Android owners call Google’s ‘Circle Search’ trick ‘insanely useful’ and say best way to use it ‘made my life so easy’

ANDROID owners can take advantage of a little-known feature that allows them to learn more about an item simply by circling it.

The aptly named Circle to Search tool is available on newer Galaxy smartphones and tablets as well as Pixel phones.

The feature allows users to glean more information about an object in a photo by drawing a circle around it.

You can find videos featuring the content, sites to purchase a product, and even check if it’s trending on social media.

Pixel owners can search for anything on their screen with a circle, tap, scribble, or highlight.

There are even more features, including a "transparency" check that automatically detects whether a photo is real or altered.

To enable the feature, touch and hold the Home button.

The Google Search bar and a gradient should appear. Use a gesture to indicate the part of the image or text you want to search.

For more accuracy, you can use two fingers to zoom or move around your screen before you circle.

When you’ve finished, swipe down, use the back gesture, or tap X on the top left.

The feature works similarly on Samsung devices, but note that your phone must be running One UI 6.1 or later.

To use the tool, enable "Circle to Search" in your phone's settings.

Open an image and tap and hold the Home key. Using your finger or an S Pen, circle the object you'd like to learn more about.

You can even refine your search by adding text in the search bar.

The unique search feature has proven popular, with netizens flocking to Reddit to leave rave reviews.

"I used to think it was overrated since Google Lens already existed until I started using it for practical reasons myself," one user wrote.

"Now I love it and can’t see myself not using it. It’s just so handy and convenient."

Another user praised the feature's ease of use.

"I thought I wouldn't use it as much in the beginning now I don't think I can live without that," another user proclaimed.

"I like that it doesn't take over the entire screen and the selection can easily be edited. My favorite Pixel feature by far."

What devices have the Circle to Search function?

The Circle to Search feature is available on select Galaxy phones and tablets:

-S24 Ultra, S24+, S24

-S23 Ultra, S23+, S23, S23 FE

-S22 Ultra, S22+, S22

-S21 Ultra, S21+, S21

-Z Fold6, Z Fold5, Z Flip6, Z Flip5, Z Fold4, Z Flip4, Z Fold3, Z Flip3

-Tab S9 Ultra, Tab S9+, Tab S9

The feature is not available Tab S9 FE, A series phones or tablets, or any other models not listed above.

Moreover, the One UI 6.1 software update is required to use Galaxy AI features.

Circle to Search feature can also be used with the S Pen on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, S23 Ultra, S22 Ultra, S21 Ultra, or Tab S9 series.

The feature is also available on Google Pixel smartphones.

-Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro

-Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro

-Pixel 6a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel Fold