Table of Contents
TL;DR
- Circle to Search on Xiaomi lets you search, translate, solve math, and identify objects directly from your screen without switching apps.
- On HyperOS 3.0 supported devices, you can enable it natively via Settings → Navigation / Gestures.
- If your Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO device doesn’t support it officially, you can still unlock Circle to Search using APK sideloading (no root) or LSPosed + MiCTS (root required).
- Practical uses include instant translation, step-by-step math solutions, reverse image shopping, plant and animal identification, and music recognition.
- For best performance, keep the Google app updated, use proper navigation gestures, and fine-tune long-press sensitivity.
- Most issues (not triggering, poor detection, missing options) can be fixed with navigation checks, Google app updates, or cache clearing.
Introduction: A Smarter Way to Search on Xiaomi
If you’ve ever copied text, switched apps, pasted links, or manually typed what you see on your screen into Google, Circle to Search will feel like magic. With a simple long‑press and a quick circle, your Xiaomi phone turns into a powerful AI visual search engine that works without leaving the app you’re using.
For Xiaomi users running HyperOS 3.0, Circle to Search is one of the most exciting yet confusing features. Some devices get it natively, others hide it behind updates, and many perfectly capable phones are left out entirely—unless you know the right workarounds.
In this complete Circle to Search tutorial, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know as a Xiaomi user: how it works, how to enable it on supported HyperOS 3.0 devices, how to unlock it on unsupported phones using LSPosed, and how to use it in real life for translation, math solving, and reverse image search.
I’ll also share practical tips and troubleshooting advice based on real-world Xiaomi usage.
What Is Circle to Search and Why Xiaomi Users Should Care
Circle to Search is Google’s AI-powered visual search feature that lets you search anything visible on your screen—text, images, videos, products, equations, or even music—by simply circling, tapping, or highlighting it.
Instead of:
- Copying text
- Switching to Google Search
- Pasting or typing keywords
You just circle it.
On Xiaomi phones, Circle to Search integrates deeply with HyperOS 3.0 navigation gestures, making it feel almost native when configured correctly. It works across apps like Instagram, YouTube, Chrome, Gallery, WhatsApp, and even PDFs.
How Circle to Search Works Behind the Scenes
When you activate Circle to Search, your phone captures a temporary screenshot of your screen. Google’s AI then analyzes only the area you select and returns contextual results at the bottom of the screen—without interrupting your workflow.
This combination of visual recognition + AI context is what makes Circle to Search far more powerful than traditional Google Lens or text search.
Circle to Search Compatibility on Xiaomi Devices
Native Support on HyperOS 3.0 Devices
Xiaomi began rolling out Circle to Search with newer HyperOS builds, starting with late‑2024 and 2025 flagships. Devices with official native support typically include:
- Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Ultra / 14T / 14T Pro
- Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro / 13 Ultra / 13T series
- Xiaomi 12, 12S, and 12T series
- MIX Fold and MIX Flip devices
- Select Redmi Note 13–14 and Redmi K series models
Availability depends on:
- HyperOS 3.0 version
- Region
- Google app version
Important: Even if your Xiaomi phone runs HyperOS 3.0, Circle to Search may not appear immediately. Xiaomi enables it gradually via system and Google-side updates.
Unsupported Devices (And Why That Doesn’t Mean You’re Out of Luck)
Many Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices are technically capable of running Circle to Search but are excluded due to device whitelisting. This is where workarounds like APK sideloading and LSPosed modules come in.
Part 1: How to Enable Circle to Search on Supported HyperOS 3.0 Devices
If your device supports Circle to Search natively, setup takes less than two minutes.
Step-by-Step Activation Guide
Step 1: Open Navigation Settings
- Go to Settings
- Tap Display
- Open Navigation Mode or Gestures & Shortcuts (name varies by device)
Step 2: Enable Circle to Search
- Look for Circle to Search
- Toggle it ON
On some Xiaomi devices, it appears under Additional Shortcuts.
Step 3: Verify Navigation Method
Circle to Search works with:
- Gesture navigation (long‑press the navigation pill)
- Three-button navigation (long‑press the Home button)
Make sure your navigation bar or gesture handle is visible.
