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Title: How to trace a picture's origin with reverse image search

Date: Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:00:53 +0000
Link: https://www.engadget.com/computing/how-to-tra...

Reverse image searching is a quick and easy way to trace the origin of an
image, identify objects or landmarks, find higher-resolution alternatives or
check if a photo has been altered or used elsewhere online. GoogleΓÇÖs image
search tools work on desktop and mobile devices, allowing users to upload a
photo, paste a pictureΓÇÖs URL or use visual search features from the Google
app to learn more about an image. HereΓÇÖs how to perform a reverse image
search using Google on a desktop browser, an iPhone or an Android phone.

How to reverse image search on a desktop browser

Google Images on a desktop browser provides the most direct way to perform a
reverse image search. You can drag and drop, upload an image file or paste an
image's URL to find visually similar results.

Using Google Images on Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari:

Open a browser and go to images.google.com.

Click the camera icon in the search bar. This will take you to Google Lens.

Choose one of the following options:

Paste image link: Use this if the image is already online. Paste the URL and
click Search.

Upload a file: Click Upload a file, select the image from your computer, and
click Open.

Google Lens will display search results with visually similar images and web
pages where the image appears. It replaces the old ΓÇ£Search by imageΓÇ¥
function and includes context-based information such as product suggestions,
places and can even translate or transcribe text where relevant.

Right-click search (Chrome only):

In Google's Chrome browser, you can also perform a reverse image search
without visiting Google Images. This feature is built into Chrome for faster
lookups.

Right-click on any image you see on a website.

Select Search with Google Lens.

A sidebar will open showing visually similar pictures and relevant search
results using Google Lens.

How to reverse image search on an iPhone

On iOS, Google offers multiple ways to reverse image search through the
Chrome and Google apps. It also supports uploading images directly from your
photo library.

Using the Google app:

Download and open the Google app from the App Store.

Tap the camera icon in the search bar to open Google Lens.

Give the app permission to access your camera and photo library if prompted.

Choose an image from your camera roll or take a new photo.

Google Lens will analyze the image and show relevant results, such as related
images, pages or products.

This method is ideal for scanning photos, receipts, objects or screenshots.

Using Chrome on iPhone:

You can also reverse search images found on websites using Google's mobile
browser.

In Chrome:

Touch and hold any image on a website.

Tap Search image with Google in the menu that appears.

Chrome will open a new tab or side panel with Google Lens results.

If the ΓÇ£Search image with GoogleΓÇ¥ option isnΓÇÖt visible, make sure
Chrome is updated to the latest version.

How to reverse image search on Android

The process is nearly identical on Android. Whether you use Chrome or the
Google app, Android devices are well integrated with Google Lens
functionality.

Using the Google app:

Open the Google app (pre-installed on most Android phones).

Tap the camera icon in the search bar to open Google Lens.

Allow permission to access your photos or take a new photo.

Choose the image you want to search.

Google will display results with similar images and related information.

Google Lens can also be launched from the camera app on certain Android
devices, including Pixel and Samsung phones, depending on your default
settings.

Using Google Photos:

If the image is already saved on your phone, Google Photos offers another
method. This is a quick option for scanning photos youΓÇÖve saved or
screenshots youΓÇÖve taken.

Open the Google Photos app.

Tap on the image you want to reverse search.

Tap the Lens icon at the bottom of the screen.

Results will appear directly within the app, showing visual matches and
possible sources.

Using Chrome on Android:

Open Chrome and go to any website with the image you want to search.

Tap and hold the image.

Select Search image with Google.

Chrome will launch Google Lens in a new tab and display relevant search
results.

This feature works natively in the Chrome browser without needing to switch
apps or upload files manually. Some newer Android phones like Galaxy and
Pixel flagships also offer a Circle to Search tool that allow you to draw
around things on your screen and quickly launch an image search, so you
should check to see if your phone supports it.

Tips for better reverse image search results

Crop your image: If you're looking for a specific object in a larger photo,
cropping it to focus on that item can improve accuracy.

Use high-resolution images: Low-quality or blurry images may return less
accurate matches.

Combine keywords with Lens: After searching, you can add a keyword in the
search bar to narrow down the results.

Try different angles: Searching the same subject from another image or angle
may improve results.

Google Lens is designed to recognize faces, landmarks, logos, plants,
animals, clothing, furniture and text. For product identification or location
searches, the app often returns contextually rich information and shopping
links.

Alternative reverse image search tools

While GoogleΓÇÖs reverse image search is widely used, there are alternative
platforms worth considering, especially if you want different search results
or additional features.

TinEye (tineye.com) ΓÇô Offers a dedicated reverse image search with browser
plugins and sorting filters.

Bing Visual Search ΓÇô MicrosoftΓÇÖs reverse image tool provides results
similar to Google Lens with built-in search options.

These tools work well when Google doesn't deliver the results you're looking
for or when you're trying to locate the earliest appearance of an image
online.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at
https://www.engadget.com/computing/how-to-tra...
reverse-image-search-130053431.html?src=rss

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