Use Handwrite to search

You can write your search terms with your finger instead of typing the words on the keyboard. As you write, your handwritten text converts into words in the search box. 

Availability

You can use Handwrite on these devices:

• Phones with Android 2.3 and up
• Tablets with Android 4.0 and up

Turn Handwrite on or off

1. On your phone or tablet, open Search settings.
2. Go to the "Handwrite" section.
   • To turn Handwrite on, tap Enable.
   • To turn Handwrite off, tap Disable.
3. At the bottom of the page, tap Save.

Tip: To find your changes, refresh your browser.

How to search with Handwrite

1. When Handwrite is turned on, visit google.com on your mobile device.
2. In the bottom right, tap Handwrite.
3. Use your finger to write your search terms anywhere on the screen. 
   • As you write, your handwritten text converts into text in the search box.
4. Tap Search .

 

Tips and tricks

• Delete letters: At the bottom of the page, tap Delete .
• Start over: In the search box, tap Clear .
• Clarify characters: When you type a character that could be mistaken for another, like zero (the number) and O (the letter), a list of options might appear at the bottom of the screen.
• Use predictions: To help save you time, a list of predicted search terms might appear in the search box as you write. Tap a prediction to search for that term. To explore a related search, tap the arrow.
• Include symbols: Try symbols and special characters, like +, @, &, and $.