- “Roll to search” allows instant visual searches of any on-screen element without leaving the app.
- It works on the most advanced Android models and, through Google Lens, also on iPhone and Google Chrome.
- Offers real-time translations, shopping, location and product recognition, and AI-enriched responses.
The "Circle to Search" feature , known internationally as "Circle to Search," represents one of Google's most significant innovations for interactive visual search on mobile devices. Thanks to this tool, anyone can instantly obtain information about images, text, places, or objects simply by circling the element on the screen with their finger, without needing to type or switch apps. This deep integration of artificial intelligence promises to transform the way we interact with digital content and search for information.
This functionality isn't just available on the latest Android phones; it has recently been integrated in various ways into iOS devices through Google Lens and into the Google Chrome browser itself . Whether browsing the web, social media, messaging apps, or watching videos, you can now access a fluid and contextual visual search with just a gesture. This article will explain in detail how this option works, how to activate it, in what situations it reaches its full potential, which devices support it, and how it differs from previous solutions like Google Lens.
What is the "Surround to Search" feature and how does it help in everyday life?
"Circle to Search" is an AI-powered feature that lets users find information about anything on their screen: from clothing in a video or an unfamiliar phrase in a news article to landmarks, restaurants, or products in shopping apps. The process is as simple as circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping the element that catches your eye, and Google automatically analyzes the context to provide relevant results at the bottom of the screen.
One of the biggest advantages is contextual integration : there's no need to leave the app, take screenshots, or copy and paste information. The results appear as an overlay, allowing you to consult, compare, translate, or explore more details without interrupting what you're doing. This functionality addresses the need for multimodal searches : you can select text, images, videos, or even music, and Google's AI processes each case optimally.
How does "Surround to Search" work technically?
The "Surround to Search" engine combines advanced artificial intelligence with image and text recognition and contextual analysis. The general procedure is as follows:
- Gesture detection: The system recognizes a gesture on the screen (circle, scribble, tap or highlight) on the element of interest.
- Content analysis: Visual and textual information is sent to Google servers, where AI models process it.
- Search Contextualization: AI interprets whether it's an object, word, building, garment, place, or music, and relates the context to online data.
- Results presentation: A window automatically opens at the bottom of the screen with visual results, links, similar images, contextual information, definitions, or translations.
Furthermore, the feature allows you to refine the selection by dragging the edges of the marked area, add text for more precise queries, or even ask direct questions that the AI answers considering the selected visual fragment. All of this without leaving the current application.
Which devices are compatible with "Route to Search"?
Initially, "Surround to Search" was exclusive to select Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel models . However, its availability is constantly expanding. Current compatibility includes:
- Samsung: Galaxy S24, S23, S22, S21, Z Fold and Z Flip series, as well as A55, A35, A54 and A34 models, and Galaxy Tab S10, S9 and S8 tablets in their different variants.
- Google Pixels: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and other newer-gen variants.
- Other brands: Google has announced the upcoming arrival of this feature to devices from manufacturers such as Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, and more.
- iPhone and Chrome for iOS: Although it's not integrated into the system, it's already possible to search with this technology in Chrome for iOS and from the Google Lens app. Simply open the three-dot menu in Chrome and select "Search on screen with Google Lens" to use gestures such as the circle on the item of interest.
Important: The Google app must be up to date, and on Android, the digital assistant must be properly configured. Some options depend on the system version or region.
Main uses and advantages of "Surround to search"
- Product Identification and Purchase: Find clothes, gadgets, or utensils that appear in videos, photos, or on social media, and instantly access online stores to compare prices and details.
- Recognition of places and monuments: Circle a building or landscape in any image and discover georeferences, historical data, and AI-generated summaries to plan trips or satisfy your curiosity.
- Instant language translation: Select text from images and automatically translate from any app, making it ideal for travelers or those who consume international content.
- Interpretation of unknown words, phrases and expressions: Highlight a word or phrase in an article or conversation and get definitions, without stopping reading or chatting.
- Obtaining information about restaurants, venues or services: Select a restaurant name in a WhatsApp conversation or social media comment and check out the menu, reviews, and location without leaving the app.
- Resolution of complex doubts: Ask specific questions about a selected image, leveraging generative AI-enriched responses that explain context, history, trends, and more.
- Quick comparison of options: Compare similar products or locations while browsing, without opening multiple tabs or interrupting the flow.
- Music identification: Using the music note button, you can find out what song is playing around you.
These apps make Circle to Search a versatile tool and a valuable ally for productivity, learning, and entertainment.
How to activate and use the "Surround to Search" feature on each platform
On Android
- Activate the function: Press and hold the home button (if using 3-button navigation) or the navigation bar (if using gestures).
- Select the item: Circle, scribble, highlight, or tap the object, word, or image that interests you.
- View the results: They'll appear at the bottom of the screen. You can swipe up to see more information.
- Refine your search: Drag the selection margins or add text for a more precise query.
- Translate or identify music: Use the special buttons if they appear next to the search bar to translate the entire screen or search for a song.
On iPhone (via Google Lens in Chrome or the Google app)
- Open Chrome or the Google app: Navigate to the screen with the content you want to analyze.
- Access Google Lens: In Chrome, tap the three-dot menu and choose "Search on screen with Google Lens." In the Google app, tap the Lens icon.
- Select the area: Use natural gestures like circles, highlights, or taps to highlight the object, phrase, or image you want to reference.
- Explore the results: See information that appears immediately, including AI-generated descriptions.
How to disable "Surround to search" or troubleshoot issues
If the feature doesn't appear or you want to disable it, follow these steps on Android:
- Accede to Configuration, search for “Search with a circle” and turn it off.
- Verify that the default digital assistant is set to Google and the “Use screenshot” option is enabled.
- Make sure you have the google app updated from Google Play Store.
Key differences between "Surround to search" and Google Lens
Both tools leverage artificial intelligence and image recognition technology, but "Surround to Search" is designed for real-time interaction and maximum fluidity. Its direct integration into the operating system facilitates instant access from anywhere without opening separate applications, unlike Google Lens, which works with captured or uploaded images and offers additional advanced options (plant identification, equation solving, QR code scanning, etc.).
In addition, "Surround to Search" stands out for allowing quick contextual searches on dynamic content in any application, such as videos, social networks and chats, while Google Lens focuses on search based on still images.
Google continues to enrich both tools, and in the case of Google Lens, the integration of AI-generated descriptions (AI Overviews) is expanding, providing quick summaries of what you see, useful links, and automatic understanding of complex images.