How to use it on Android devices

Publish date: 2022-07-19

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The easiest way to use Google reverse image search on Android is by using the Chrome browser. Simply open Chrome, find the image, press and hold onto it, and select Search image with Google Lens.

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Editor’s note: These instructions were put together using a Google Pixel 4a with 5G running Android 12 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

Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

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:

  • All you have to do is open a browser and visit images.google.com.
  • Click on the small camera icon and select Paste image URL or Upload an image.
  • After that, click the Search by image button, and Google will show you all the websites that used that image, other sizes of the image, as well as images similar to the one you have searched for.

    • Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

    The fastest and easiest way to perform a Google reverse image search on your Android device is by using Google’s 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 using Chrome for Android:

  • Open Chrome and find an image you want to reverse search.
  • Tap and hold on to the picture.
  • Select the Search Google for this image option.

    • That’s all there is to it. Simple. But what if you are trying to search for an image you have stored on your phone? 

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

    Request the Google desktop site

    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 desktop site on your smartphone’s Chrome browser. Here’s how to do it!

    How to use request the desktop site:

  • Open Chrome and go to images.google.com.
  • Click on the 3-dot menu button on the top-right.
  • Check the Desktop site box.
  • Click on the camera button to the right of the search box.
  • Select the Upload an Image tab (or Paste image URL).
  • Hit Choose file.
  • Select the app you want to choose the file with.
  • Find the file and tap on it.
  • Let Google work its magic.

    • Related: Take a look at our list of the best Android browsers

    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:

  • Download Google Lens from the Google Play Store. Many phones already have it, and the service can be accessed from the camera app.
  • Open the Google Lens app.
  • You can point your camera at anything and press Search with your camera. If you want to analyze a specific image, find it in the gallery shown below.
  • Select the image you want to search.
  • Google Lens will show a series of results.

    • Don’t feel like downloading apps or dealing with workarounds? You can use a third-party website that will automate the process. One of our favorites is Labnol.org. Let’s show you how to use it. 

    How to use Labnol.org:

  • Open your browser and go to www.labnol.org/reverse/.
  • Hit the Upload a file button.
  • Select the image you want to search.
  • The website will upload the photo and load for a bit.
  • When done loading, you can click on the Show matching images button.
  • The website will redirect you to a Google search of the same photo you uploaded.

    • Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

    If you perform more than one Google reverse image search for images you have on your device, it’s probably best to download a dedicated app to save some time. One of the best ones you can use is Search By Image, which basically works the same way as Labnol.org — get it from the Play Store via the button below.

    How to use Search by Image:

  • Download the Search by Image app and launch it.
  • Tap on the + icon in the bottom right corner.
  • Select Image Gallery.
  • Pick any image.
  • Tap the Search button.
  • Let the app work its magic.
    • Why would you want to search for an image?

    There are many reasons to search for an image, as opposed to just using text. It’s helpful for learning more information about the photographer, for example. You could also find out about the image’s location or find similar shots.

    Why is Google reverse image search not directly available on mobile?

    Google has never given us a reason for the lack of proper support for mobile image reverse search. Some believe it’s due to code complications, while others believe it’s not really a feature needed in the mobile version of Google.com. Regardless, the answer is anyone’s guess as of now.

    Will Google image reverse search come to the mobile site?

    Google has made no official announcements regarding officially supporting reverse image search on its mobile site. While it would be a helpful feature, it still seems there are no plans for it.

    Can I use Google reverse image search on iOS?

    Trying to perform a Google reverse image search on iOS will bring the same results as with Android. That said, you can use the same tips mentioned above to accomplish a reverse image search on an Apple device.

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