Google adds a shortcut to AI Mode to the Android Search widget. This makes it easy to use advanced AI-powered search. Have you ever wished that your phone’s search functions were smarter and more natural? The new AI Mode shortcut is about to become your favorite improvement.
AI Mode isn’t just a cool futuristic add-on; it changes how you interact with information, and you can now get to it easily from the Android Google Search widget. Using a lot of research and our own experiences, let’s talk about what makes this feature a big step forward.
How does AI Mode work, and why is it important?
Google made AI Mode because people want more from their searches than just matching keywords. Instead, it gives you access to advanced AI reasoning and context, made possible by the Gemini multimodal model.
You’ll now access a unique AI-powered interface when you tap the new shortcut on the Search widget on your home screen. AI Search will handle all tasks, whether you type a question, upload an image, or take a picture. It will then give you answers that are highly relevant, conversational, and often visual.
This update is no longer just for Pixel users. The shortcut is now widely available as of July 2025. This change means that almost all Android users with the latest Google app (v16.28) can turn on AI Mode without having to join beta tests or special programs.
This feature’s ease of use makes me think of the day voice search became popular—all of a sudden, AI’s promise is useful in my daily life.
A step-by-step guide to setting up AI Search
Enabling the shortcut is refreshingly simple:
- Long-press the Search widget on your home screen.
- Select Settings or Edit.
- Tap on Customize, then go to Shortcuts.
- Pick “AI Mode” (it’s usually the second option, after “None”).
- A new circular icon will appear beside the mic and lens icons.
People who aren’t in Search Labs will still see an AI Mode button in the carousel just below the search bar. The icon resembles a pill. In either case, the shortcut cuts out extra steps and lets you do an advanced search with just one tap.
Differences between AI Mode and Regular Search and AI Overviews
Could you please explain how AI Search compares to its predecessors? Here’s a rundown:
I think AI Mode is very useful because it lets you switch between media inputs without any problems. This is especially helpful when you need explanations with pictures or when you’re looking for something in a photo or screenshot.
Important Thoughts and Impressions
- Fewer Friction Points: Google is all about reducing steps—from the widget, it’s literally one tap to powerful AI search. Gone are the days of toggling through menus or even launching the full app.
- Smarter, Not Just Faster: AI Mode’s “query fan-out” breaks down your question into subtopics and simultaneously searches the web, yielding nuanced, multi-layered responses that feel way more like talking to an expert than skimming through links.
- Massive User Adoption: With over 100 million monthly users, AI Mode is more than a test feature—it’s quickly becoming part of how people interact with their phones.
- Everyday Usefulness: The integration of Gemini powers makes AI Mode adept at helping with everything from shopping queries and homework help to visually identifying objects—think Google Lens, but upgraded and conversational.
- Continuous Evolution: Google is openly signaling this is just the beginning, with more Gemini-based features expected, including deeper hardware integrations and more customization options for search experiences.
Final words
The AI Mode shortcut for Google’s Android Search widget isn’t just a small change; it’s a whole new way to search on your phone. This feature is amazing for people who use their phones to quickly find answers, come up with ideas, or solve puzzles while they’re on the go.
As someone who juggles work and life in the digital age, switching between search, Lens, and AI Mode has shown me how much time and trouble I’ve saved.
Are you prepared to enhance your search experience? By turning on AI Mode on your Android widget, you can experience the next level of search, where one smooth tap can blur the line between asking and knowing.
