> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.bubblav.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Web Search

> Enable AI to search the web for real-time information about external companies, products, and current events.

# Web Search Integration

The **Web Search** integration enables your AI chatbot and Copilot assistant to perform real-time web searches, extending their knowledge beyond your internal knowledge base. This allows the AI to answer questions about competitors, alternative solutions, current events, and any information available on the web.

## Features

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Real-Time Web Search" icon="globe">
    The AI searches the web in real-time using Google's search capabilities to find current and accurate information.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Source Citations" icon="link">
    All search results include source URLs, so users can verify information and explore the original sources.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Competitor Analysis" icon="users">
    Visitors can ask about competitors, alternative products, or external services—and get accurate, up-to-date answers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Channel Control" icon="sliders">
    Enable web search independently for AI Chatbot and Copilot, giving you full control over where it's used.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Use Cases

Web Search is particularly useful when your visitors ask questions about:

* **Competitors**: "How does your pricing compare to Competitor X?"
* **External Products**: "What features does Product Y offer?"
* **Current Events**: "What's the latest news about \[topic]?"
* **Industry Trends**: "What are the current trends in \[industry]?"
* **General Knowledge**: Questions unrelated to your specific products or services

## Prerequisites

* **Plan**: Pro+ or Turbo plan is required
* **Google AI**: Uses Google's Gemini model with built-in search capabilities

## Setup

### 1. Enable the Integration

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Integrations">
    Go to your **BubblaV Dashboard** > **Integrations**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect Web Search">
    Find the **Web Search** card in the **Built-in Tools** section and click **Connect**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Channels">
    After connecting, click **Configure** to choose which channels can use web search:

    <ul>
      <li><strong>AI Chatbot</strong>: Enable for visitor-facing conversations</li>
      <li><strong>Copilot</strong>: Enable for support agent assistance</li>
    </ul>
  </Step>
</Steps>

### 2. Channel Configuration

<Info>
  **Channel Control**: You can enable web search independently for each channel. This lets you, for example, allow support agents to use web search in Copilot while keeping the chatbot focused on your internal knowledge.
</Info>

## How it Works

When web search is enabled and a visitor asks a question that requires external information:

1. The AI analyzes the query and determines if web search is needed
2. A sub-agent performs a real-time Google web search
3. The results are summarized with proper source citations
4. The AI incorporates this information into its response

## Example Conversations

### Competitor Comparison

**Visitor**: "How does your pricing compare to Wonderchat?"

**AI with Web Search**: *Performs web search and responds* "Based on current information, Wonderchat offers plans starting at \$49/month for 1,000 messages, while our Pro plan starts at \$29/month with 2,000 messages. Additionally, we include real-time search and live support features that Wonderchat charges extra for. \[View sources]"

### Product Information

**Visitor**: "Does Stripe support payment methods in Vietnam?"

**AI with Web Search**: *Performs web search and responds* "Yes, Stripe supports various payment methods in Vietnam including Visa, Mastercard, and JCB. However, the specific available methods depend on your business type and location. I recommend checking Stripe's official documentation for Vietnam for the most up-to-date information. \[View sources]"

## Limitations

* Web search uses Google's search API and is subject to Google's rate limits
* Search results may vary based on query complexity and current web content
* The AI will always try to use internal knowledge first before searching the web

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Web search results not appearing">
    <ul>
      <li>Ensure web search is enabled for the correct channel (Chatbot or Copilot)</li>
      <li>Check that your plan supports web search (Pro+ or Turbo)</li>
      <li>Verify the AI actually needs web search—it won't search if your knowledge base has the answer</li>
    </ul>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Sources not showing in response">
    <ul>
      <li>Sources are included when available but may not appear for all searches</li>
      <li>Check if the search returned valid results from the web</li>
    </ul>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="AI refuses to search the web">
    <ul>
      <li>This shouldn't happen if web search is enabled</li>
      <li>Try rephrasing your question to make it clear you need external information</li>
      <li>Contact support if the issue persists</li>
    </ul>
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>