Search using autocomplete

When you start a search on Google, you can find information faster by looking at search predictions. Search predictions are possible search terms you can use that are related to the terms you’re typing and what other people are searching for.

How autocomplete works

When you choose a search prediction, you do a search using that prediction as your search term.

Where search predictions come from

• The terms you’re typing.

• Relevant searches you’ve done in the past (if you’re signed in to your Google Account and have Web & App Activity turned on).

• What other people are searching for, including Trending stories 

• . Trending stories are popular topics in your area that change throughout the day. Trending stories aren’t related to your search history.

Note: Search predictions aren’t the answer to your search, and they’re not statements by other people or Google about your search terms. 

How search predictions are made

Search predictions are generated by an algorithm without human involvement. The algorithm is:

• Based on objective factors, including how often others have searched for a word.

• Designed to reflect the range of info on the web. Because of this range, the search terms you see might sometimes seem strange or surprising.

Why you might not see search predictions

If no predictions appear for a particular word or topic, it could be that:

• The search term isn't popular.

• The search term is too new. You might need to wait a few days or weeks to see predictions.

• The search term was mistaken for a policy violation. 

Change autocomplete settings

If you’re using the Google app on an Android device, you can turn off Trending stories 

.

1. Open the Google app 

1. .

2. At the top left, tap Menu 

1.  Settings Autocomplete.

2. Tap the switch to turn "Show trending stories" off or on.

Note: Currently, Trending stories don’t appear on iPhones and iPads.

What can’t be changed

Other than Trending stories, you can’t turn off search predictions. Search predictions are built into Google Search to help you find information faster and easier. You can always choose not to use search predictions.

Report offensive predictions

If you see an offensive search prediction, let us know. We'll use your report to improve predictions for everyone.

Choose whether your name shows up in the offensive prediction you saw in autocomplete:

The prediction includes my name

To request removal of this content, fill out the "Removing Content from Google" form.

The prediction doesn't include my name

The prediction has inappropriate content

Here are some examples of inappropriate content:

• Hate speech

• Sexually explicit or abusive content

To let us know about one or more inappropriate predictions, fill out the "Report offensive Autocomplete predictions" form.

I have a legal issue with the prediction

To request removal of content you think is unlawful, fill out the "Removing Content from Google" form.