To do a photo search on Google from a computer, go to images.google.com, click the Search by image camera icon in the search bar, and then drag in a photo, upload a file, or paste an image link. Google Lens shows visually similar images, pages that use the photo, and information about what’s in it. On a phone, tap the Lens icon in the Google app, or long-press any image in Chrome and choose Search with Google Lens.
This guide covers every way to search with a photo, how to find where an image came from, and what to do if you don’t get good results.
Search with a photo on a computer
Upload a photo from your computer
- Go to images.google.com in any web browser.
- Click the Search by image icon (the colorful camera) on the right side of the search bar.
- Drag a photo into the box, or click upload a file and choose one.
- Google Lens opens with your results. Drag the corners of the selection box to focus on one part of the picture.
Search with an image from a website
- In Chrome: Right-click the image and choose Search with Google Lens. Results open in a side panel.
- In other browsers: Right-click the image, choose Copy image address (or Copy image link), then paste it into the Paste image link box on images.google.com and click Search.
- Anything on your screen: In Chrome, click the three-dot menu and choose Search with Google Lens, then drag a box around the part of the page you want to search.
Search with a photo on iPhone or Android
Use the Google app
- Open the Google app and tap the Lens icon (the camera) in the search bar.
- Point your camera at something and tap the shutter button, or tap the photo icon to choose a picture from your gallery.
- Allow access to your camera or photos if asked.
- Swipe up to see the results.
Use Chrome
- Open Chrome and find the image on a web page.
- Touch and hold the image.
- Tap Search image with Google or Search with Google Lens.
Use Google Photos
Open a photo in the Google Photos app and tap the Lens icon at the bottom to search for what’s in the picture.
Use Circle to Search (Android)
On supported Android phones, including recent Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models, touch and hold the home button or navigation bar, then circle, highlight, or tap anything on the screen to search it.
What you can do with a photo search
| Goal | What to tap or click in the results |
|---|---|
| Find where a picture came from | Exact matches, or scroll to pages that use the image |
| Find similar images or a higher-resolution version | Visual matches |
| Shop for a product in a photo | Products or shopping results |
| Identify a plant, animal, or landmark | The top result card |
| Copy or translate text in a photo | Switch to Text or Translate in Lens |
| Solve a homework problem | Switch to Homework in the mobile app |
How to find the original source of an image
- Run a photo search using any method above.
- Click or tap Exact matches at the top of the results. On mobile, you may need to scroll or tap Find image source.
- Sort through the list and look for the earliest or most authoritative page, like the photographer’s site or a news outlet.
This is useful for checking whether a viral photo is real, finding the artist behind an image, or spotting fake profile pictures used in scams.
Tips for better results
- Crop to the subject. Drag the selection box so it covers only the item you care about.
- Use a clear, bright photo. Blurry, dark, or heavily filtered images give weaker matches.
- Add words. In Lens, tap Add to your search and type details, like a color or brand.
- Try another engine. Bing Visual Search and TinEye can find matches that Google misses.
Privacy: what happens to the photos you search
Photos you upload to Google Lens are sent to Google to process the search. If Web & App Activity is on, Lens searches may be saved to your Google Account. You can review and delete them at myactivity.google.com. Avoid searching with private photos of other people.
Related: Search a specific website on Google.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google reverse image search free?
Yes. Google Lens and Search by image are free on all devices.
Can I search a photo to find a person?
Google Lens doesn’t identify people by their faces. It may show pages where the same photo appears online, which can help you spot a stolen profile picture.
Why don’t I see the camera icon?
Make sure you’re on images.google.com or google.com, and that your browser is up to date. Some privacy extensions can hide it.
Can I do a photo search on Google without an app?
Yes. On a phone, open images.google.com in your browser and tap the camera icon, or long-press an image in Chrome.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.