Google removes Google Lens shortcut from Circle to Search in latest update

Google has quietly removed the Google Lens shortcut from the Circle to Search feature after a recent update. Previously, Circle to Search allowed you to quickly activate Lens with minimal taps, but now users will have to use other methods.

Here's What We Know

It's still unclear if this change was intentional or if it's a bug that will be fixed in the future. This change is already available on many devices, including Pixel smartphones. For Pixel owners, it's not a big loss as their devices have a separate shortcut for Google Lens on the home screen. However, for other users, it might be inconvenient as Circle to Search offered the fastest way to access Lens. Below you can see screenshots before and after the Circle to Search update.

Alternatively, you can add a Lens shortcut to your home screen or install a separate Google Lens app. There's no way to bring back the old shortcut yet, and even the beta version of the Google app doesn't include Lens. It looks like this change will be widely rolled out to the stable and beta versions of the Google app after the server update.

Source: 9to5google