what to know
- For existing images, install Google Photos and allow it to access your photos. Open the image and click on the lens .
- To use Google Lens with new photos, install the Google app. Click the lens icon and take a photo.
- Use the buttons and information below the image to access all the features Google Lens has to offer.
This article explains how to harness the power of Google's search tools directly from your iPhone using Google Lens.
If you want photos running through Google Lens stored on your phone, follow these steps. For this, you need the Google Photos app.
Open Google Photos and select an image.
If this is your first time using the app, you'll be asked to give Google Photos permission to access your photos. This is required.
Select a lens from the menu.
If necessary, adjust the selection to focus Google Lens on a specific part of the image.
Use the buttons below the photo to translate or copy the text in the image, search for similar images, and more.
Google Lens can also be used directly from your iPhone camera, giving you information about any object you point the camera at. However, Lens isn't built into the Camera app, so you'll need to open the Google app to perform the following steps:
Open the Google app and tap the Google Lens icon to the right of the search bar.
Point your camera at something and click the shutter button to take a picture.
If this is your first time using this app, tap the camera button at the top and then tap "OK" to give Google permission to use your camera.
Click one of the buttons below the photo to change what Google Lens should do. For example, Translate will translate any text within the image.
Google can recognize physical objects, locations, text and faces. Just point your camera and the app will not only know you're holding a spaghetti squash, but also how to turn it into your dinner, providing recipes, nutritional information and kitchen tips.
Point your iPhone camera at a concert poster, and Google will add the date to your calendar and point you in the right direction to buy tickets. Google Lens can also identify plant names, telling you whether it's poison ivy or another harmless weed growing in your yard.
If your phone sees any historical landmark, Google will provide you with quick facts and trivia. The lens can identify buildings, artwork and sculptures.
Google Lens can also be used to copy and paste text in hard-to-reach areas, such as a serial number inside a refrigerator, which you'll need whenever you contact service or order parts.
You can also use Google Search to shop. Point the lens at furniture, clothes, shoes, appliances, gadgets, and décor, and Google will pull up not only where to shop and prices, but also reviews of similar items.
Google Lens for iOS can be accessed through the Google app and the Google Photos app. The app you use to trigger your Lens should depend on whether you want to scan a photo you already have on your phone, or if you're taking a new photo and want your Lens to be available immediately.
Google Lens isn't built into the iPhone, so the easiest way to turn it off is to delete the app. Delete Google Photos or Google, or both, to disable Google Lens on iPhone.
No single app on the iPhone can perform all the tasks that Google Lens can perform. However, Live Text copies text from Photos or iPhone camera to the clipboard, where it can then be pasted elsewhere. Apps like Adobe Scan are also used to scan and save text in photos, while Google's reverse image search will find the details and origin of an image.
