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Google Lens lets you search with what you can see: take a photo, choose a screenshot, select an image on a webpage, or upload a file. Open it from the Google app or Chrome on Android, or use Google’s image-search tools on a computer. The exact buttons and available features can vary by device, app, account, language, and region.
What Google Lens does in Search
Lens turns an image into a search. You can point your camera at an object, use a photo or screenshot you already have, or search an image you find on a webpage. Results may identify an object, show similar images or related pages, find product information, or let you work with text in the image.
It is a Google Search feature, not a reason to buy a particular phone, camera, or accessory. The paths below reflect Google’s documented Android and desktop workflows; your interface may differ.
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Use Lens on an Android phone
Search with your camera or an existing image
- Open the Google app or Chrome, and tap the Lens icon in the search bar. Google recommends using the latest version of the Google app.
- Take a picture, or choose an existing image under Screenshots.
- Move the selection box over the subject you want to search. Selecting a smaller area can make results more specific.
- Scroll through the results. To narrow them, enter keywords or choose Ask about this image if that option appears.
Search an image on a webpage
- Open the webpage in the Google app or Chrome.
- Touch and hold the image, then tap Search image with Google Lens.
- Adjust the selection box if you want to search only part of the image, then review the results.
- Add keywords if you want to refine the search.
For this Chrome workflow, Google says Google must be set as the default search engine.
#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
Use Google image search on a computer
Upload, drag, or search by image URL
- Go to Google Search in a browser. Google lists Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge for visual search.
- Choose the image-search option, then upload an image, drag an image file into the search box, or paste an image URL into Search by image.
- To refine the results, add a description in the search box.
Search an image directly from a Chrome webpage
- In Chrome, right-click an image on a webpage.
- Choose Search with Google Lens.
- Review the results in the sidebar.
Depending on the image and the search, desktop results may include AI Overviews, information about objects, similar images, or websites using the same or a similar image. These are possible result types, not guaranteed results.
Choose the input and refinement that fit your search
| What you have | Where to start | How to make the search more specific |
|---|---|---|
| A live view or photo on Android | Lens in the Google app or Chrome | Select a smaller part of the image; add keywords or ask about the image if available. |
| A screenshot or saved image on Android | Lens, then choose the image under Screenshots | Move the selection box to the detail that matters and add keywords. |
| An image file on a computer | Upload it to Google image search or drag it into the search box | Add a description in the search box. |
| An image URL | Paste it into Search by image | Use a description to refine the search. |
| An image on a webpage | On Android, touch and hold and choose Search image with Google Lens; in Chrome desktop, right-click and choose Search with Google Lens | Adjust the selected region when the option is available. |
What you can find or do with Lens
- Identify things: Lens can help look up plants, animals, artwork, murals, and landmarks. Identification depends on what is visible and the results returned.
- Shop from an image: Search a product in a camera view or screenshot to look for its maker, price, and sellers. Add text to look for variations in pattern, color, or size. Google lists shopping results for named countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and India; this does not establish availability everywhere.
- Work with text: Lens can copy or translate text in an image. Google says text translation is available in more than 100 languages.
- Explore a question: Some Lens experiences let you ask about what you see, and Google also describes Lens as a tool for homework help. Which options appear can vary.
Shopping results are a search feature; you do not need to purchase hardware to use Lens. In a September 30, 2025 post about AI Mode shopping, Google reported more than 50 billion product listings, with more than 2 billion refreshed each hour. Those are Google’s published figures, not an independent count.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Lens voice questions and AI Mode are related, but distinct
Voice questions in Lens
In an October 3, 2024 post, Google described opening Lens from the camera icon in the Google app, pointing it at a subject, and holding the shutter button while speaking a question. Google said voice input was then available globally for English queries in the Google app on Android and iOS. That dated announcement does not establish current availability for every language, device, or account. The post also described video capture for Search Labs users in the “AI Overviews and more” experiment; it was an experiment, not a universal Lens feature.
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Google announced on September 30, 2025 that AI Mode could return visual results for conversational questions and uploaded images or camera photos, with follow-up refinement. Google said the experience was rolling out in English in the United States that week. That announcement does not establish current or worldwide availability. AI Mode visual exploration is a related Search capability, not a guarantee that every Lens search will open the same conversational experience.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens to image-search URLs
For the desktop image-search workflow described in its help page, Google says browsers do not save searched image URLs in browsing history, while Google may store those URLs to improve its products and services. This limited statement is not a complete policy for how Lens handles or retains images.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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