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Samsung announced an expansion of Circle to Search on August 14, 2024, bringing Google’s screen-search feature to selected Galaxy A-series phones and Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablets. The U.S. rollout was scheduled to begin August 22, 2024. Support has since broadened, but eligibility still depends on the exact model, software, market and app.
What Samsung announced in August 2024
Circle to Search first arrived on the Galaxy S24 series through Samsung and Google’s collaboration. Samsung’s August 2024 announcement extended it to selected midrange Galaxy phones and tablets; it did not make every Galaxy A or Tab device compatible. Samsung’s global announcement and U.S. announcement gave different phone lists, reflecting regional availability.
| Announcement | Phones named | Tablets named | Rollout detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung global, August 14, 2024 | Galaxy A55, A54, A35 and A34 | Galaxy Tab S9 FE and Tab S9 FE+ | Galaxy A-series rollout was to begin during August 2024; availability could vary by model and market. |
| Samsung U.S., August 14, 2024 | Galaxy A35 5G and A54 5G | Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Tab S9 FE+ and Tab S9 FE 5G | Rollout was to begin August 22, 2024. |
These are the devices named in those announcements, not a complete list of compatible Galaxy products today. Samsung’s Google collaboration announcement also described Circle to Search as a capability expanding across Galaxy devices.
What Circle to Search does
Circle to Search lets you select visible text or an image and look it up without first leaving the app. For example, circle a jacket in a social post to search for similar items, or select a landmark, plant or product to find related information. You can also select text to copy or translate it, and search content visible in videos when the app allows it.
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On compatible Galaxy tablets, you can make a selection with a finger or S Pen. Samsung has also described capabilities such as QR and barcode scanning, homework help and full-page translation as the feature has evolved; available functions and results can differ by device and software version. Circle to Search is Google-powered and integrated into Galaxy devices, rather than a separate Samsung search engine. Google’s launch explanation describes the original feature and its first Pixel and Galaxy availability.
Which Galaxy devices support it now?
The 2024 announcement list is historical, not the full current compatibility list. Samsung’s U.S. support pages describe Circle to Search as available on select Galaxy phones and tablets, generally running Android 14 with One UI 6.1 or later. That software baseline does not guarantee support on every device running those versions: Samsung also says availability can depend on the model, software, market and app. See Samsung’s feature and compatibility guidance and Samsung’s setup instructions.
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- 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.
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A Samsung Ireland support page updated May 20, 2025, shows how the list had expanded in that region. It names Galaxy S25, S24, S23, S22 and S21 series; Galaxy Z Fold3 through Fold6 and Flip3 through Flip6; selected Galaxy A models; and Tab S10, Tab S10 FE, Tab S9, Tab S9 FE, Tab S8 and Tab Active5 families. The page’s regional compatibility list is evidence of later expansion, not a universal guarantee for every model variant or country.
Check your device in this order
- Confirm the exact Galaxy model and regional or carrier variant; similar model names do not establish identical availability.
- Install the latest software update offered for your device, then check its Android and One UI versions.
- Open Settings → Display → Navigation bar and look for Circle to Search. If the option appears, enable it if necessary.
- If the option is missing, consult Samsung support for your country and exact model. An absent toggle may indicate that the device or region is not supported.
- Check whether the app you want to search permits screen capture; protected apps can block the feature even on a compatible phone.
How to enable and use it
Turn on the setting
Go to Settings → Display → Navigation bar and switch on Circle to Search if it is off. Samsung says it may already be enabled by default on a compatible device.
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Search something on screen
- Open the app, webpage, image, video or Camera view containing the item or text you want to search.
- Touch and hold the Home icon on the navigation bar.
- Circle, tap or highlight the visible item or text.
- Swipe up on the results panel to see more information, then open a result if you want to continue.
- For detected text, choose Copy or Translate when those options appear.
Samsung’s usage guide covers the navigation gesture and selection methods; its feature support page provides additional device guidance.
Requirements and limitations
- Software and availability: A compatible device is required. Samsung’s stated baseline is Android 14 with One UI 6.1 or later on supported devices, but the version alone is not enough to confirm eligibility.
- Connection and services: Circle to Search needs an internet connection and Google Search availability. Country, language, app and device settings can affect access; some setups or regions may ask you to sign in to a Google account.
- Protected apps: Some streaming, banking and other secure apps block screen capture for copyright or security reasons. Circle to Search may therefore work in a browser or Gallery but not inside those apps.
- Variable results: Samsung warns that results depend on factors such as the selected image, clarity, framing, country and language; accuracy is not guaranteed.
- Feature-specific support: Receiving Circle to Search does not mean a device gets every Galaxy AI feature. Samsung treats availability of individual features as model- and software-dependent.
- Privacy: Because the feature uses Google-powered search on selected screen content, avoid selecting sensitive information you do not want to search.
If Circle to Search is not working
- Install the latest available device software, then check again under Settings → Display → Navigation bar.
- Confirm the Circle to Search toggle is on and retry the Home-button press-and-hold gesture.
- Check your internet connection. If first use prompts you for permission or to continue, follow the on-screen steps.
- Try a standard browser, Gallery image or Camera view to rule out an app restriction.
- If Samsung reports that the feature is unavailable because of a setting, use the prompt to open the relevant settings page.
- If the option is absent altogether after updating, check model- and region-specific Samsung support rather than assuming the phone has a faulty setting.
Should Circle to Search determine which Galaxy you buy?
It can be a useful convenience, especially if you often look up objects, products or text without switching apps. But Samsung’s later documentation lists support across multiple Galaxy generations and product lines, so the feature alone does not distinguish a current flagship from every midrange device. Check the exact model and local software availability first; for a purchase decision, also compare the device’s update support, display, camera, processor, storage and battery. Do not assume that Circle to Search means all Galaxy AI features are included.
Quick Recap
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- 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
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- 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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