Android 101: Change what the search buttons searches

By Phil Nickinson | Sep 16 2011 | 3:23 pm | 12 Comments

Search easily is the most powerful part of Google and Android. If you don't use the Search button on your phone on a regular basis, you're missing out. And did you know you can change what the search button searches?

Hit it once, and you're taken to the search menu. From there you're see results as you type. Pretty night. Tap on the big G that's there by default, and you can narrow your search. In our example here, you can search everything, web, apps or contacts.

Press the little settings button (the one that looks like a gear), and you can add and remove apps that will be search. Your list will look different from ours depending on what apps you have installed and what phone you're on.

Phil Nickinson Editor Emeritus

"Phil is a recovering print journalist, editor of Android Central, subtitles and street signs."

(articles)

(forum posts)

Topics:
settings,
search,
google,
google search,
android search,
search button
Tips and Guides

Rate this tip:

Average: 4.3 (7 votes)

Reader comments

Android 101: Change what the search buttons searches

12 Comments

turbofan

Great tip! I always thought the Google g was thwre for decoration, and i hahad always been irritated that the search function wouldnt bring up contacts. Fixed!!

5 years ago

bhameyedoc

Thanks, I didn't know you could change this!
One difference (as you stated in your article): on my DInc running 2.2, the settings button doesn't appear as it does in the above picture. I have to press the menu button to change the settings.

Pretty night?

I think Phil meant to say "Pretty Tight"

5 years ago

rap1

Cool! I didn't know that. Added a few things to search. I rarely use that button. I usually forget about it but I didn't know it could be so powerful.