Google Lens simplifies online search, making it easy to look up stuff that is difficult to describe. Point your camera at something, and Lens identifies it for you, whether it is a foreign language, an insect, or a shirt. It translates text from images in real time, scans QR codes, recognizes objects, and more.

Google Lens works seamlessly on most Android devices, including our favorite tablets. You can also access it from your iPhone or iPad. Android users enjoy varied options, and iOS users can access its features via the standalone app. We show you how to access Google Lens on your Android phone, iPhone, or iPad.

Google Lens: A quick overview

Google Lens is a visual recognition software developed using machine learning technology. Lens looks at saved pictures, screenshots, or your smartphone's camera feed and uses Google's search engine to find relevant results. The result is a tool that offers helpful information about what your device's screen displays.

The Google Lens logo is depicted on a black background, featuring colorful dots surrounding a central shape. The logo represents the distinctive visual identity of Google Lens, a visually intelligent tool for Android devices.
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Lens supports a lot of neat features. You might be surprised by how useful it can be. It has integrated Google Translate support and identifies objects in the real world.

Here are a few things you can do with Google Lens:

  • Identify plants, animals, and objects using visual recognition.
  • Add event details from flyers to your calendar.
  • Scan barcodes and find where you can buy a product.
  • Translate foreign languages.

If you want to know more about the app, check out our guide on how to use Google Lens for a handy tutorial on the app's functionality.

How to use Google Lens app for Android and iOS

The Google Lens app is the most straightforward way to access the tool. Here is the recommended approach for Android and Apple devices.

  1. Download and open the Google Lens app.
    Image shows Google Lens app icon and an arrow pointing to it.
    Image shows google lens initial page with arrows pointing to camera icon and photo permissions pop up.
  2. Accept the permissions for access to your camera and saved photos.
    Image shows pop up asking for permission to let Google use the camera app in order to use Google Lens.
    Image shows pop up asking for permission to let Google have access to saved photos in order to use Google Lens.
  3. To use Lens with your live camera, tap the camera icon.
  4. To use Lens with a saved picture, scroll through your gallery and select one.
    Image shows Google Lens front page after permissions are granted.
    Image shows Google Lens search after selecting a saved photo of garlic bread. Related search results are shown at the bottom of the screen.

You don't need to download the Lens app from the Google Play Store to use the tool on Android, but it's a good idea for simplicity. Downloading the app is recommended for users who want to access Lens from their home screen. If you prefer to use integrated Lens options in other apps, read on to discover the best ways.

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How to use Google Lens in the Google Photos app for Android and iPhone

Google Photos is the default photo app on most Android devices. Lens is built into it. Whether you use an Apple or Android device, download Google Photos with images synced to use Lens.

  1. Open Google Photos and select the photo of interest.
  2. Tap the Google Lens icon in the lower-right corner.
    Image shows google photos screen with an arrow pointing to a photo of a black cat.
    Image shows a photo of a black cat open in google photos with an arrow pointing to the lens icon.

It's the simplest way to use Lens for pictures you store in Google Photos.

How to use Google Lens in the Google app

The Google Search app is another good option for accessing Lens on various devices. This app is preinstalled on most Android devices. iPhone and iPad owners must download it from the App Store.

  1. Open the Google app.
  2. Tap the Lens icon on the right side of the search bar.
    Image shows home page of the google app with an arrow pointing to the Google Lens icon.
    Image shows the Google Lens page that is summoned by pressing the Lens icon in the Google app.

This option isn't different from downloading the Google Lens app, but the Google app has additional features that are great for Google enthusiasts. You can access Google Lens through the search bar in the Google Chrome app.

How to use Google Lens in your Android's camera app

Most Android phones, including Samsung devices, have the Google Lens feature activated by default in the camera app.

  1. Open the Camera app and tap the Lens icon in the lower-left corner.
  2. In some apps, tap Modes and select the Lens icon.
    Image shows the Android camera app open with a computer mouse in the display and an arrow pointing to the Google Lens icon in the lower left.
    The Google Camera app is open, displaying the user interface on a smartphone screen. The "Modes" tab is selected and highlighted, revealing three available modes. Among these modes, positioned to the far right, is the "Lens" mode.

This method does not require taking pictures of the item you need more information about. Point your camera at whatever you are curious about and tap the Google Lens icon.

How to use Google Lens via Google Assistant

Google Assistant is a convenient way to activate Lens on Android devices. Just speak these commands, and Lens is at your service.

  1. Vocally prompt or tap the app icon for Google Assistant.
  2. Say "Use Google Lens" or tap the keyboard icon in the lower-right corner and type the same command.
    Image shows the Google Assistant app icon on the phone screen with an arrow pointing to it.
    Image shows the command Use Google Lens typed into the Google Assistant command bar.

Type the commands if that works better for you, but activating Lens with your voice is quicker.

How to see your Google Lens activity

You can view your Google Lens activity if you want to check items that you searched for. You'll see all your searches on the My Activity page. Here's how to access it:

  1. Log in to your Google account and open My Activity.
  2. Scroll down to view your search history.
  3. Click the x icon to the right of a search result to delete it.
  4. Select Activity controls to choose what data is saved to your Google account.
    Screenshot showing the Google My Activity page

Use Google Lens like a pro and learn more about the world

Google Lens enhances Search for tasks that go beyond text and focuses on visual cues. It translates text in real-time, finds products in a reverse image search, scans QR codes, saves info from business cards to contacts, and more. It's a powerful tool that recognizes objects in photos and screenshots. However, you can't use it to enhance your pictures. Refine your photography skills by referring to our guide to the best Google Photos editing tips and tricks.