Google Rolls Out QR Code Scan Feature to Circle to Search

In August 2024, Google added a QR code and barcode auto-scan capability to Circle to Search. Instead of manually drawing a circle around the codes, the AI visual lookup tool, when activated, automatically detects them and takes users to the embedded content.

With this auto-scan feature, users won’t need to use another device to scan the QR code on their phone or switch to a QR code scanner.

Instead, Circle to Search can be opened while the image is on screen. Activating it is as easy as pressing and holding the home button (or navigation bar) on an Android phone.

Android Authority hinted at this update as early as June, months before Android’s official X account announced the feature in September 2024.

The online publication spotted the Circle to Search update after reviewing the beta of the Google app’s v15.19.45.29.arm64 APK. Android Authority usually performs these “APK Teardowns” to predict features that might come in future updates.

Table of Contents

1. A look back on how this feature came to be
2. The long journey of QR code scanning on mobile devices
3. Google’s long-term goals for Circle to Search

A look back on how this feature came to be

Circle to Search was introduced to users during the third week of January 2024. This feature serves as a front end to Google Lens, meaning it is the part of the application that users interact with.

Google Lens is a visual search tool that provides users with information on whatever the camera is pointed at. This is achieved through advanced image recognition technology that performs visual analysis using a neural network.

The search tool doesn’t just work on objects and landscapes. It can also extract text from images and translate foreign languages. Many people have used Google Lens QR code scanner to read the codes.

When Google Lens launched in 2017, it was released as a standalone app but was quickly integrated into the Google Camera app. However, Google removed it from the camera in 2022 and integrated it into Google Photos, Google Assistant, and later Gemini.

In the first month of 2024, Samsung Electronics and Google officially announced the release of Circle to Search. This new Android phone feature, with Google Lens integration, allows users to tap or circle images to get more information.

Circle to Search was originally available only on the Samsung Galaxy S24 and the Pixel 8, but was later added to other phones.

In February 2025, Google introduced a similar experience on iOS via “Search Screen with Google Lens” in Chrome and the Google app. The feature mirrors Circle to Search but uses different branding and only works inside those two apps, not system-wide.

In the following months, Circle to Search slowly received updates for more functions. These additions include a share button and the ability to search for music playing around you or from your phone.

The long journey of QR code scanning on mobile devices

The scanning of QR codes has come a long way since 1994. While the technology was developed by Denso Wave, QR code scanning didn’t become popular until 2002.

The catalyst for this surge in usage was the release of smartphones that supported third-party QR code scanning apps.

With the introduction of these phones, the average user could scan any code without needing a specially designed QR code reader. This would be the case for over a decade as several developers worked on and released more QR code scanning apps.

In 2017, Google and Apple made QR code scanning a native feature in the cameras of their respective operating systems.

Native camera scanning removed a major barrier. Businesses grew more confident using a QR code generator to create codes their customers would scan without downloading a third-party app.

The companies continue updating their systems' QR code scanning features. On Google’s side, QR code scanning was primarily handled by Google Lens.

Other applications would eventually be integrated with this technology, allowing users to scan codes using almost any Google app.

Google’s long-term goals for Circle to Search

Circle to Search expanded far beyond its original Pixel 8 and Galaxy S24 launch devices. As of February 2026, Google confirmed the feature reaches over 580 million Android devices.

Support now extends to older Galaxy models like the Samsung Galaxy S21 and Pixel phones dating back to the Pixel 6. Manufacturers like Motorola, Xiaomi, Honor, OnePlus, and TECNO also carry the feature, with nearly 100 device models on the supported list.

Beyond QR code scanning, Circle to Search has picked up several additions since its launch. These include scam detection in December 2025, multi-object search with Gemini 3 in February 2026, and an "Ask about screen" mode for URLs and PDFs rolling out through mid-2026.

For QR code scanning specifically, Circle to Search handles codes already on your display. Physical codes on packaging, signage, or printed materials still rely on your camera app or Google Lens.

Circle to Search has made on-screen QR code scanning a standard Android feature rather than a feature limited to a handful of flagships.

Disclosure: We updated this article in September to correct outdated device and reach figures, remove stale Google I/O 2024 projections, and reflect Circle to Search’s current capabilities as of 2026.