Google is more than just a search engine,it’s a powerful tool that offers countless features and shortcuts to make your life easier. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, mastering some of Google’s hidden hacks can save time, boost productivity, and provide valuable insights. From advanced search tips to leveraging lesser-known tools, this guide dives into Google hacks you should try today.
1. Advanced Google Search Hacks
a. Use Quotation Marks for Exact Matches
If you want Google to show results containing an exact phrase, put the phrase in quotation marks.
Example: Searching for “best smartphone 2025” will only show results with that exact phrase.
b. Exclude Words with the Minus Sign
To filter out unwanted results, use a minus sign (-) before the word you want to exclude.
Example: Searching for best laptops -gaming will exclude gaming laptops from the results.
c. Use the Asterisk (*) as a Wildcard
The asterisk acts as a placeholder for unknown words or phrases.
Example: Searching for “how to * faster” will show results like “how to run faster” or “how to learn faster.”
d. Search Within a Specific Website
Use site: followed by a website’s URL to search for content only on that site.
Example: Searching for site:nytimes.com technology will show tech-related articles from The New York Times.
e. Find Related Websites
If you want to find websites similar to one you already know, use the related: operator.
Example: Searching for related:Hojogames.com will show sites similar to HojoGames.
2. Google Chrome Hacks
a. Pin Tabs for Quick Access
Right-click on a tab and select “Pin” to keep essential tabs at the top of your browser window.
b. Reopen Closed Tabs
Accidentally closed a tab? Press Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + T (Mac) to reopen it.
c. Use Chrome Extensions
Enhance your productivity by adding extensions like:
- Grammarly: For writing assistance.
- Pocket: To save articles and read later.
- LastPass: For secure password management.
d. Group Tabs
Organize tabs by creating groups. Right-click on a tab, select “Add to Group,” and give it a name and color.
3. Google Maps Hacks
a. Measure Distance
Right-click on any point on the map and select “Measure distance” to calculate distances between multiple points.
b. Offline Maps
Download maps for offline use by searching for a location, clicking on “Download,” and saving it to your device.
c. Check Real-Time Traffic
Use the “Traffic” layer to see live traffic conditions and plan your route accordingly.
d. Explore Nearby
Click on “Explore” to find restaurants, attractions, and events near your current location.
4. Google Drive Hacks
a. Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Save time with these shortcuts:
- Ctrl + /: Open the list of all shortcuts.
- Shift + Z: Add a file to multiple folders.
b. Search Filters
Use the search bar to find files by type, owner, or date. Example: Type type:pdf to find only PDFs.
c. Version History
Right-click on a file and select “Version history” to view or restore previous versions.
d. Scan Documents
Use the Google Drive mobile app to scan documents and save them as PDFs.
5. Google Docs Hacks
a. Voice Typing
Go to Tools > Voice typing to dictate your text instead of typing.
b. Explore Tool
Click on the “Explore” icon to research topics, find images, and add citations without leaving the document.
c. Offline Mode
Enable offline mode to access and edit documents without an internet connection.
d. Use Add-Ons
Enhance your Docs experience with add-ons like:
- Extensis Fonts: To access more fonts.
- DocuSign: For electronic signatures.
6. Google Search Features You Didn’t Know About
a. Flip a Coin or Roll a Die
Type flip a coin or roll a die to make quick decisions.
b. Set a Timer or Stopwatch
Type set a timer for 5 minutes or stopwatch into the search bar to access these tools instantly.
c. Convert Units
Convert anything by typing it into Google. Example: 100 USD to EUR or 10 kg to lbs.
d. Check Weather
Type weather followed by your location to get real-time updates.
7. Google Photos Hacks
a. Search by Object
Google Photos uses AI to identify objects in your images. Search for “dog,” “beach,” or “food” to find specific pictures.
b. Free Up Space
Use the “Free up space” feature to delete photos that have already been backed up.
c. Create Animations and Albums
Select multiple photos and click on “Create” to make animations, albums, or collages.
d. Scan Old Photos
Use the Google Photoscan app to digitize old printed photos.
8. Google Translate Hacks
a. Instant Camera Translation
Use the camera feature in the Google Translate app to translate text in real-time.
b. Save Phrases
Save commonly used phrases for quick access later.
c. Offline Translation
Download languages for offline use when traveling.
9. Google Calendar Hacks
a. Add Goals and Reminders
Set personal goals like “Exercise 3 times a week,” and Google Calendar will schedule it for you.
b. Integrate with Other Apps
Sync your calendar with apps like Zoom, Slack, or Trello for seamless scheduling.
c. Color-Code Events
Use colors to differentiate between work, personal, and social events.
10. Google Shopping Hacks
a. Track Price Drops
Search for a product on Google and click “Track price” to get notifications about price changes.
b. Compare Products
Use Google Shopping to compare products from different retailers.
c. Filter by Features
Filter search results by price range, brand, and customer ratings.
11. Google Assistant Hacks
a. Create Routines
Set up routines like “Good Morning” to get weather updates, news, and reminders in one command.
b. Broadcast Messages
Use Google Assistant to broadcast messages to all connected devices in your home.
c. Control Smart Home Devices
Connect your smart home gadgets to Google Assistant for voice control.
12. Google Sheets Hacks
a. Use Formulas
Master basic formulas like =SUM(A1:A10) for quick calculations.
b. Conditional Formatting
Highlight cells based on specific conditions, such as values greater than 100.
c. Create Pivot Tables
Analyze large datasets using pivot tables.
d. Import Data from Other Sheets
Use IMPORTRANGE to pull data from one sheet into another.
13. Fun Google Easter Eggs
a. Do a Barrel Roll
Type do a barrel roll into Google Search and watch the page spin.
b. Play Games
Search for games like Google Pac-Man or Tic Tac Toe to play directly in your browser.
c. Thanos Snap
Search for Thanos Snap, click the glove icon, and watch half the search results disappear!
