Circle to Search checks suspicious texts with an AI overview
According to Google’s Android guidance, Circle to Search can select a suspicious message on screen and use an AI Overview to surface warning signs and suggested next steps.
AT A GLANCE
Key points
- A suspicious message can be selected by long-pressing the home button or navigation bar.
- The AI Overview shows warning signs and suggested next steps.
- Google recommends deleting the message and blocking the number when red flags appear.
- Results, availability, and device compatibility may vary.
What is changing?
Google said on October 15 that Android users can inspect suspicious text messages with Circle to Search. Before tapping a link or sharing personal information, a user can long-press the home button or navigation bar and draw a circle around the message.
The search result provides an AI Overview with possible scam indicators, context, and suggested next steps. Google recommends deleting the message and blocking the number if the results show red flags. The company also notes that results, availability, and device compatibility may vary.
This workflow adds a search-based second opinion to content already visible on the screen rather than acting as a new messaging filter. For security teams and users, the practical value is evaluating suspicious content before opening it, but the AI overview should not be treated as a definitive verdict; links still need separate verification, and carrier and device protections should remain enabled.
Explore the original sources
Source date: 15 October 2026.
Published by AI Radar: 17 Oct 2026, 09:13 (Istanbul, UTC+3). Updated: 17 Oct 2026, 09:14.
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