How to Use Google Lens on iPhone

This article explains how to use Google Lens to harness the power of Google's search tool directly from your iPhone.

Use Google Lens on iOS Photos You've Already Taken

Follow these steps if the photo you want to run through Google Lens is stored on your phone. For this, you'll need the Google Photos app.

1. Open Google Photos and then select an image.

   If this is your first time using the app, you'll be asked to grant Google Photos access to your pictures. This is required.

2. Choose Lens from the menu.

3. If needed, adjust the selection to have Google Lens focus on a specific part of the picture.

   

4. Use the buttons below the photo to translate or copy text from the image, search for similar-looking pictures, etc.

How to Use Google Lens With Your iPhone Camera

Google Lens can also be used directly from your iPhone camera to give you information about whatever you point your camera at. However, Lens isn't built-in to the Camera app, so you'll need to open the Google app for these steps to work:

1. Open the Google app and tap the Google Lens icon to the right of the search bar.

2. Point your camera at something and then tap the shutter button to take a picture.

   

   If this is your first time using this app, tap the camera button at the top, then tap OK to grant Google permission to use your camera.

3. Tap one of the buttons below the photo to change what Google Lens should do. For example, Translate will translate any text in the image.

How Google Lens for iPhone Works

Google can recognize physical objects, locations, text, and faces. Simply aim your camera, and the app will not only know you're holding a spaghetti squash but also how to turn it into your dinner with recipes, nutrition information, and kitchen tips.

Point your iPhone camera at a concert poster, and Google will offer to add the date to your calendar and can point you in the right direction to buy tickets. Google Lens can also identify the names of plants, telling you if that is Poison Ivy growing in your yard or just a different harmless weed.

If your phone sees any historic landmarks, Google will give you fast facts and trivia. Lens can identify buildings, works of art, and sculptures.

Google Lens can also be used to copy and paste text in hard-to-reach areas, like the serial number inside of your refrigerator, which you need whenever you contact service or order parts.

You can also use Google search for shopping. Point the Lens to furniture, dresses, shoes, appliances, gadgets, and décor, and Google will not only pull up shopping locations and pricing but also reviews for similar items.

Google Lens is accessible for iOS through the Google app and the Google Photos app. The app you use to trigger Lens should depend on whether you want to scan a photo already on your phone or if you'll be taking a new photo and you want Lens available right away.