Opening Google
There are several ways to search Google on your phone:
- The Google app: Look for the colorful "G" icon on your home screen. Tap it, and you are ready to search.
- Your web browser: Open Safari (iPhone) or Chrome (Android) and type google.com in the address bar at the top.
- The search bar widget: Many Android phones have a Google search bar right on the home screen. Just tap it and start typing.
Typing Your Search
- Tap the search bar. Your keyboard will appear.
- Type what you are looking for. You do not need to type a perfect sentence. Short phrases work best. For example, instead of "What is the weather going to be like tomorrow in my area?" just type weather tomorrow.
- Tap the Search button on your keyboard (it may look like a magnifying glass or say "Go").
Using Voice Search
If typing is difficult, you can speak your search instead. This works very well.
- Tap the microphone icon in the search bar.
- Your phone will start listening. Speak clearly and naturally: "What time does Walgreens close?"
- Google will show results based on what you said.
You can also say "Hey Google" on Android phones or "Hey Siri, search for..." on iPhones to start a search without even touching the screen.
Reading the Results
After you search, a list of results appears. Here is what you are looking at:
- Ads (at the top): The first one or two results often have a small word "Sponsored" or "Ad" next to them. These are paid advertisements. They are not always the best answer. It is often better to scroll down to the regular results.
- Regular results: Below the ads, you will see the actual search results. Each one has a blue title you can tap, a web address, and a short description.
- Featured snippets: Sometimes Google shows a box at the top with a direct answer to your question. For example, if you search "how tall is the Statue of Liberty," Google may show the answer right there.
Searching for Images
Want to find pictures? After doing a regular search:
- Tap the Images tab near the top of the results page.
- You will see a grid of pictures related to your search.
- Tap any image to see it larger.
This is great for things like "what does poison ivy look like" or "birthday cake ideas."
Searching for Local Businesses
Google is excellent at finding nearby places. Try searching for things like:
- "pharmacy near me"
- "Italian restaurant downtown"
- "urgent care open now"
Google will show a map with pins and a list of nearby businesses with their hours, phone numbers, ratings, and directions. You can tap Call to call them directly or Directions to open maps.
Tips for Better Search Results
- Be specific. "Best walking shoes for seniors with wide feet" gives better results than just "shoes."
- Use simple words. Google does not need fancy language. Search the way you would ask a friend.
- Add your city name if you want local results: "dentist accepting new patients Portland."
- Put quotes around exact phrases. Searching "no-knead bread recipe" with quotes tells Google to find that exact phrase.
Remember: There is no wrong way to search. If your first search does not find what you need, try different words. Google gets better the more you practice with it.