Google Search Widget Now Lets You Add a Shortcut for Quick Access

Google has introduced a new feature for its Search widget on Android, allowing users to set a custom shortcut.

This update, available with Google app version 16.3.34, offers more customization and quick access to key features.

How to Set a Shortcut

If you have the Google Search widget on your home screen, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google app.
2. Go to Settings > Customize Search widget.
3. In addition to Theme and Transparency, you will now see a Shortcuts option.
4. Choose from nine shortcut options:
   • None: Keep only voice search and Google Lens.
   • Translate (text)
   • Song Search
   • Weather
   • Translate (camera) (Google Lens)
   • Sports
   • Dictionary
   • Homework (Google Lens)
   • Finance

How It Works

The shortcut icon appears to the left of the microphone and camera in a 3×1 widget. In a 2×1 widget, you will only see the ‘G’ icon and Lens.

Most shortcuts open a Google Search results page, while others like Lens and Song Search launch directly.

Who Gets It?

This feature is rolling out widely to all Android devices, including Pixel and non-Pixel phones and tablets.

This small quality-of-life update makes accessing frequently used tools faster and more convenient for Android users.