Google has at all times emphasised its search service on Android, from pre-installing it on dwelling screens by default to creating it unremovable on Pixel units. Nevertheless, it does provide customers some flexibility, resembling the power to customise the search widget. Now, a brand new replace takes this customization to the following stage by permitting customers so as to add shortcuts on to the widget. Right here’s how one can personalize it.
What’s New within the Google Search Widget?
Google just lately launched notable adjustments to the Google Search widget, initially restricted to the testing section. One key function is the power so as to add a 3rd shortcut icon alongside the current Google Lens and microphone shortcuts. After a number of months of testing, this function is now rolling out to a wider viewers, together with beta customers of the Google app and even some public customers.
The function is on the market on non-Pixel units, together with Samsung Galaxy telephones—I examined it on my Galaxy Z Fold 5. For Pixel units, the default search widget stays non-customizable for now. Nevertheless, it’s possible that Google will quickly enable customization with out requiring the standalone Google Search app.
What Shortcuts Can You Add to the Google Search Widget?
The present Google Search widget features a search bar with microphone and Google Lens shortcuts. The most recent replace provides eight new shortcut choices:
Methods to Add Shortcuts to the Google Search Widget
When you’ve up to date to the most recent model of the Google app, including shortcuts is easy. Right here’s how one can do it (examined on a Samsung Galaxy gadget):
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Add the Google Search widget if it’s not already on your own home display:
- Lengthy press on the house display and faucet Widgets.
- Scroll right down to Google.
- Choose the 4×1 Google Search widget.
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Customise the widget:
- Lengthy press the widget and faucet Settings.
- Faucet Shortcuts or the + button.
- Choose a shortcut from the checklist, then press Again to avoid wasting adjustments.
You may also reset or take away shortcuts throughout the Shortcuts menu. If you happen to favor, choose None to maintain solely the default widget. Moreover, you possibly can resize the widget’s width to suit your dwelling display format.
Customizing the Google Search widget on units operating skinned variations of Android (like Samsung’s One UI) must be comparable, although there could also be slight variations in the way you entry the house display editor.
How Do These Shortcuts Work?
These shortcuts are deeply built-in with Google Search. While you faucet a shortcut, it launches a search associated to that function. For instance, choosing the Climate shortcut will show the present climate situations in your location.
Whereas this will look like a minor replace, including shortcuts to the Google Search widget considerably improves accessibility to numerous instruments—with out counting on AI options like Gemini. It additionally eliminates the necessity to open the Google app individually for fast duties.
Do you often use the Google Search widget, or do you like looking out by way of Gemini and different AI chatbots? Share your ideas and preferences with us within the feedback under!
