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A new way to search that feels like magic.
Get the information you need – no switching apps required – with Circle to Search, an AI-powered feature on Pixel.

Remember the first time you searched with Google? 

Remember that feeling of power and possibility, as the entire world seemed so close? 

Now, imagine using that same Google magic to instantly do an image search to help you shop, find travel inspiration, or answer questions that pop into your head while you’re watching a video – without ever having to switch apps. With Circle to Search, you can. It’s an AI-powered feature that works on Pixel, designed to give search more instant gratification. 

Just hold the home button or navigation bar on your Pixel. When the Google search bar appears, use a finger to circle, tap, scribble, or highlight whatever’s piqued your interest. Ta da! The search pops up in the lower half of the screen. 

Here are four things you can do with Circle to Search, all powered by the magic of AI.

1 Shop for what’s on your screen

Say you’re scrolling through social media and come across something you’d like to buy – like a pair of sunglasses or a blender. With Circle to Search, you can tap what you want to purchase and easily pull up the same or similar items from stores online. 

2 Ask for more information

Want to satisfy a nagging need to know, like why you’re seeing a certain type of corn dog on social media? Just circle an image with your finger and Circle to Search can tell you they’re Korean cuisine. Curious why they’re popular? Just ask and your Pixel will explain it’s because of their sweet and savory flavor and unique texture – crunchy on the outside, meaty or cheesy on the inside.

Or say you’re watching the trailer for a new movie set in Buenos Aires and want to learn more about a landmark that appears in it. Launch Circle to Search and circle the photo of the building to quickly find out it’s the Casa Rosada. 

Want to learn more about how to use this feature to search your screen? Check out our Circle to Search support guide. 

Want to satisfy a nagging need to know, like why you’re seeing a certain type of corn dog on social media? Just circle an image with your finger.3 Define words and translate phrases

Sometimes what you’re searching for is a word on the page, not an image in your feed. Say you want to know what the word “gambol” means. Just highlight what you’re reading and Google AI will give you a quick definition. And, without having to leave the page, you’ll immediately learn that gambol means to skip about, as in dancing. 

Another cool feature: translating foreign languages. If you want to chat with your cousin in Spain or translate a menu at a restaurant online, Circle to Search can help, no matter where the text appears – in a PDF, video, web page, or chat. This feature works in more than 100 languages. 

A simple way to search that feels like magic

Find what you’re looking for – no switching apps required – with Circle to Search on Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL.

A simple way to search that feels like magic

Find what you’re looking for – no switching apps required – with Circle to Search on Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL.

4 Compare options and get help with tricky tasks

Whether you’re traveling or planning a night out, Circle to Search lets you easily research different options for restaurants or movies. If you’re texting with friends and get their recs, there’s no need to toggle back and forth between your text thread and your Google search bar. By touching and holding the navigation bar, you can sift through different options on the lower half of the screen – without flipping back and forth between apps.

This novel way to search can also help with tricky tasks. Having trouble with your math or physics2 homework? Trying to repair your dishwasher? Wondering how to use Circle to Search to get help with a clue for a crossword puzzle? All you need to do is circle, tap, scribble, or highlight the word on your screen. Google AI can then give you hints or step-by-step instructions that provide you with a deeper understanding, not just the answer. 

Takeaways
From shopping to translation, Circle to Search is designed to make search feel more natural and instantaneousWhen the Google search bar appears, just use a finger to circle, tap, scribble, or highlight whatever’s piqued your interest1Use Circle to Search, an AI-powered feature on Pixel, to find what you’re looking for online without switching apps.
Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL
All pro. Pure magic.
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  1. Requires internet connection and compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches.

  2. Available for some math world problems when opted into Search Labs.