10 Google Search Tricks Most People Don’t Know (Boost Productivity Fast)
- 10com Web Development
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Many people use Google daily for basic searches, but there’s so much more to explore. Google processes over 8.5 billion searches per day, making it a vital tool for people around the world. Yet, most users aren’t aware of the hidden features that can make searching easier and even fun.
From advanced search techniques to entertaining games, some tricks can improve how you use the search engine. Here are 10 of the best Google tricks that can improve your search experience, help you find things faster, and even entertain you along the way.
1. Do A Barrel Roll
One of the most popular Google tricks is typing “do a barrel roll” into the search bar. When you do this, the Google search page will spin 360 degrees, adding a fun, unexpected element to your search experience. This quirky feature doesn’t serve any practical purpose but is an amusing way to surprise yourself or your friends.
The phrase “do a barrel roll” comes from the classic video game Star Fox, where players perform a barrel roll maneuver to evade attacks during flight. It’s become a popular reference in gaming and pop culture.
Google also responds to a few other fun search queries, like typing “askew,” which tilts the entire web page slightly. These Easter eggs make using Google more entertaining, adding a playful touch to your everyday searches.
2. Search for Specific File Types
If you’re looking for a particular type of file like a PDF, PowerPoint, or Word document, Google search has a neat trick. You can use the "filetype:" operator to find specific file types quickly. For example, typing “filetype” followed by your search query will show only PDF results.
This feature is especially useful when searching for specific types of content like reports, eBooks, or research papers, helping you quickly locate the exact document format you need without sifting through irrelevant results.
This Google trick helps you narrow down search results and find exactly what you need without having to sift through irrelevant content. Whether you’re a student looking for academic papers or a professional seeking company reports, this trick ensures you get directly to the type of file you're looking for.
3. Search by Image
Another powerful tool from Google is reverse image search, available through Google Images. With this feature, you can upload an image or paste an image URL to find visually similar pictures, websites using the image, or even the source of the image.
This trick is especially useful for tracking down an image’s origin, identifying unfamiliar objects, or learning more about a specific location or event depicted in the image. Beyond its convenience, reverse image search is highly beneficial for verifying the authenticity of images.
For instance, you can check if a photo is being used across multiple sites or is part of misleading content. It’s a valuable tool for avoiding spam, spotting fake images, or confirming if a photo is original. This makes it one of the most practical and efficient Google tricks for handling visual content and ensuring accuracy.
4. Discover Local Sunrise and Sunset Times
If you want to know the exact time of sunrise or sunset in your area or any location worldwide, Google makes it simple. Just type “sunrise” or “sunset” followed by the name of the city into the search bar, and you’ll immediately get the precise time.
This trick is perfect for planning activities, like a morning workout or an evening event, ensuring you’re always aligned with the daylight hours. This is particularly useful for travelers and those in regions where daylight hours change significantly throughout the year.
Whether you’re scheduling outdoor events or simply curious about nature’s schedule, this Google trick is a quick and efficient way to stay informed. It’s one of those small but valuable tools that help you save time while keeping you aware of natural events worldwide.
5. Flip a Coin or Roll Dice
Sometimes, making a quick decision or settling a debate with friends can be tricky. Thankfully, Google offers virtual tools to help you decide instantly. By typing “flip a coin” or “roll dice” into the search bar, you can quickly generate random results - whether it's heads or tails, or a dice roll from one to six.
This feature is perfect for choosing between two options, such as deciding who goes first in a game, picking a restaurant, or even resolving a tie in a friendly debate quickly and easily.
For gamers, the dice roll feature becomes especially useful, as you can choose between rolling a single die or multiple dice, perfect for tabletop games. These Google tricks not only provide quick solutions but also add a fun, spontaneous element to everyday decision-making.
6. Track Flight Status
Tracking flights is incredibly simple with Google’s search engine. By entering the flight number directly into the search bar, you get instant real-time updates, including departure time, arrival time, and any potential delays. This feature eliminates the need to navigate through airline websites or apps, providing all the essential information in one place.
Whether you’re traveling or picking someone up from the airport, this Google trick saves time and keeps you informed. It’s especially useful for staying updated on unexpected changes, such as delays or gate changes, without needing to constantly check multiple sources.