Step 4: Test the Feature
- Open any app (Instagram, Chrome, Gallery)
- Long‑press the Home button or navigation handle
- A translucent overlay with a Google search bar should appear
If it does—you’re ready.
Part 2: How to Use Circle to Search on Xiaomi (Core Functions)
Once activated, Circle to Search becomes second nature.
Ways to Select Content
- Circle: Draw a circle around an object or text
- Tap: Tap a specific item
- Highlight: Drag over text
- Scribble: Underline or mark roughly
You don’t need precision—Google’s AI refines the selection automatically.
How Results Appear
Results slide up from the bottom of your screen, showing:
- Search results
- Explanations
- Product listings
- Translations
All without leaving the current app.
Part 3: Practical Use Cases Xiaomi Users Will Love
1. Translate Text Instantly on Your Screen
Circle to Search doubles as a powerful translation tool.
How to translate text:
- Activate Circle to Search
- Circle or highlight foreign text
- Tap Translate
- Choose your language
Translations appear instantly. On newer Google versions, continuous scroll translation lets translations update as you scroll—perfect for social media and long articles.
2. Solve Math and Physics Problems
Circle to Search uses Google’s LearnLM AI for educational help.
How to solve equations:
- Open a photo, PDF, or webpage
- Activate Circle to Search
- Circle the equation or word problem
You’ll see:
- Step‑by‑step solutions
- Formula explanations
- Similar example problems
This works well for algebra, arithmetic, and basic physics.
3. Reverse Image Search Products
Shopping becomes effortless.
Steps:
- Find a product image or video
- Activate Circle to Search
- Circle the item
Results include:
- Product names
- Prices
- Shopping links
- Similar items
This works inside Instagram, YouTube, and even paused videos.
4. Identify Plants, Animals, and Objects
Circle to Search can identify:
- Plants
- Animals
- Landmarks
- Artwork
Just circle the subject, and Google provides names, background info, and related images.
5. Identify Music Playing Around You
Tap the music icon inside Circle to Search, then:
- Play
- Hum
- Sing
You’ll get the song title, artist, and streaming links.
Part 4: Enabling Circle to Search on Unsupported Xiaomi Devices
Method 1: APK Sideloading (No Root)
This is the easiest workaround.
Requirements:
- Android 12+
- Latest Google app
Steps:
- Download a trusted Circle to Search APK
- Allow installation from unknown sources
- Install the APK
- Grant Accessibility permission
You can launch it from:
- App drawer
- Quick Settings tile
- Floating shortcuts
Method 2: LSPosed + MiCTS (Root Required – Best Experience)
For power users, this method provides the closest experience to native Circle to Search.
What you need:
- Root (Magisk, KernelSU, or APatch)
- LSPosed framework
- MiCTS module
High-level steps:
- Root your Xiaomi device
- Install LSPosed
- Install and enable MiCTS
- Configure trigger method (Home button or gesture)
- Reboot
MiCTS emulates Google’s Circle to Search framework, unlocking full AI features even on unsupported Xiaomi phones.
Performance Optimization Tips for Xiaomi Phones
To keep Circle to Search smooth:
- Update the Google app regularly
- Close heavy background apps
- Use Snapdragon 870 or newer for best performance
- Adjust long‑press delay (300–500ms feels ideal)
- Add Circle to Search to Quick Settings for instant access
Common Circle to Search Issues and How to Fix Them
Issue 1: Circle to Search Not Triggering
Fixes:
- Check navigation mode
- Ensure Home button or gesture handle is visible
- Increase long‑press duration
Issue 2: “Omni Invocation Failed” Error
This usually means your device is blocked.
Solution:
- Use MiCTS or a device spoofing module
- Update Google app
Issue 3: Poor Content Recognition
Fixes:
- Update Google app
- Clear Google app cache
- Enable “Analyze on‑screen images” in assistant settings
Issue 4: Feature Works in Some Apps Only
This is normal. App compatibility improves over time with Google updates.
Best Practices for Accuracy and Privacy
- Circle tightly around what you want
- Avoid selecting unnecessary screen areas
- Use trusted APK sources only
- Remember: only selected content is analyzed
Circle to Search on Xiaomi – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Circle to Search on Xiaomi?
