Google Lens: What it is and how to use it (2024)

Google keeps surprising us with its unique features that make our phones even more thoughtful. One standout feature is Google Lens, which is like having a super bright friend on your phone, changing how we use our devices in cool new ways. Using AI and machine learning algorithms, Google Lens turns our phones into clever visual helpers.

Lens can translate text or a foreign language sign in real time. It can also identify a cool plant you spotted with a snap. It's like having a magic lens that shows you all sorts of exciting stuff on your screen. Plus, Google Lens works smoothly with Google Photos on Samsung phones and other Android phones, making it super easy to organize your photos and find what you need in a snap.

Google Lens: A quick overview

Google Lens operates on a simple principle. Point your camera at something, and Google Lens tells you what it is. Google Lens identifies it for you, whether it's a foreign language, plant, shoes, or an equation. For example, when you point your camera at a restaurant front, Google Lens displays relevant information like the menu and reviews.

How to access Google Lens

You can open Google Lens in multiple ways, but not all may be available on your device. Android users enjoy a more comprehensive range of choices compared to iOS users. Regardless of the method used, all users are granted access to the same app and its full array of features. Let's explore four convenient ways to access Google Lens.

Open the Google Lens App

You don't need to install the Play Store app to use Lens, but it's the only way to get the standalone app on your home screen.

Use the Google Search widget to access Google Lens

The Google Search widget contains a dedicated Lens button. Tap the Lens button on the right of the widget to open the app.

Open Google Lens from Google Photos

Open a photo in Google Photos and tap the Lens button in the lower-right corner of your screen. Chromebook users can also use Google Lens by downloading the Google Photo app for Android.

See Also

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Access Google Lens using the camera app

Depending on the app, you may have the option to open Lens in your camera. On Google Camera, tap the Modes button to access Lens.

What is Google Lens capable of?

Google Lens harnesses advanced machine learning to recognize objects within photos and provide appropriate suggestions and actions. Think of Google Lens as your go-to tool when you're uncertain about what to search for or when you want to save time.

Here are a few examples of what you can accomplish with Google Lens:

• Add contact information from a business card to your phone.
• Capture a photo of a book cover to access reviews and ratings.
• Transfer event details from flyers or billboards to your calendar.
• Identify animals and plants using visual recognition.
• Scan barcodes to discover where a product is available for purchase.

How to use Google Lens

Google Lens works with a screenshot or a photo or by aiming your camera. The app is split into two halves by default. The top shows a live camera feed, and the bottom contains your photo library. Tap an image in the bottom half to let Lens work its magic on an existing photo, or expand the viewfinder at the top to identify things in front of you.

No matter how you access it, Google Lens consistently presents a range of search options at the bottom of your screen. By tapping the Search option, you're presented with general results, or you can choose one of the other options if you have a specific objective in mind, such as solving a math problem or translating text. Additionally, you can refine your search by tapping the small magnifying glass in the lower-right corner of the original photo, allowing you to provide additional text to define your search parameters.

How to use Google Lens with a screenshot

Google Lens identifies relevant information when you tap a screenshot. Swipe up to see the complete search result.

How to use Google Lens with your camera

Point your camera at something and tap the shutter button. Google Lens identifies objects and marks them with a white dot. Tap one of these dots to show search results, and swipe up to see an expanded list.

Google Lens and Gemini integration

Google Bard entered the EU as it gained Google Lens support. Now, you can combine the visual recognition power of Google Lens with the language understanding of Google Gemini (formerly Google Bard). Upload a photo through Gemini and watch it analyze the image, offering relevant information, generating creative prompts based on the content, or even suggesting related products or places. For example, if you are curious about a painting at a museum, Gemini can provide historical context and artistic details. As this powerful duo continues to evolve, the possibilities are endless.

Use Google Lens to assist your search

Although Google Lens helps you discover lots of fun facts and useful details, it doesn't teach you how to take better pictures. We have a helpful guide packed with awesome Google Photos editing tips and tricks that show you how to level up your smartphone photography skills.