The Google search bar is one of the elements that we see present in almost all mobiles, whether they are Nexus, mobiles from any other manufacturer, and even if we change the launcher. Well now we can customize the google search bar widget to give it the look and color we want. Furthermore, it is possible add shortcuts, adjust the transparency and modify your size to better integrate it into your home screen without the need for root access or complex configurations.
Customizing the Google widget
In reality, this Google search bar is nothing more than a widget that, when pressed, gives us the ability to perform a search. The widget has changed over timeFirst with the Holo interface, then with Material Design, and later with variations on Pixel devices. Along with these changes, Many launchers have been imitating the original design to better integrate it into your home screens. In the case of Nova Launcher, for example, we can choose between the different styles the widget has had over time. However, this is still not ideal, because it could be even better. And that's precisely what we're going to achieve with Custom Search Bar Widget (CSBW).
This application actually creates a new widget that has the same functions as the google search widgetHowever, we have the possibility of changing its style, making it resemble those of previous generations, but also the colorThis will undoubtedly be the most significant change in appearance. Best of all, we can change the color to match our phone's menus (if we have them customized), our smartphone case, or even to... fit with the wallpaper we have set.
Besides appearance, remember that you can resize the widget by holding it down and dragging its handles if your launcher allows it. On some models you'll see a three point menu directly on the widget to open the quick customization settings.
A simple option to customize the Google widget. In addition, the application also gives us the option to add widget shortcuts so we can run applications directly from the widget's search section. This allows, for example, Open the translator, search for songs, check the weather or launch Lens with a tap. It's also possible to add shortcuts to sports, dictionary, homework, and finance for faster topic searches.
How to add and customize the Google Search widget (native option)
Add from the Google app:
- Open the Google app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Touch your profile picture o training of > Settings > Customize Search Widget.
- In the top right corner, tap Add to place the widget on the home screen.
Add from the Widgets menu:
- Press and hold an empty space on the home screen.
- Toca Widgets and search Google (you can search or scroll on the list).
- Long press the widget and drag it to the desired position. Adjust the size with the shooters if your launcher allows it.
Customizing the native widget: go to Google > Settings > Customize Search Widget and, below the preview, adjust Shortcuts, Colour y TransparencyYou can add shortcuts for search for songs, translate text, check the weatherUse the camera to translate, sports, dictionary, homework, and financeUpon exiting the Settings screen, changes are saved automaticallyIf you want to return to the previous appearance, tap Resetting in the top right corner. On some devices you'll also see options for the logo. and bar shape.
To remove the widget, press and hold on it on the home screen and drag it to RemoveOn some Pixel phones, there may already be a bar in the bottom dock; if you add a second one, You will see the function duplicated..
Alternative: Chrome search barIf you prefer to search directly with Chrome, add its widget: press and hold on the desktop > Widgets > search Google Chrome > drag the search bar to your home screen.
Advanced customization with CSBW: styles, search engines, and actions
CSBW allows edit all aspects of the widget and add a icon drawer with shortcuts and alternative search engines. Its key features include: save topics and load them later, keyword search suggestions, search for installed apps Instead of Google, switch between engines or apps like Wikipedia, Amazon or Spotify, and apply predefined themes for a quick adjustment.
PRO Features (optional): style customization Pixel Launcher, option of when and where in the Pixel bar, more appearance settings and the possibility of add the icon drawer to the home screen widget itself. If you notice an empty border on the Pixel-style widget, press and hold to activate “Remove Padding” (Available on compatible launchers like Nova). Important: This app It does not modify the factory launcher bar; you must Add the CSBW widget to see the changes.
Text vs. voice: By default, text searches will go to Google Web and the microphone GoogleYou can change it in Appearance > Edit widgetSome recent services or assistants may not yet have predefined shortcut in the widget, although its integration continues to evolve.
How to add custom search engines in CSBW
If you want the search bar to look in a specific location, CSBW supports it. custom URLs with a wild card:
- Copy the Results URL from the website where you usually search. Example: http://www.imdb.com/find?q=cassablanca
- Replace the example term with %sIt would look like this: http://www.imdb.com/find?q=%s
- In CSBW, go to Add > Search Item > Custom and paste the URL with %s so that it is replaced by what you type in the bar.
This will allow you to alternate between Google, Wikipedia, IMDB or any compatible search engine, directly from the widget and without opening the browser. Extra tip: If the website uses complex parameters, check that the search term is in the correct parameter and that spaces are encoded as spaces. %20 o +.
Design and productivity tips
– Combines color and transparency This allows the widget to blend seamlessly with your wallpaper and avoid distractions. A slightly darker tone improves text readability.
– Add shortcuts to Translate, Voice Search, Lens o Time based on your daily usage; this way you avoid opening intermediate apps and you shorten steps.
– If you use a launcher like NovaTry out the different historical bar styles and disable extra margins for a cleaner look.
– On phones with a fixed bar in the dock, consider keeping only one bar on the screen for avoid redundancies.
– Remember that widgets are interactive toolsAdjust size and position to create your own workspace with information and actions at your fingertips.
Combining Google's native option with the power of CSBW gives you a search bar that's really yoursVisually aligned with your theme, with shortcuts that speed up frequent tasks, and with the freedom to choose alternative search engines when needed.