Circle to Search on Xiaomi is an AI-powered visual search feature from Google that lets you search anything visible on your screen by circling, tapping, or highlighting it. You don’t need to leave the app you’re using, making it faster and more intuitive than traditional copy‑and‑paste searches.
Which Xiaomi devices support Circle to Search natively?
Native support is available on selected devices running HyperOS 3.0, including:
- Xiaomi 14 / 14 Pro / 14 Ultra / 14T / 14T Pro
- Xiaomi 13 / 13 Pro / 13 Ultra / 13T series
- Xiaomi 12T / 12T Pro and some 12S models
- MIX Fold and MIX Flip series
- Selected newer Redmi Note and Redmi K models
Availability can vary by region, firmware version, and Google app updates.
Why don’t I see Circle to Search even though my phone runs HyperOS 3.0?
This is very common. Xiaomi and Google enable Circle to Search gradually. Even if your device is compatible, the feature may be disabled server-side. In these cases, you’ll need to use a workaround such as APK sideloading or LSPosed.
Can I use Circle to Search on unsupported Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO phones?
Yes. There are two popular methods:
- APK sideloading – No root required, easiest option
- LSPosed + MiCTS module – Requires root but offers the most stable, native-like experience
Both methods allow Circle to Search to work on many unsupported Xiaomi devices.
Does Circle to Search require root access?
No. Root access is not required if you use the APK sideloading method. Root is only needed if you want full feature parity using LSPosed and the MiCTS module.
How do I activate Circle to Search on a supported Xiaomi device?
- Open Settings
- Go to Display → Navigation Mode or Gestures & Shortcuts
- Enable Circle to Search
- Long-press the Home button or navigation handle to activate it
What can I use Circle to Search for?
Circle to Search on Xiaomi can be used for:
- Translating on-screen text
- Solving math and physics problems step by step
- Reverse image search for products and shopping
- Identifying plants, animals, landmarks, and objects
- Recognizing music by playing, humming, or singing
Does Circle to Search work inside all apps?
Not yet. Most major apps like Chrome, Gallery, YouTube, Instagram, and Google apps work well. Some third-party apps may block screenshots or overlays, which can limit functionality.
Why does Circle to Search not trigger on my Xiaomi phone?
Common reasons include:
- Incorrect navigation mode
- Hidden navigation bar or gesture handle
- Long-press duration set too short
- Outdated Google app
Adjust navigation settings and update the Google app to fix this.
Does Circle to Search need an internet connection?
Yes. Circle to Search relies on Google’s cloud-based AI, so an active internet connection is required for searches, translations, and math solutions.
Is Circle to Search safe and private to use?
Yes. Circle to Search only analyzes the part of the screen you actively select. It does not continuously record your screen. Data is processed by Google only when you initiate a search.
Why is Circle to Search slow or laggy on my device?
Performance depends on hardware and background load. Older or budget Xiaomi devices may experience slight delays. Closing background apps and using newer Snapdragon chipsets improves performance.
Can I customize how Circle to Search is triggered?
On supported devices, it’s triggered by a long-press on the Home button or navigation pill. With APK or LSPosed methods, you may be able to adjust trigger delays or assign shortcuts like Quick Settings tiles.
Is Circle to Search free to use?
Yes. Circle to Search is completely free and included as part of Google Search on supported Android and Xiaomi devices.
Do I need to update the Google app for Circle to Search?
Yes. Keeping the Google app updated is critical. Older versions may not show the feature or may have limited functionality.
Will Circle to Search come officially to more Xiaomi devices?
Most likely, yes. Google and Xiaomi continue to expand support over time, but there’s no guaranteed timeline. Until then, workarounds remain the best option for unsupported devices.
Conclusion: Why Circle to Search Is a Game‑Changer for Xiaomi Users
Circle to Search transforms how you interact with information on your Xiaomi phone. Whether you’re translating text, solving homework, shopping visually, or identifying objects, it removes friction and saves time.
If you’re on a supported HyperOS 3.0 device, enable it today. If you’re not, the available workarounds—especially LSPosed with MiCTS—prove that Circle to Search doesn’t have to be exclusive.
Once you start using Circle to Search daily, going back to traditional search feels painfully slow.
