Google’s AI Mode Can Now Be Launched Straight From Your Android Home Screen: Here's How to Enable It

Google is making it easier for Android users to dive into AI Mode without having to open the full app or dig through menus. With the latest update, you can now trigger AI Mode directly from the Google Search widget on your home screen.

It’s a small tweak, but one that makes a big difference if you regularly use Google’s AI tools. Here’s what’s changed and how you can try it out.

What’s New With the Google Widget

The update comes via Google app version 16.28, and it’s rolling out to both beta and stable users. Once enabled, you’ll notice a new circular AI icon sitting right next to the voice mic and Google Lens icons in the widget.

Source: 9to5Google  

Just tap it, and it’ll instantly launch AI Mode in full screen. You can start typing prompts immediately, just like you would in a typical chatbot interface. This means you’re getting AI-generated responses without needing to open a separate app or wait for AI Overviews to load in Search.

According to 9to5Google, this shortcut first appeared back in April for a few beta users but kept vanishing during testing. Now it seems to be sticking around for good.

How to Enable AI Mode in the Widget

Here’s how to get it up and running:

1. Long-press the Google Search widget on your Android home screen.
2. Tap Settings or Edit to open the widget customization menu.
3. Head to the Shortcuts section.
4. Select AI Mode—it should be listed just below “None.”

You’ll also find similar options in the main Google app settings, under widget customization.

Even if you don’t have a Pixel device, this method works. In fact, if you’re using a non-Pixel phone, this is probably the fastest way to access AI Mode straight from your home screen.

Not Seeing the New Icon?

If you haven’t enrolled in Google’s Search Labs program, your app might still be using the older design. In that case, you won’t see the AI Mode icon in the widget itself. Instead, you’ll spot a colorful pill-shaped button under the Search bar inside the app.

This design is part of the older Discover feed interface. You can still access AI Mode from there, just not quite as quickly. If you want the newer design and smoother integration, it might be worth joining the Search Labs program through the Google app.

So, What Exactly Is AI Mode?

AI Mode is Google’s full-screen, chat-style search experience. It’s designed to let you ask more complex questions, get AI-generated responses, and continue the conversation with follow-up queries. Compared to AI Overviews, AI Mode feels more like chatting with a smart assistant than scanning search results.

Google says this version of search includes better reasoning, more interactive answers, and relevant web links when needed. It’s part of the company’s push to rethink what Search should look like in an AI-first world.