Chrome users with Gemini enabled can now draw boxes around on-screen content using a new “Select from screen” option. Google says the feature is rolling out now, requires signing in with a Google account, and won’t work in Incognito.
For anyone who’s ever wanted to search without leaving the page, Chrome is making the shortcut feel a little more direct. This week, the browser is rolling out another way to feed what’s on your screen into Google’s AI: a new “Select from screen” option for Gemini in Chrome.
The idea builds on the same pattern Google has been refining for a while—using content you’re already looking at to start a search. Chrome has already offered on-screen searching through tools like Google Lens, and this newest addition pushes that workflow toward Gemini specifically.
To use it, you have to have Gemini in Chrome enabled. Google also requires you to be signed in to Chrome with a Google account, and the feature won’t work in Incognito.
The flow starts with the “Ask Gemini” button. From there. users tap the plus sign in Gemini’s Add menu. then choose “Select from screen.” Once it’s active. you draw a box around the content you want Gemini to see. You can do more than one highlight—multiple screen areas can be selected at once. When everything you want is boxed and highlighted, you submit your prompt to Gemini.
The experience will feel familiar to people who’ve used Chrome’s Google Lens integration. In this case, Lens typically routes you to a regular Google Search page, while Gemini’s version leans harder into AI responses—though AI Mode remains available when using Lens.
Google says Chrome users should start seeing “Select from screen” available now. If it doesn’t show up right away—even after Gemini in Chrome is enabled—the fix is simple: update to the most recent Chrome 149 release.
Gemini in Chrome Select from screen Circle to Search Google Lens Chrome 149 AI search on-screen search Incognito limitations
So they still can’t do it in incognito?? That’s kinda the point of incognito lol.
Great, just what I needed, Chrome taking screenshots so Gemini can “answer” me. I’m sure it’s totally private.
Does this mean if you circle something it automatically charges you? Like “select from screen” sounds like those random add-ons. Also why do I have to update to Chrome 149… my computer already hates updates.
I tried Google Lens once and it took me away from the page, so if Gemini keeps it on-page that’s cool I guess. But also they said you can’t use it in Incognito which is annoying, like what if you’re researching something and don’t want it saved??