How to Google reverse image search on Android, iOS, and Windows devices

Wondering how to do a Google reverse image search? It’s actually effortless to do on Chrome for PC. The process isn’t as straightforward when using an Android device, though. You will need to dig around to find the function on a mobile device. This is why we have created a handy guide for you to skip the guesswork and get right to searching. 

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Editor’s note: These instructions were put together using a Google Pixel 7 running Android 13, an iPhone 12 Mini running iOS 16.2, and a custom PC running Windows 11. Some steps might differ depending on your device and software version.

How to Google reverse image search on a PC

Google reverse image search was made for PC, which is likely why the process hasn’t been streamlined in smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Therefore, the method is dead simple when done on a computer. Let’s run you through the steps.

How to Google reverse image search on a PC:

1. All you have to do is open a browser and visit images.google.com.
2. Click on the small Search by image camera icon.
3. You can now drag a photo into the dedicated box or click on upload a file to search for an image you have stored locally.
4. Alternatively, you can paste the image’s link into the text box below and hit Search.

Using Chrome for Android

The fastest and easiest way to perform a Google reverse image search on your Android device is using the Chrome browser. Let’s say you’re browsing the web and come across an interesting image you want to reverse search. 

How to use Google reverse image search with photos you find in Chrome for Android:

1. Open Chrome and find an image you want to reverse search.
2. Tap and hold on to the picture.
3. Select the Search image with Google Lens option.

How to use Google reverse image search with photos stored on your Android device:

The previous section only helps you perform a Google reverse image search if the image you want to look up is online. If you wish to search for a photo you have stored in your handset, you can use the website on your smartphone’s Chrome browser. Here’s how to do it!

1. Open Chrome and go to images.google.com.
2. Click on the camera button to the right of the search box.
3. You can now pick from images in your gallery. Additionally, you can select Search with your camera to search for physical things you are looking at.
4. Alternatively, you can paste the image’s link into the text box below and hit Search.

Using Chrome for iOS

iOS users aren’t completely left behind when it comes to using this feature. Let’s show you how it’s done. Of course, you’ll need to download either the Chrome browser or the Google app, which aren’t pre-installed on iOS devices.

How to use Google reverse image search with photos you find in Chrome for iOS:

1. Open Chrome and find an image you want to reverse search.
2. Tap and hold on to the picture.
3. Select the Search image with Google option.

How to use Google reverse image search with photos stored on your iOS device:

1. Launch the Google app.
2. Tap on the camera icon next to the Search bar.
3. If you want o search for something physical, use the camera to search for it. If you want to reverse search an image stored on your device, tap on the Gallery icon.
4. Select the image you want to search for.
5. Let Google do its thing.

Google Lens

The next best way to perform a Google reverse image search through an official Google solution is using Google Lens. This app uses AR and Google’s immense data pool to analyze live and stored images on your device and grant information about what it sees.

How to search for an image using Google Lens:

1. Download Google Lens from the Google Play Store. Many phones already have it, and the camera app can access the service.
2. Open the Google Lens app.
3. You can point your camera at anything and press Search with your camera. Then tap on the shutter button to start searching.
4. If you want to analyze a specific image, find it in the gallery shown below.
5. Select the image you want to search for.
6. Google Lens will show a series of results.

There is no Google Lens app for iOS, but you can use the Google app the same way we showed you in the previous section. The process is the same.

Try using third-party apps

Some of the features listed above are pretty new. If your app version or Android device doesn’t allow them, you can always try going with third-party apps or websites. Here is a simple and easy one.

How to use Search by Image:

1. Download the Search by Image app and launch it.
2. Tap on the + icon in the bottom right corner.
3. Select Image Gallery.
4. Pick any image.
5. Tap the Search button.
6. Let the app work its magic.

Also: Chrome for Android tips and tricks you should know about

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