How to Search All Files and Apps on an Android

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Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: July 28, 2022

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• Using the Search Icon
|
• Using Voice Search
|
• Tips

|Show more |Show less

Android's Search feature is a quick and easy way to find anything you are looking for on your device. This wikiHow article will teach you how to find files and apps with Search and OK Google on your Android device.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using the Search Icon

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1. 
   1
   Unlock your device and go to the main menu. The main menu can be accessed by tapping on the square icon found exactly in the center of the bottom part of your home screen.
2. 
   2
   Tap on the Search icon. It is shaped like a magnifying glass, and found at the top-right corner of the screen. A search bar will appear once you tap on the Search icon.
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3. 
   3
   Type in the name of the app you’re searching for in the search bar. This search will look for the app or a similar one in your Android device. Once you find the app, tap on it to access it and to use it. This method allows you to look for any app in your Android device.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Voice Search

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1. 
   1
   Open the Google app from your Android device’s main menu. The Google app should be updated to latest version to get the benefits of OK Google features.

   • The OK Google hands-free process of getting out information has drastically made searching simpler and quicker. This feature permits users to begin a Google search merely by saying “OK Google,” followed by asking Google to search for something.
2. 
   2
   Click on the top right corner of the screen where the microphone icon is. To use the voice-dictation feature for searching, tap on the Microphone icon appearing at the bottom left corner of your keyboard in order to enable to voice search feature. You can also just say “OK Google.”
3. 
   3
   Clearly state your search query. The OK Google feature sends your query straight to Google. For example, you can say, “OK Google, give me today’s weather forecast” to see if there are chances of rain, and it will give you a weather report, which means that at least you will donning the right outerwear during the day.
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Tips

• OK Google is not just for queries. You can command it to dial and call someone whose number is in your Contacts (e.g., “OK Google, call Gaston.”). You can even say, “OK Google, set my alarm for six in the morning tomorrow.” It’s like having a virtual personal assistant!
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• Set reminders, send text messages and emails, schedule meetings, play a video—you name it, OK Google and Android device can do it.
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