How To Fix Google Search Not Working On Android

Do you experience Google Search not working on Android phone? Several factors can cause this issue such as a temporary glitch with the app, internet connection issue, Google Search widget issue, or an outdated Google Search app. To fix Google Search not working on android devices, you will need to perform several troubleshooting steps.

Google Search is a search engine created by Google. It controls a 92% market share of all searches conducted online, processing more than 3.5 billion each day. Moreover, it receives the largest worldwide traffic. In part, Google’s “PageRank” priority rank mechanism determines the order in which search results are returned.

Fix Google Search Bar Not Working On Android Device

One of the issues you will encounter when using the Google search bar is it will not work. This can be a frustrating experience if you need to search something and the Google Search is not working on your device.

Here’s how to fix Google Search not working on Android device issue.

Fix #1 Check internet connection

Your first step should be to check is that your Android device has a stable internet connection because an unstable internet connection could cause the Google Search to not work. You should have a 4G connection mobile data or a 5G connection mobile data with your smartphone if you are using mobile data connection to have a stable internet connection. If you are using a pocket Wi-Fi device to connect your smartphone to the internet then make sure the device has good Wi-Fi connection. You may check your current internet speed and connection reliability with online speed tests like speedtest.net.

Checking internet connectivity

Step 1: Open your browser on your android smartphone.

Step 2: Type speedtest.net to have your internet speed check. Speedtest site is one of the most popular web tools to check your connection speed.

Step 3: Press the Go button. Pressing Go button will start the speed test.

Step 4: Wait for the results of the speed test to be completed. Find out how fast is your download and upload speed.

If you are using a Wi-Fi connection then you can also check if the issue is with your network devices and it might need a reboot.

Step 1: Unplug the power cords from the power socket on your Modem and Router.

Step 2: Reconnect your modem and router to the power supply after a minute and turn on the devices.

Step 3: Wait for the lights to come on again.

To have a stable signal with your Wi-Fi network. You can do these steps:

Step 1: While using your android device, try to disconnect any other devices that are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This allows Hulu to utilize the maximum amount of bandwidth.

Step 2: Bring the device closer to the modem. This will allow the devices to receive a significantly stronger reception.

Step 3: If you have a dual-band device, try connecting the streaming device to the 5GHz channel rather than the 2.4GHz band.

Fix #2 Force stop the Google app or Google Search bar

The next thing to do is to force stop Google Search bar if it is not working. The issue might be a temporary bug in Google Search bar. Most android apps that you encounter that have issues can be fix by closing and then opening the app.

Force close google search

Step 1: Long tap Google app icon on your phone.

Step 2: Tap on the info button and go to the Google app info menu.

Step 3: Hit Force Stop.

Fix #3 Restart phone

To fix Search bar not working on your android, you can restart your smartphone device. This step will reboot your phone so that it can refresh its operating system which can fix any temporary bug that you are encountering with Google Search widget or app.

Restarting your Android

Step 1: Press and hold the Power button.

Step 2: Tap Power off or Restart.

Step 3: Press and hold the Power button until your device turns on again.

Fix #4 Remove and Add Google Search Widget

You can try to remove and re-add the widget again on your home screen and see if it fixes the issue you are experiencing. Usually this will fix the Google Search not working issue as this might be a temporary glitch with the app . When a widget is removed from the Home screen, it remains accessible in the Widgets tab in case you ever want to add it back.

Deleting widget

• Tap and hold the widget.
• Tap “Remove from home”.

Adding a widget

• On the home screen, tap and hold on any available space.
• Tap “Widgets”.
• Tap and hold the widget you would like to add.
• Drag and drop the widget onto the available space.

Fix #5 Clear Google search data or clear browsing data

One of the possible reason that the Google Search bar is not working on your android device is it have a corrupted cache data. You can clear app data and cached images to to fix the issue with search bar not working.

Clearing cache data

Step 1: Open Settings Menu.

Step 2: Select Apps.

Step 3: Choose the Google app.

Step 4: Select Storage.

Step 5: Tap the Clear Data and Clear Cache.

Fix #6 Reset Google Play Services

Google has developed a collection of unique background services and APIs for Android users that they have called Google Play Services. Using Google Play Services, apps can access Google Services. You can reset Google Play service as it might be a glitch that is causing Google Search not working issue.

Resetting Google Play service

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your Android smartphone or tablet.

Step 2: Select Apps, followed by See all apps..

Step 3: Scroll down to find “Google Play Services”.

Step 4: Then select Google Play Services.

Step 5: Press Storage, then select Clear Cache.

Step 6: Select Manage Space, followed by Clear All Data.

Fix #7 Update Google app

Installing the latest version of your Google Search app is recommended when you are using it for searches. If you have an outdated version you can experience the not working issue. Make sure you are using the latest version of the app because it includes various security updates, features, and bug fixes that are not present in the earlier version of the Google app.

Updating google search bar

Step 1: Open the Play store.

Step 2: At the top right, tap the profile icon.

Step 3: Tap Manage apps & device. Apps with an update available are labeled “Update available.”

Step 4: Tap Update Google.

Fix #8 Reinstall Google app

If the above mentioned troubleshooting steps does not work and you are still having issue with the app, you’ll probably need to reinstall the app. Google app installation corruption may already be the cause of the issue.

Reinstalling Google app

Step 1: Go to Phone’s Settings menu on your device.

Step 2: Select Applications.

Step 3: Tap Google app then uninstall.

Step 4: Open your smartphone’s play store then search for Google app.

Step 5: Tap Install Google.

Fix #9 Reset to Factory version

If at this point you are still getting the issue and none of the other solutions work, then you should consider doing a factory reset of your device. Before you proceed with this step, you need to back up your phone files. Any photos, files, contact lists, or notes that you have saved on your phone will be deleted so make sure to make a backup copy of these. Doing a factory reset will fix issues since it will make your phone go to the default settings.

Factory Resetting

• Turn off your Android device.
• Simultaneously press and hold the Volume up and side buttons until the device vibrates and the Android Recovery screen appears then release all buttons. Allow up to 30 seconds for the recovery screen to appear.
• From the Android Recovery mode screen, select Wipe data/factory reset. You can use the volume buttons to cycle through the available options and the side key to select.
• Select Factory data reset. Allow several seconds for the factory data reset to complete.
• Select Reboot system now. Allow several minutes for the reboot process to complete.
• Set up your Android device.
• Download Google app.

Frequently Asked Questions