4 Fixes for Google Search Bar or Widget Not Working on Android

Quick Tips

• Long-press the widget > Remove. Then, re-add the widget and check again.
• Open Google app settings and tap on Storage > Clear cache. You can also use it to disable and re-enable the Google app.
• Go to the Google app > profile icon > Search history > Saving to Web & App Activity > Turn off > select Turn off. Then, try again.

Basic Fixes:

• Restart your phone: Temporary glitches in the Google app can cause the search bar or widget not to work properly. To fix this, restart your Android device to restart all device functions and apps. Then, try using Google search again.
• Check your internet connection: Google requires a stable internet connection to fetch your search results. So, enable and disable Airplane mode to refresh your device’s network connection. If available, switch to a Wi-Fi connection and try again.
• Update the Google app: App updates can resolve any software bugs that prevent the Google app from working properly. This can also affect the Google search bar and widget. So, check and install the latest Google app updates and try again.

Fix 1: Re-Add Search Widget

If the issue is only with the Google search bar or the widget, try re-adding them to your Android device’s home screen. To do that, first, remove the existing search bar or any other Google search widget and add it back again. We’re using the Google search bar for demonstration. Here’s how.

Step 1: Long-press on the widget. Once the options appear, tap on Remove.

Step 2: Now, long-press on any empty space and tap on Widgets.

Step 3: Tap on Google and tap on the relevant widget. Tap on Add to re-add the widget.

Also Read: How to fix Google search bar widget missing in Android

Fix 2: Clear Google App Cache

Most apps use caches to help them perform faster. However, if this cache gets corrupted, it can affect app functions and even prevent the Google search bar or widget from working properly. In this case, clear the cache for the Google app and try again. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Open Settings and tap on Apps. Here, tap on Google.

Step 2: Tap on Storage. Then, tap on Clear cache.

Also Read: How to add Google search bar to home screen on Android and iPhone

Fix 3: Disable and Re-Enable Google App

If you still can’t use the Google search bar or widget, disable the app from the settings menu. This will stop all app functions. Then, re-enable the app to restart the Google app and see if this fixes the issue. Follow the below steps to do it.

Step 1: Go to Settings → Apps → Google. Here, tap on Disable.

Step 2: When prompted, tap on Disable app to confirm.

This will disable the Google app. Wait a while and tap on the Google app icon again to re-enable the app. Then, check again.

Fix 4: Disable Web & App Activity

If enabled, Google stores data from your web visits and other app activities to improve the user experience. However, this might interfere with Google search features. When this happens, use app settings to stop Google from storing your web and app activity data. Here’s how.

Tip: You can also manage your Google web and app activity settings on your desktop.

Step 1: Open the Google app and tap on your profile icon. Tap on Search history.

Step 2: Here, tap on Saving to Web & App Activity.

Step 3: Tap on Turn off and select Turn off from the options.

This will stop Google from saving your web and app activity. You can also use the options to delete your previous Google web and app activity data. Then, try using the Google search bar or widget again.