The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To search for something you can currently see on a supported Galaxy screen, use Circle to Search. To look up a photo already saved in Gallery, Samsung documents a Bixby Vision route for Galaxy S23-series devices. These are separate workflows, and neither is available in exactly the same way on every Samsung phone or tablet.
Choose the search method for where the image is
| What you want to search | Starting point | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| An object or image currently visible in an app, video, webpage, or camera view | Circle to Search | Available only on select Galaxy devices and software versions; requires internet and may be blocked in apps that restrict screen capture. Samsung US support and Samsung Canada support |
| A picture already saved in Gallery | Bixby Vision, where the control is available | The documented Gallery steps are from the Galaxy S23-series manual; availability and results vary by region, carrier, and image characteristics. Samsung Galaxy S23 series user manual |
Search what is on your Galaxy screen with Circle to Search
Circle to Search lets you select an item without first leaving the screen where you found it. It is useful for questions such as “What kind of dog are you seeing?” or where a jacket is sold. You can circle, tap, or highlight the subject, then review the results.
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Check whether your device and settings support it
Samsung describes Circle to Search for select Galaxy phones and tablets running Android 14 with One UI 6.1 or later. That baseline does not mean every device on those versions is eligible. Open Settings > Display > Navigation bar and look for the Circle to Search setting. The feature needs an internet connection; Samsung Canada also specifies a Google account requirement. It may not work in apps that prevent screen capture.
Run a search
- Update your Galaxy device, then confirm that Circle to Search is available in Settings > Display > Navigation bar.
- Open the app, webpage, video, or other screen containing the subject. For a camera search, open Camera and point the phone at the subject before activating the feature.
- Press and hold the Home icon if you use three-button navigation. With gesture navigation, press and hold the navigation handle at the bottom of the screen.
- If prompted on first use, complete setup or approve the requested permissions.
- Circle, tap, or highlight the item you want to look up. A compatible S Pen can be used on devices that support it; a finger also works.
- Review the results and refine the selected area if the initial selection included too much or too little of the image.
If Circle to Search is missing or unavailable
- Check for the toggle at Settings > Display > Navigation bar and confirm the device and software meet Samsung’s stated baseline.
- If Samsung says the feature is unavailable because of settings, check Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > Digital assistant app and enable Analyze on-screen images, if that option is present.
- Menu names can differ by software version. If the feature works generally but not in one app, that app may restrict screen capture.
- Make sure the device is connected to the internet; a Google account is also required according to Samsung Canada’s guidance.
For Samsung’s model and setup details, see its US Circle to Search support page and Canadian support page.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Search a photo saved in Gallery with Bixby Vision
Samsung’s Galaxy S23-series manual describes opening a saved image in Gallery and tapping its Bixby Vision control. Its Discover function searches online for similar images and related information. Because this guidance is specific to the S23 series, do not assume another Galaxy model has the same control or path; check the options shown on your own device.
- Open Gallery and select the saved image.
- Tap the Bixby Vision control if it appears.
- Choose the relevant discovery or search option and review the matching images or related information.
The same manual also documents Bixby Vision in Camera and in Samsung Internet: in Samsung Internet, touch and hold an image, then choose Search with Bixby Vision. Available functions and results can vary by region or carrier, and image size, format, or resolution may affect whether a search is available and how useful its results are. Consult the Galaxy S23-series manual for that model family’s documented controls.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
What Circle to Search can do with multiple objects
In an announcement dated February 25, 2026, Google said multi-object image search was available on the new Samsung Galaxy S26 series and Pixel 10 devices, with more Android devices to follow. Google’s example is selecting an outfit to find its clothing items, accessories, and shoes together. This is a dated availability statement, not a guarantee that the feature is on every Galaxy device now; check your model and current software. Google also says virtual try-on is limited to select devices and countries where Google shopping listings already support that experience. Details are in Google’s February 2026 announcement.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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