Google Search isn’t just for looking up websites. It’s loaded with a ton of handy features that take you beyond basic browsing.
From helping you solve math problems to Gemini integration, Google packs some handy tools right in the search bar. I’ve been using some of these features for quite a long time now, and they have helped me save time and simplify my digital life. Whether you’re a student, a frequent traveler, or someone who loves exploring smart tricks, these Google Search features are too useful to miss.
Use operators for improved results
Fine-tune your search with powerful operators
There can be instances when you struggle to find exactly what you’re looking for on Google. While Google offered operators for years, many people still don’t know how to take advantage of them. These operators offer more precise results, help save time, and also let you uncover hidden insights.
- Quotation marks (” “) help you find exact matches. For example, [“best artificial intelligence apps 2025”]
- Minus symbol (–) excludes specific terms or keywords from your search. For example, type [best smartphones -Android] to exclude Android from the results.
- Asterisk (*) can be used as a wildcard if you don’t know a word or a phrase. For example, you could type [strawberry * forever] to find Strawberry Fields Forever by The Beatles.
- The AND/OR Boolean operators help you combine or separate the search terms. For example, [freelance OR full-time jobs].
- The Site: operator lets you see results from a specific website. For example, [site: Pinterest.com home decor ideas].
You can use these operators to narrow the results as per your preferences.
Quickly discover streaming availability
Google can help with what and where to watch
Well, we’ve all been in situations where we want to watch a particular movie or show but have no idea where it’s streaming. Rather than searching Netflix or Prime Video library one by one, I use Google’s built-in tool to discover streaming content. When I want to watch The Maid or The Head of States, I input the name in the search bar, and the Where to watch section shows me where it’s streaming in my region. When I don’t have anything specific in mind, I use Google Search to discover content by genre or my mood, like “best rom coms on Netflix.” It shows a curated list, trailers, and links to the streaming platforms.
On days when I want to explore something entirely new, I use Google’s recommendations feature and type something like “recommend me a movie” or “what should I watch tonight,” and Google shows me some good options. While it doesn’t pull niche content, it’s useful for mainstream and classic hits.
Search with Google Lens
Get instant answers from anything you capture
Google Lens is a powerful AI-based tool that uses your camera to provide contextual information based on what it can see. It’s a Google Search tool, designed especially for images. It lets you identify objects, get math help, discover more about a cafe, translate and copy text from pictures, get help with schoolwork, and much more. If you like an outfit, just take a photo, and Google Lens will help you find similar items online. If you’re at a fancy restaurant and can’t decide what to order, just point Google Lens to the menu, and it shows you more information, along with pictures.
Google Lens comes as a standalone app for Android, and you can also access its features in Google Photos, Chrome browser, Google Assistant, and some camera apps. Taking inspiration from Google Lens, Apple also launched Visual Intelligence with the iPhone 16 series in 2024.
Set preferred sources
Never miss a headline from your favorite websites
In August this year, Google launched the Preferred Sources feature in the U.S. and India, which lets you choose the websites you wish to receive news from. You can select as many sources as you wish, and Google will prioritize them for your future searches. You don’t have to scroll through multiple headlines when your trusted outlets are highlighted right at the top. To use this feature, search for a news-related topic and click on the icon next to Top Stories. Then, search for and select your preferred sources, including blogs, trusted publications, and more.
When you select your Preferred Sources, Google will show news from those websites in the Top Stories or a dedicated From your sources section. Google will show information from other websites, but your selected sources will appear at the top.
Use Google Search like Gemini
Supercharge your searches with the Gemini integration
Previously, you could only use Google’s Gemini AI as a webpage or a companion app. Now, you can access Gemini from any page in the Chrome browser. Google Search offers an AI Mode feature that offers direct and more interactive responses rather than a traditional list of links. Some of the best Gemini features are already available, so you can quickly organize information, upload images and discuss their contents, and ask questions about what’s currently on your screen. You can also use the Search Live feature, which lets you use the phone camera and microphone to talk to AI in real-time.
Beyond this, Google also offers a quick shortcut to invoke Gemini directly from the Chrome address bar. Simply type @gemini in the address bar, followed by the Tab or Spacebar key. It’s worth knowing that Google is gradually rolling out the “Gemini in Chrome” feature, so it might take some time to arrive in your region.
Download copyright-free images
Use images without legal headaches
If you also use Google to find images for your blogs, ebooks, or other projects, you would know the struggle to find perfect, royalty-free images that are not copyrighted. Google offers a built-in Usage Right tool that helps you locate Creative Commons images that you can freely reuse for personal or commercial projects. It will automatically filter out any copyrighted images you can’t use.
Just enter your search term in the Google search bar and click on the Tools option (under the search bar). Select Advanced Search and click on the Usage Rights option at the bottom. Depending on how you wish to use an image, choose the appropriate license type (free to use and share or a commercial license), and then click on Advanced Search. Google will now show you royalty-free images that you can use without any legal concerns. Just make sure to check the image source and give proper attribution, if required. You can also use other websites for copyright and royalty-free images.
Do reverse image searches
Trace any image back to its source
Reverse image search is another powerful Google Search feature that lets you find information using an image rather than a search query. This comes in handy when you wish to discover similar images, find the source, find different sizes of a photo, or verify some information. I use reverse image search to find higher resolution versions of an image and for quick fact-checking. When I come across a viral post or feel something misleading, I quickly use this Google Search feature to verify the information.
To do reverse image searches, click on the camera icon in the Google Search bar and upload the image or paste its URL. The search engine will instantly pull any visually similar images, along with their websites. If you want to search for a specific part of the photo, you just need to crop the image in the preview box.
Unlock the power of Google Search
Google Search is packed with other handy tools you can use instantly. For instance, you can track your flights and packages, use a stopwatch and timer, perform math calculations, all right from the search bar. It also lets you do conversions, pick the perfect color with color picker tool, flip a coin, roll a dice, and much more.
