Circle to Search Just Got Smarter, and It Can Now See Beyond Your Screen
Circle to Search has always been one of the most effortless ways to search anything on your Android phone, draw around it, and Google does the rest.
But it had one persistent limitation: it could only work with what was literally visible on your screen.
A buried paragraph in a PDF, a full article living behind a URL, or anything off-screen was invisible to it. Google app beta v17.18.24 is changing that, and the update is already rolling out.
Following the accidental COSMO AI leak, this update scans entire documents and URLs for answers far beyond your current pixels.
“Ask About Screen” Replaces “Search Using Your Whole Screen”
According to Android Authority, Google has rebranded Circle to Search’s “Search using your whole screen” to “Ask about screen” in the latest Google app beta. The search box now reads “Search with more context,” indicating a massive capability shift.
Instead of simple screenshots, Google now automatically ingests URLs, full page content, and PDF data for its AI Mode.
This allows for deep document analysis; for instance, circling a term in a 20-page PDF now sends the entire file’s context for a precise answer.
This technology mirrors the deep intelligence found in Google Photos, which is currently building a ‘digital wardrobe’ with built-in virtual try-on features.
Just as Photos scans your library to understand your style, this update scans entire documents and URLs for answers far beyond your current pixels. Currently living in Chrome and Files by Google.
Why This Is a Meaningful Step Forward
Google already offers similar depth through the Gemini overlay inside Chrome and Files, but that route requires choosing a model and managing a separate interface.
Circle to Search’s strength has always been speed and zero friction. Layering PDF and URL context onto that same gesture keeps the experience instant while dramatically expanding what it can answer.
It fits a broader pattern in how Google is evolving Android intelligence. The Gemini “Your Day” proactive feed pulls context from your apps automatically.
When Will It Reach Your Phone
The “Ask about screen” update is currently in Google app beta v17.18.24 and rolling out gradually.
Android Authority notes that presuming Google is satisfied with beta test results, the change should reach the stable branch within the coming days and weeks.
No action is needed; once it hits stable, Circle to Search will gain the capability automatically.
Source: See it. Circle it. Find it.
