How to Get Google’s Circle to Search on Your Samsung Galaxy Smartphone

Google’s Circle to Search is arguably one of the best new features for Android devices in a long time. It’s also one of the first to roll out with a major Samsung flagship launch.

Unsurprisingly, Circle to Search is more popular than the other Galaxy AI capabilities Samsung bundled into its Galaxy S24 smartphones, and for a good reason: it gives easy access to the Google Search engine—and isn’t that why you’re wielding an Android device in the first place?

Now, Circle to Search is coming to more of Samsung’s devices. But don’t get too excited yet. The list is still pretty limited.

How to get Circle to search on a Samsung device

If you don’t already have Circle to Search on your Galaxy device, check for a software update. One UI 6.1 is the same software running on the Galaxy S24 series right now, and it includes Circle to Search as part of the package. Samsung announced that the software update will hit devices on March 28.

Galaxy S23 users should check for a software update, including the smaller Galaxy S23 and the Galaxy S23 Ultra. The Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5 are also on the list, as is the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

Does it cost anything?

It’s still uncertain what the future holds for these particular features. Samsung’s Galaxy AI features, like Generative Edits in the Samsung gallery app, will require a subscription beginning in 2026. But there are no details currently other than Samsung confirming the eventuality to a Korean outlet some time ago.

Circle to Search is another thing entirely. Google manages it and is part of the Google Search app. Google has been practicing buffing up its Google One subscription offerings by enabling the ability to unlock certain features through an active membership. Here’s hoping that’s not where Circle to Search will end up.