With this tool, tracking flights has never been more convenient, offering peace of mind for travelers and those waiting at the airport. It’s just another example of how Google simplifies everyday tasks with quick, accurate results.
7. Find Songs by Humming
Can’t remember the lyrics to a song but have the melody stuck in your head? No problem! Google now lets you search for songs by simply humming or whistling the tune. Tap the microphone icon on the Google search bar, or activate Google Assistant and say, "What's this song?" Then, hum or whistle the melody for a few seconds.
Google will analyze the tune and give you the most likely matches. This feature is perfect for those moments when you can’t remember a song's lyrics, title, or artist but can recall the melody.
Whether it's a popular track or an obscure tune, this Google trick makes finding songs easy and fun, saving you the frustration of trying to remember exact details. It’s an innovative way to discover music efficiently, adding more excitement to your searching experience.
8. Google Search Timer
If you ever need a quick timer but don’t want to download an app, Google offers a simple solution. Just type "set a timer for" followed by the duration you need, and a timer will pop up at the top of the search page. You can start, pause, or reset the timer directly from your browser, making it incredibly convenient for quick tasks.
This Google trick is perfect for those who need a fast countdown, whether you’re cooking, exercising, or working on a project. It eliminates the hassle of downloading and installing a separate app, saving time and device storage.
It’s especially useful for time-sensitive tasks like managing presentations, taking short breaks, or timing study sessions. With this handy feature, you can stay on track and organized with just a quick search query, streamlining your daily activities.
9. Check Local Air Quality
In an age where air quality is a growing concern, Google now offers a way to check real-time air quality information right from the search bar. Just type "air quality" followed by your location, and you’ll instantly see the current Air Quality Index (AQI) levels. This feature gives you detailed data on pollution levels, particulate matter, and other environmental factors in your area.
This Google trick is especially useful for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, such as runners, cyclists, or those with respiratory conditions. In areas where pollution levels fluctuate, staying updated on air quality can help you plan outdoor activities more safely.
Whether you’re organizing a hike or just concerned about local air quality, this tool allows you to make health-conscious decisions based on real-time information.
10. Google’s Built-In Unit Converter
Lastly, if you need to quickly convert measurements like kilometers to miles or pounds to kilograms, Google Search has a built-in unit converter to simplify the process. Just type the units you want to convert (e.g., "10 km to miles"), and Google will instantly provide the exact conversion right at the top of the search results.
This Google trick is ideal for students working on assignments, travelers navigating different countries, or professionals handling various measurement systems. It saves time by eliminating the need to open a separate app or use a calculator.
If you’re planning a trip or solving a math problem, this feature makes conversions fast and easy, providing quick, accurate results right within your Google search.
How Google Search Tricks Can Save Time and Improve Everyday Productivity
Google is more than a basic search engine. When used correctly, it becomes a powerful productivity tool that helps users find information faster, make smarter decisions, and simplify everyday tasks.
By using advanced Google search tricks like file type searches, reverse image lookup, built-in tools, and real-time data features, you can reduce friction and get answers instantly. These features are designed to save time, eliminate unnecessary steps, and improve how you interact with information online.
Whether you use Google for work, research, travel, or daily life, understanding these search tricks helps you get more value from the platform and work more efficiently every day.
Popular Google Search Questions Users Ask Every Day
Google offers hundreds of built-in features, but many users only scratch the surface. Below are answers to common questions about Google search tricks and how to use them effectively.
What are Google search tricks?
Google search tricks are special commands, shortcuts, and built-in tools that help users find information faster, perform actions directly in search, or access hidden features.
Are Google search tricks free to use?
Yes. All Google search tricks are completely free and built directly into Google Search. No apps or extensions are required.
Do Google search tricks work on mobile devices?
Most Google search tricks work on both desktop and mobile devices, including voice search features like humming to find songs or setting timers.
Can Google search tricks improve productivity?
Yes. Using advanced search operators, instant tools, and shortcuts can save time, reduce clicks, and help users complete tasks more efficiently.
Are Google search tricks useful for businesses?
Absolutely. Businesses can use Google search tricks for competitor research, file discovery, content research, tracking flights, checking trends, and improving workflow efficiency.