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

Now, imagine using that same Google magic to instantly search images with the help of AI. 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 make searching more visual and instant.

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. 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.

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. 

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 now? Just ask and your Pixel will explain it’s because of their sweet and savoury flavour and unique texture – crunchy on the outside, meaty or cheesy on the inside.

Or say you’re watching the trailer for a new film 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. 

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 great 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.

Find what you’re looking for – no switching apps required – with Circle to Search on Pixel 8a.

Whether you’re travelling or planning a night out, Circle to Search lets you easily research different options with a simple gesture for restaurants or films. If you’re texting with friends and get their recommendations, 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 flicking back and forth between apps.

This new way to search can also help with tricky tasks. Having trouble with your maths 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.