Boost Your Google Search Widget Efficiency with Useful Shortcuts

Mastering the Google Search Widget Customization on Android and iPhone

Unleash the full potential of your device’s home screen with the Google search widget! Most Android devices come equipped with this helpful tool, while iPhone users can easily install the Google app to access it. Initially featuring basic shortcuts like Voice Search and Lens, recent updates have supercharged the widget with customizable shortcuts. Read on to learn how to place and tweak this widget for an optimized search experience tailored just for you!

If the Google Search widget isn’t pre-installed, follow these simple steps to add it:

For Android Users: Long press on an empty space on your home screen and tap on Widgets.

In the Widgets section, scroll to find the Google group, then select the standard search widget and drag it to your desired location on the home screen.

Adding Google search widget to Android home screen.

For iPhone Users: Long press on the home screen until the app icons shake. Tap on Edit in the upper left corner followed by Add Widget.

Scroll through the available widgets and select Google. Choose the second widget option, which includes an Incognito mode shortcut, and tap Add Widget to set it on your home screen.

Add Shortcuts Google Search Widget Ios Searching

Tap your profile picture at the top right and select Settings.

Accessing Settings from the Google app on Android.

Next, go to Customize Search widget and then tap the plus icon next to Shortcuts.

Selecting "Customize Search widget"option in Google app settings.

Choose from the following shortcut options:

Translate (text): Access Google Translate for text.
Song Search: Identify songs playing nearby.
Weather: View the latest weather updates.
Translate (camera): Use Google Lens in translate mode with your camera.
Sports: Get updates on sports scores and schedules.
Dictionary: Quickly look up terms.
Homework: Access Google Lens’s homework mode.
Finance: Track your financial investments.
Saved: Access your saved content stream.
News: Stay updated with the latest news.

Shortcut options view in Google search widget on Android.

The shortcuts will now appear on your home screen, enabling quick access to your most-used features.

For iPhone Users: You can customize only the larger widget. Press the + icon next to the last shortcut on your screen.

Pressing the + button in the Google search widget on iPhone home screen.

On the next screen, you can customize each button’s function, allowing you to replace the default shortcuts.

Remapping Button for shortcut for Google search widget on iPhone.

Available options for customization include:

Activity: Jump to open tabs in the Google app.
Incognito: Start an Incognito mode session.
Screenshots: Use Google Lens with direct access to your gallery.

Add Shortcuts Google Search Widget Ios Button Options

Step 3: Customizing the Google Search Widget on Pixel Phones

Modifying the default Google search widget on a Pixel phone is a unique challenge since the Pixel launcher has limitations. You can’t customize the default widget through the Google app directly. So, what should Pixel users do?

You can opt to add another widget simultaneously. Essentially, this means duplicating your shortcuts via a second widget option.

However, the default search widget cannot be deleted. You have two main paths here:

Add the new widget to a different home screen.
Install a third-party launcher to gain customization rights. Nova Launcher is a popular option.

After installing Nova Launcher, you’ll notice that the Google search widget will switch to a customizable version. Long press the search bar and choose Widget settings.

Selecting "Widget settings" when long-pressing Nova's desktop search bar.

From there, you can replace the Google logo and add your preferred shortcuts, known as Additional Actions in this launcher.

Adding shortcuts to Nova's desktop search bar on Pixel device.

Make sure to enable Directly use Google app to ensure your searches open in Google seamlessly.

Enabling "Directly use Google app"in Nova settings on Pixel phone.

To utilize the familiar Google search experience, just long press on the search bar again, select Replace, and choose the Google search widget from the list.

Selecting "Replace" when long-pressing Nova's desktop search bar.

Complete the process by selecting the widget and tapping Create.

Adding Google search widget from Nova Launcher on Pixel.

Once added, any custom shortcuts set via the Google app should appear, giving you the freedom to search as you prefer.

Google search widget with shortcut visible in Nova Launcher on Pixel.

To explore more about widget options, check out our guide on the best Android widgets for enhancing your home screen experience or consider our tips for iPhone lock screen widgets.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I add multiple Google Search widgets on my home screen?

Yes, you can add multiple Google Search widgets to your home screen, especially on Android. Simply follow the same steps to add the widget again, either on the same or different home screens depending on your device’s launcher.

2. Are the shortcuts in the Google Search widget customizable on iOS?

Only the larger Google Search widget on iOS allows for customization. You can replace the default shortcuts with your preferred options easily.

3. What can I do if I can’t find the Google Search widget?

If the Google Search widget is not visible in your widgets list, ensure that you have the latest version of the Google app installed. If you’re using an Android device, try restarting your phone to see if it appears.

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