Your Pixel could now have Circle to Search — how to find out and use it

How-to
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published

It isn't just for Samsung users

An image of a Pixel being held in a person's hand with the Circle to Search feature being used on the screen to search for a mausoleum.
(Image credit: Future)

If you own a Pixel 8 or a Pixel 8 Pro, Google's latest feature drop for Android 14 means you've just got one of the headline features of the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S24: Circle to Search.

We recently covered how to use Circle to Search on the Galaxy S24, where it's enabled by default. It should already be enabled on your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, but there are a couple of different ways of getting it to work based on which type of gesture navigation you're using, so it's plausible that the feature may have passed you by even if you're using the latest Pixel phone. 

If you're wondering whether the feature has come to your phone yet, the first thing to consider is your device: unfortunately, Google has only rolled this out to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices. Next, due to the nature of Google's feature drop roll outs (which are very sporadic and hit different devices at difference times), the only way to tell if you've got the feature yet is to follow the steps below. If you don't see the Circle to Search option in step 2, unfortunately you'll need to wait some more.

In this guide, we'll show you how to enable and use Circle to Search on Pixel phones, touching on both gesture navigation modes available on the device.

How to use Circle to Search on a Google Pixel phone

Currently, this feature is only available on Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro devices. This feature launched in a feature drop, so if you don't see the feature yet follow our guide on how to update Android and then check again. Still no feature? Unfortunately you'll just have to be patient and wait for it to roll out to your device.

1. Go to Settings > System > Navigation mode

(Image: © Future)

First, open the Settings app and tap System, then tap Navigation mode.

2. Tap the cog, then toggle on Circle to Search

(Image: © Future)

Circle to Search works with both Navigation modes. Tap the settings cog next to whichever mode you're using. On the next page, toggle on Circle to Search if it isn't already enabled.

3. Long tap the handle/Home button

(Image: © Future)

To search, either long tap the handle (Gesture navigation) or long tap the Home button (3-button navigation). The screen will go cloudy and you'll see a banner prompting you to tap or circle to search, plus a Google Search box.

4. Circle or tap what you want to search

(Image: © Future)

Now simply tap or draw a circle around what you want to search. It will be highlighted by white rectangle corners. This works on images as in the screenshots above, but can also be used on text as in the screenshots below.

(Image credit: Future)

5. Ask follow up questions with Google Search

(Image: © Future)

Now, if you like, swipe up on the results panel to open a full Google search and ask Google any follow up questions.

Nice and easy, as you'd expect from the best phones around. If you'd like to learn more cool ways to use your Pixel, check out our guides on how to enable the 'Extra dim' mode on Pixel, how to enable the hidden Pixel diagnostics mode, how to use your Pixel's macro camera and how to enable and customize your Pixel's video stabilization.

Peter Wolinski
Peter Wolinski
Reviews Editor

Peter is Reviews Editor at Tom's Guide. As a writer, he covers topics including tech, photography, gaming, hardware, motoring and food & drink. Outside of work, he's an avid photographer, specialising in architectural and portrait photography. When he's not snapping away on his beloved Fujifilm camera, he can usually be found telling everyone about his greyhounds, riding his motorcycle, squeezing as many FPS as possible out of PC games, and perfecting his espresso shots. 

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • raymondit
    I'm really getting tired of Google. I have a p7p and it's like they forgot about their older devices.

    I'm in Canada still can't get Gemini. Why get a Pixel if you're not getting any of the features.

    I buy a new device every 2 years and other then great photos there isn't benefit to a Pixel. They want to say they will support the device for years but they ready are just using that as marketing.

    When is Google going to realize that to sell hardware they need to support software. Apple does the best job of this, Samsung has kind of figured it out, but Google not at all, even my LG was better at software support
    Reply
  • kdarty
    Just a point of clarification, Google invented the circle to search feature and through their partnership with Samsung let it be introduced with the S24 as a sell worthy feature. They didn't copy it from Samsung.
    Reply