Google Search Bar Not Working on Android? 6 Useful Ways to Fix the Problem
Google search is one of the most commonly used features on any smartphone. It’s the default for getting answers to any question or finding any piece of information.
However, the experience may break down a bit, sometimes. Some Android users have been reporting an annoying issue lately, where their Google search bar or Chrome search bar not working.
Luckily, there are some easy fixes you can use to get rid of this issue. In this article, we talk about all of those!
- Part 1: Why My Google Search Bar Not Working on Android
- Part 2: 6 Methods to Fix Google Search Bar Not Working
Part 1: Why My Google Search Bar Not Working on Android
If your Google Chrome search bar not working, you may be wondering what could be the possible reasons for it. Well, this section has got you covered.
There could be more than a few reasons why you may be facing that issue. Here are some of the most prominent ones.
- Outdated version of the Google Search or Google Chrome app.
- Bugs in the Google Chrome or Google Search app.
- System-level issues in your operating system.
- Issues related to cached and stored files.
- Glitched search widget.
Part 2: 6 Methods to Fix Google Search Bar Not Working
Now that we have discussed the reasons, let’s look at 6 possible fixes to deal with the Google search bar not working Android issue.
1. Restart Android
If you’re in a dilemma, wondering why my Google search bar is not working, here comes the most obvious fix for you. The first thing you must try is to restart your smartphone. Here’s how to do it.
- Press and hold the power button on your Android smartphone.
Select “Restart” from the menu that appears on the screen. Tap “Restart” again to confirm.
2. Remove Google Search Widget and then Add It Again
If you’re trying to access the search functionality from your Google widget and your Google search widget not working, this section is for you.
One of the best and easiest methods to deal with widget issues is to remove the widget from your home screen, and then put it back on. Below-mentioned is the method to how you can do that.
Here’s how to remove and re-add widgets to fix the Google search bar widget not working issue.
- Tap and hold the search widget on your home screen.
- Drag it to the “Remove” area at the top of the screen.
Let go of the widget.
- To add the widget again, tap and hold on to an empty space on the home screen.
- Select “Widgets” from the menu.
- Find and select the Google search widget.
- Place it on your preferred spot on the home screen.
3. Clear Google's Cache and Data
If your Google search box not working even now, you should clear the data and cache of your Google app. Doing so will eliminate all the buggy and glitched files that may be causing the issue.
Here’s how to do it.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Applications > Google.
Tap “Clear Cache” and select “Yes” to confirm.
- Tap “Clear Data” and select “Yes” to confirm.
4. Disable and Enable Google
If you’ve tried clearing the cache and data and your Google search bar is not working even now, it’s time to disable and re-enable it. To do that, follow the steps mentioned below.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Applications > Google.
Tap “Disable” and select “Yes” to confirm.
- Then you should tap “Enable”.
5. Uninstall and Reinstall Google App
Another popular method to fix Google search bar is to reinstall the Google app. However, depending on the model of your Android device, you may not be able to reinstall the Google app. You can either disable the app or uninstall it.
If your phone does support reinstalling the Google app, here’s how you can do it.
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to System > Applications > Google.
- Tap “Uninstall”, then select “Yes” to confirm.
- Open the Google Play Store.
- Search for the Google app and install it again.
6. Use ReiBoot for Android to Fix the "Google Search Bar Not Working" Issue
If your Google search bar not working even after applying the fixes mentioned above, there may be a system-level glitch causing the issue. You see, it’s likely that there’s nothing wrong with your Google app, and the system itself is a culprit.
To fix problems related to your Android’s OS, there’s nothing better than Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android. ReiBoot for Android lets you deal with all the system-level issues, easily and effortlessly. It can also help make your device enter or exit fastboot/recovery/download mode with only one click.
Here’s how you can use ReiBoot for Android to fix issues with your Android system.
Download and install Tenorshare ReiBoot for Android. Connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable. Make sure USB Debugging is turned on in your device’s Developer Settings. Then click “Repair Android System” > “Repair Now”.
Select correct info about your device and click Next.
Wait for the download to complete. When it’s done, click “Repair Now”.
Wait for the repair process to complete. Now, your Android system should be working fine and all the issues related to Google search should be gone.
Conclusion
Some Android users are facing this pesky issue where their Google search bar not working. In this article, we have discussed some of the best ways to deal with that issue.
If none of the first 5 methods work, take ReiBoot for Android for a spin — it’s the best tool you can find to fix almost all the Android system-level issues.