Answer first: choose the Lens entry point for the job
| Task | Useful entry point |
|---|---|
| Search something in front of you | Google app or Chrome Lens camera |
| Search a saved photo | Google app, Chrome, Google Photos; iPhone/iPad also supports a saved-image flow through Safari |
| Search an image on a website | Touch and hold the image in Google app or Chrome |
| Search current Android screen content | Circle to Search on supported devices |
| Copy or translate text in an image | Lens text / translate actions |
Android: use the Google app or Chrome for camera and saved-image search
- Open the Google app or Chrome.
- Tap the Google Lens icon in the search bar.
- Take a photo or upload an existing image.
- Drag the selection box around the part you actually want to search.
- Refine the result with an additional question or keyword where the interface offers it.
Google Photos also provides a Lens entry point for saved photos.
iPhone/iPad: Google app, Chrome, and saved-image search
Google currently documents saved-image search on iPhone/iPad through the Google app, Chrome, and Safari. For camera and voice-based Lens search, Google directs users to the Google app.
If saved photos are unavailable, check iOS Settings → Apps → Google → Photos and review whether access is None, Limited, or Full.
Search an image already on a website
In the Google app or Chrome, touch and hold an image and choose the Lens/image-search action. In Chrome, Google states that Google must be the default search engine for website-image Lens search.
If the page contains several objects, narrow the selection to the object, logo, label, or model number that matters.
Supported Android devices can search current screen content with Circle to Search
Circle to Search lets supported Android devices search text or images on the current screen without switching apps. Google documents a long press on the Home button or navigation handle, then circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping the target.
Availability depends on device support and settings. Google also lists the Google app version, default digital assistant, and permission to use screen/app data among troubleshooting checks. Some confidential apps may block the feature.
Improve results by narrowing the image region
Google recommends selecting a smaller part of the image for more specific results. Use a tight selection around the product, label, component, plant feature, or text you need.
- Remove unrelated background from the selection.
- Move closer when text or markings are small.
- Add a model number, logo name, or keyword when available.
- Do not treat the first visual match as definitive identification.
- Confirm purchase, safety, medical, or authenticity decisions with primary sources.
Visual Search History is separate and off by default
Google states that visual-search technology processes the image used for a search. When the optional Visual Search History setting is enabled while signed in, eligible Google services can save search images to Web & App Activity.
Google states that Visual Search History is off by default. This does not make every image appropriate to upload; crop out unnecessary faces, addresses, documents, account information, or other private details before searching.
If Lens is missing or not working
| Problem | Check |
|---|---|
| Lens icon is missing | Update the Google app / Chrome and check the current search-bar or image menu |
| Saved photos cannot be selected | Review photo-library permissions |
| Chrome website-image search is missing | Confirm Google is the default search engine |
| Circle to Search is unavailable | Check device support, Google app update, default assistant and screen/app-data permissions |
| Results are too broad | Narrow the selection and add a keyword |