How to Use Google Lens on iPhone
Google Lens isn't built into the iPhone, but it's easy to get. You can use it in the free Google app, in Chrome or in Google Photos - or skip the download and search any photo in Safari with the tool below.
No app? Search a photo here
Images are processed only to run your search and are not stored. Do not upload sensitive images. Privacy
Step by step
- 1
Install the Google app
Download the free Google app from the App Store. Signing in is optional.
- 2
Tap the Lens icon
In the search bar, tap the camera icon on the right.
- 3
Point or pick a photo
Aim your camera at something, or tap the photo icon to choose a picture from your library.
- 4
Allow access
The first time, iOS asks for camera and photo access. Allow it so Lens can see the image.
- 5
Explore the results
Drag the selection box over the part you care about, then scroll through the matches.
Four ways to use Google Lens on iPhone
Pick whichever fits how you found the image:
- The Google app - the full Lens experience: live camera, your photo library and screenshots
- Chrome - touch and hold any image on a web page and choose Search image with Google
- Google Photos - open a photo and tap the Lens button to find out what's in it
- This page - no app at all. Open it in Safari, upload a photo and get Google-powered matches
Search your iPhone screen with Lens
Recent versions of the Google app and Chrome for iPhone can search whatever is on your screen. Open the three-dot menu and choose Search Screen with Google Lens, then circle or tap the thing you want to look up. It's the closest iPhone equivalent to Android's Circle to Search.
Put Lens one tap away
Add the Google app's widget to your Home Screen or Lock Screen. It includes a Lens shortcut that opens the camera straight away, so you can identify a plant or translate a sign in a second.
Google Lens vs Apple's Visual Look Up
iPhones have their own image recognition called Visual Look Up. Open a photo in the Photos app and, if the info button shows a small sparkle, tap it to identify plants, pets, landmarks, art and more. It's handy, but it covers fewer things and won't show you the web pages that use an image.
Google Lens goes much further: products and prices, text you can copy or translate, homework help and full reverse image search.
When to use this page instead
If you'd rather not install another app, open this page in Safari, tap the upload box and pick a photo from your library. You'll get Google-powered matches here, and from the results you can open the same image on Google Lens, Bing, Yandex or TinEye in one tap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google Lens available on iPhone?
Yes, but not as a separate app. It's built into the free Google app and Chrome for iOS, and Google Photos has a Lens button too.
Can I use Google Lens in Safari?
Safari has no Lens button. You can still search a photo from Safari by uploading it to this page, or by visiting images.google.com and using the camera icon.
How do I use Google Lens on a screenshot?
Take the screenshot, open the Google app, tap the Lens icon and choose the screenshot from your photo library. Lens reads the text and finds matches for anything in it.
Is Google Lens free on iPhone?
Yes. The Google app, Chrome and Google Photos are free, and Lens doesn't cost anything to use.
Why can't Google Lens see my photos?
It needs permission. Open Settings, scroll down to Google (or Chrome), tap Photos, and choose Full Access - or Limited Access with the photos you want selected.
What can Google Lens do on iPhone?
Identify plants, animals and products, copy and translate text in images, help with homework problems, and find where a picture appears online.
Related
Reverse Image Search on iPhone
Reverse image search on iPhone in Safari - no app needed. Upload a photo from your camera roll or paste an image URL and search Google, Bing, Yandex and TinEye.
Google Image Search by Image
Search Google by image in seconds. Upload a photo or paste an image URL for Google-powered matches, or learn how Google Images and Lens search by image.
Google Reverse Image Search
Do a Google reverse image search free. Upload a photo or paste an image URL to search with Google Lens on desktop or mobile - plus Bing, Yandex and TinEye.
Identify a Plant by Picture
Identify any plant by picture for free. Upload a photo to get its name, care tips, pet safety info and look-alikes - no app or sign-up needed.
Last updated: 2026-10-04
