To use Google Lens, open the Google app on your phone and tap the Lens (camera) icon in the search bar, point your camera at something, and tap the shutter button to search. You can also use Lens on a photo you’ve already taken: open it in Google Photos and tap Lens, or in the Google app tap the Lens icon and pick an image from your gallery. On a computer, right-click an image in Chrome and choose Search with Google Lens (or Search image with Google).
Lens can identify plants, animals, landmarks, and products, translate text through your camera, copy text from the real world, help with homework, and find similar items to buy. This guide covers where to find Lens on Android, iPhone, and computers, how to use each mode, and tips for better results.
Where to find Google Lens
| Device | Where Lens is |
|---|---|
| Android | Google app or Google search bar widget, Google Photos, Chrome, the camera app on many phones, and Circle to Search on supported phones |
| iPhone and iPad | Google app, Chrome app, and Google Photos |
| Computer | Chrome (right-click an image or use the Lens icon in the address bar), and images.google.com |
Use Google Lens with your camera
- Open the Google app and tap the Lens icon in the search bar. Allow camera access if asked.
- Choose a mode at the bottom, such as Search, Translate, or Homework.
- Point your camera at the object or text.
- Tap the shutter button. Results appear in a panel you can swipe up to expand.
- Drag the corners of the selection box to focus on a specific part of the image.
Use Google Lens on a saved photo or screenshot
- Google Photos – open the photo and tap Lens at the bottom.
- Google app – tap the Lens icon, then tap the gallery thumbnail to pick an image.
- Circle to Search (supported Android phones) – long-press the home button or navigation bar and circle anything on your screen.
Use Google Lens on a computer
- In Chrome, right-click any image and choose Search with Google Lens or Search image with Google. A side panel shows results.
- To search part of a page, click the Lens icon in the address bar (if shown) or right-click the page and choose Search with Google Lens, then drag to select an area.
- On any browser, go to images.google.com, click the camera icon, and upload an image or paste an image link.
What you can do with Google Lens
- Identify things – plants, flowers, dog breeds, landmarks, artwork, and more.
- Translate – point at signs, menus, or documents to see a live translation over the image.
- Copy text – select text in the image, then tap Copy, Listen, or Search. On Android, you can copy to a signed-in computer.
- Homework help – snap a math problem or question to see explanations and related resources.
- Shopping – find similar clothes, furniture, and products with prices and stores.
- Scan codes and contacts – scan QR codes and barcodes, or turn a business card into a contact.
- Ask about what you see – in many regions, you can add a question to a Lens search, like “what care does this plant need,” to get AI-generated answers.
Tips for better results
- Use good lighting and hold the camera steady.
- Fill the frame with the object, and crop out background clutter.
- For text, keep the camera parallel to the page.
- Try a different angle or mode if the first results aren’t right.
Privacy
Images you search with Lens are sent to Google to find results. Lens activity may be saved to your Google account if Web & App Activity is on; review or delete it at myactivity.google.com. Avoid scanning sensitive documents like IDs or financial statements.
On iPhone, see turning the camera QR scanner on or off.
For quicker access, add the Google app to your home screen.
See also how to make a QR code for a Google Form.
Related: how to turn off the assistant on Android.
Troubleshooting
- No Lens icon – update the Google app, Google Photos, or Chrome.
- Camera won’t open – allow camera access in your phone’s settings for the Google app.
- Poor results – check your internet connection, clean the camera lens, and try a clearer photo.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Lens free?
Yes. It’s free in Google’s apps and Chrome.
Does Google Lens work offline?
Mostly no. Searching and most translations need an internet connection.
Can I use Google Lens on an iPhone?
Yes. Use the Google app, the Chrome app, or Google Photos.
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.