This feature lets you copy text and images from the app preview in the Overview screen. You can also use Google Lens to identify the image or search for similar images.
However, sometimes this feature doesn’t work. If you are facing this issue and Overview Selection isn’t working on your device, here are some ways to fix it.
Use Android 9.0 Pie
Overview Selection won’t work if you’re trying to use it on an Android version other than the Android 9.0 Pie. This feature is a part of the Pie update and is not compatible with previous verisons.
Own a Pixel Device
Sadly, this cool feature of Android 9.0 Pie is currently limited to the Google Pixel line up — Pixel, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL. Yup, unless you own a Google Pixel phone, this feature won’t work for you. It doesn’t support any other devices, even the ones running the Android Pie update.
Enable Overview Selection
While this feature is usually enabled by default, it’s a good idea to check if it’s turned on or not. The setting to do that is present in Pixel Launcher. So if you’re using a different launcher other than Pixel, switch to Pixel Launcher and then follow these steps.
Note: The Overview selection feature works on all Android launchers over a Pixel phone running the Pie update. Only when you need to enable or disable it, you have to switch to Pixel Launcher.
Step 1: Once you have enabled Pixel Launcher, tap and hold on the home screen. Then select Home settings from the pop-up menu.
Step 2: Under Settings, tap on Suggestions. On the next screen, make sure the Overview Selection option is enabled. The toggle should be blue. In case it’s off, turn the toggle on to activate the feature.
Bonus Tip: Use Overview Selection to Extract Text from Images
We usually download third-party apps to extract text from images. But thanks to this new feature, you can now do that easily without any app.
Here’s how to go about it.
Step 1: Open the image from which you want to extract the text.
Step 2: Go into the Overview screen by either using the Recent apps button or the newly introduced gestures.
Step 3: Tap and hold on the text in the image. You will get the usual text selection options — Copy, Search, and Share. Select Copy or Share.
Furthermore, if the text contains a recognizable element like a phone number, URL, email address, or a physical address, you’ll be shown relevant apps in the selection options.
For instance, in the screenshot above, I’ve selected an address in the image. You’ll see that Google Maps is visible in the selection option.
Take a Bite of the Pie
Overview Selection is one of the many exciting features of Android 9.0 Pie. This latest Android update includes new additions over Android 8.0 Oreo. The Smart Selection feature was first introduced in Android 8.0 Oreo among other functions. The Android Pie update takes it to another level by keeping the feature in Overview mode as well.