Google just made it easier to search through photos and PDFs

 The Files by Google app has streamlined your ability to manage and share documents, photos, and other data on your Android, version 5.0 and above.

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Now Smart Search on Google's Files app takes it a step further by allowing you to find text and objects in images and documents, including PDF files, on your device.

How to use Smart Search to find photos and files faster and easier

The Smart Search feature is especially helpful for those moments when you can't remember the exact file name, but can remember an image or similar words in the document or photo you're looking for.

Now, instead of scrolling for hours for that photo that you know you took but can't remember when or where you took it, it can be easily found by typing keywords or objects that are related to that photo or file. May be what you are looking for.

For example, if you remember what you wore on a particular occasion, but don't remember where the photo is, you might be smart to look for the name of the company on the T-shirt you wore in that photo, like Nike. You can use search. Then all photos and files with that company name will appear in the search results - greatly reducing the amount of scrolling and searching action you would otherwise have to do.

Types of information you can seek out with Smart Search

Text from images and PDF files

Places and objects from images

Audio and video titles, artist, or album names

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Smart Search uses an advanced algorithm that scans your files in the background of your device, balancing both device performance and privacy. Smart Search only scans within the device it's on to pull search results, so your information isn't shared outside of your device.

How long does it take for your device to learn your files?

There are some minor limitations with Smart Search. According to a support page, it takes a few days for the files to "learn" on your device and appear as search results. This means that newly downloaded or added files take a few days to be included in search results. The longer the file remains on the device, the more likely it is to accurately pull up the item in your search.

How to check If Smart Search is available on your Android

Smart Search is not available for all users. To check if Smart Search is available on your Android, you can follow these steps:

Open the Files app on your Android

Tap on the search icon on the top right corner

If you see a message that says "Smart Search is here," you have access to the feature. You can tap "Learn More" to get more information about how to use it

If you don't see the message, you may need to wait until this feature is enabled for you

You can also check for updates in the Play Store or App Store and make sure you have the latest version of the Files by Google app

How to search for a file using Smart Search

Open Files by Google on your Android device

At the top, on the search bar, enter the name of the file you want to search.

If you're not sure about the file name, you can also use smart filters to search – Audio, Documents & Other, Images, Videos, Large Files, SD Card, This Week

To deselect a filter, tap the selected filter again

How to turn off Smart Search in the Files by Google app

If you're concerned about the Files by Google app's access to your personal data and its potential impact on your privacy and security, you may want to turn off Smart Search.

Open the Files by Google app on your Android device

Tap three horizontal lines

Then click on Settings

turn off smart search

Keep in mind if you decide to turn off Smart Search, you can only use the text of file names to find files.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Smart Search on Files by Google app can make most files searchable on your device, including PDFs and images. Smart Search "learns" the files on your device, so it can more easily retrieve files in a search.

How many times have you been lost on your phone looking for that photo or file because you can't remember its name? Would you consider using Smart Search on files by Google? Let us know by writing here

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