit screen capture.

Please Note:

  • Circle to Search requires an internet connection in order to work.
  • When the 'Screen search isn't available' appears: Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app > Enable Analyze on-screen images.
Display is selected in Settings. Display is selected in Settings.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Display.

Navigation bar is selected. Navigation bar is selected.

Step 2. Tap Navigation bar.

The screen with the Circle to Search switch on. The screen with the Circle to Search switch on.

Step 3. Enable Circle to Search to On.

How to use Circle to Search

How to use Circle to Search on the Galaxy S24 Ultra How to use Circle to Search on the Galaxy S24 Ultra

With an internet connection, an image on your Galaxy phone's screen, and a few short steps, you can conduct an internet search by simply circling an object of interest.

Pet images in the Gallery app. Pet images in the Gallery app.

Step 1. Tap and hold the home key.

Circle to Search activated with a pet circled. Circle to Search activated with a pet circled.

Step 2. Use your finger or an S-pen to circle or tap the object of interest.

The search results of the pet. The search results of the pet.

Step 3. Once your finger or S-pen is removed from the phone's screen, the web search will begin.

Please Note: Due to the nature of the search algorithm, searching for the same image may produce different outcomes.

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