Google updated the search bar widget on Android to support custom shortcuts for news, weather, sports, and other services. If you’re running version 16.3.34 or newer of the Google app, you can add a one-tap shortcut right next to the voice and Lens icons. Here’s how to set it up.
Check Your Google App Version
Open the Google app, tap your profile icon in the top right, then tap Settings > About. You need version 16.3.34 or higher. If you’re behind, update through the Play Store.
Add a Shortcut to the Search Widget
- Open the Google app and tap your profile icon.
- Go to Settings > Search Widget > Customize Search Widget.
- Scroll to the Shortcuts section.
- Pick one shortcut: Weather, Sports, Translate, Finance, or News.
- The shortcut icon appears on the search bar widget next to Voice Search and Google Lens.
You can only add one shortcut at a time. Swap it out anytime by going back to the same settings menu.
Customize the Widget Appearance
In the same Customize Search Widget screen, you can adjust:
- Shape — rounded corners, pill shape, or rectangular
- Color — match your wallpaper or pick a custom color
- Transparency — make the widget blend into your background or stand out
One limitation: shortcut icons don’t follow Material You dynamic theming. They keep their default Google colors regardless of your wallpaper palette.
Add the Widget If You Don’t Have It
If the Google search bar isn’t on your home screen already:
- Long-press an empty area on your home screen.
- Tap Widgets.
- Find the Google section and drag the search bar widget to your home screen.
On Pixel phones, the search bar is pinned to the bottom by default and can’t be removed through normal settings. The customization options still apply — just access them through the Google app settings instead of long-pressing the widget.
Check out our other article for 5 great methods for screenshots here
More Android tips: See the full Android Tips & Tricks hub for widget shortcuts, screenshot methods, the DND fix, Advanced Protection, and Scrcpy in one place.