20 Cool and Funny Google Tricks You Have To Discover
Published Sept 28, 2020
Need to know about something? You google it. Google has been around for the past 22 years, serving as the leading search engine worldwide. It’s always been their mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. While making our lives so much easier, Google developers love to have their fair share of fun too. They do this by leaving Easter eggs even within the search engine itself. Oh, you didn’t know that? Here are some of the coolest and funniest tricks you can find on Google.
20 Cool and Funny Google Tricks You Should Try Right Now
Google in 1998
Google started back on September 4, 1998. But since then, it’s changed quite a bit, generating more search results on a revamped user-interface. Searching “Google in 1998” pays homage to their humble beginnings, showing you how different it was back then.
Do a Barrel Roll
If you want to see something particularly loopy or silly, you’ll want to try this one. Ask Google to “do a barrel roll” in the search bar and see what happens. I guarantee you’ll be sufficiently entertained.
Askew
You might want to stay away from this if you have OCD. Typing and searching “askew” on Google messes up the alignment of the results, appearing off-center. For those who love order and cleanliness, this can be extremely off-putting and uncomfortable.
Recursion
The true definition of recursion is “the repeated application of a recursive procedure or definition.” The developers at Google thought it would be clever to use this definition when searching for the word. Google takes this definition quite literally by repeatedly asking, “Did you mean: recursion?” And it does this perpetually. Clever, huh?
Spell out any number
The key to spelling out any number in written text is by keying in the search query “(Number) in English.” This number can range from a single-digit one to about one reaching the trillions digit. Here’s an example of Google spelling out “123456789.” This feature can be handy, like when making handwritten checks.
Set a timer
Keying in “set timer for (amount of time)” starts a countdown on Google. Simply push start, and the timer will give an audible beep once the time is up.
Find your IP address.
Certain apps and tools require you to input your IP address. For some of us less technologically skilled, locating our IP address might sound confusing, even intimidating. But Google has you covered; simply ask it, “what is my IP address?” to find out.
Find out sunrise and sunset times.
Ever wanted to watch the sunrise or sunset, but you don’t know the exact time? Google does. All you have to do is key in “sunrise/sunset time + (your location).” Here’s an example of one in “sunset time Boca Raton.“
Convert units.
With all the different measurements out there for the same quantity, it can get a little bit confusing. For example, you want to know how to convert cm to inches, feet, or yard, but you don’t know the exact conversion factors. Google can convert any measurement to the desired one in mere milliseconds. Here’s one where we ask Google to convert “225 Fahrenheit to Celsius.”
Flip a coin.
Need help in making a potentially life-altering decision? You probably shouldn’t flip a coin for that. But when you do need to flip a coin, Google can do that too. Just ask Google to “flip a coin,” and you’ll have an answer.
Tic-tac-toe
One of my favorite games I used to play as a kid was tic-tac-toe. I can still remember drawing grids on my school books, playing the game with my seatmates. Of course, it’s a little different now. You have the option of playing either a medium or a hard game against Google. Just search “tic-tac-toe,” and you’ll immediately be confronted with the game interface.
Blink HTML
The HTML blink element “<blink>” is an element that causes the enclosed text to start blinking slowly. Now, I’m not quite sure why you’d want to use this trick, but it is pretty fun. You input “blink HTML” into the search bar, hit enter, and start to see all the words of “blink” and “HTML” flicker metronomically.
Metronome
Speaking of metronomes, Google has just that for you. For whatever reason you may need one, the search engine has one where you can adjust it to the exact bpm that you want.
I’m feeling curious.
Want to learn a random fact today? Just tell Google, “I’m feeling curious,” and it’ll do the rest. The “I’m feeling curious” query lets Google go through its database and present you with a question and corresponding answer. It’s a fun and unpredictable way of learning new information.
Breathing exercise
Did you know? Practicing healthy breathing exercises dramatically reduces anxiety and panic disorders. Google has short 1-minute breathing exercises that you can try right now. By searching “breathing exercise,” Google will display the exercise’s interface, and all you have to do is press play and follow the instructions.
Google logo history
Want to learn a little bit about history? Take a walk through time as you navigate the different stages that Google’s logo passed. This tour should bring back nostalgic memories of a simpler time in your life. Get to it by searching “Google logo history.”
Wizard of Oz
I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore. If you’re a big “Wizard of Oz” fan, this one should hit the spot perfectly. Once you key in “Wizard of Oz” in your search bar, you’ll notice the pair of bright red, ruby slippers somewhere. Click them and return to the black and white hues of Kansas. And if you want to get back? Be whisked away by the tornado into the magical land of Oz (our world).
Animal sounds
If you’ve always wanted to know what an animal sounded like, this feature will do good by you. Featuring sounds of some of your favorite animals, this might be useful if you have a toddler too. Input “animal sounds” as your search query and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Reverse image searching
We all know that Google shows images of things related to our search, but did you know it can conduct a reverse image search when you input a picture of your own? Google can show you relevant and related information to the posted image. To do this, you’ll open up Google Images ,click the camera icon, upload a picture, and click the search icon.
Find businesses near you.
If you’re looking for new spots to go to, this is perfect for you. You can do this by inputting “(Business) + nearby,” so if you’re searching for a coffee shop, you put “coffee shop nearby.” This feature is excellent, as it displays relevant businesses with their corresponding ratings for you to choose from.
(Related: FBCLID in Google Analytics: Should You Remove It?)
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is a professional writer and SEO specialist based in the Philippines. She works hard to cross check reputable sources to ensure her work uses accurate facts. She is the lead author for several prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more.
