Google Lens is an AI-powered technology that uses your smartphone's camera and machine learning to identify and understand the objects you see around you!
With Google Lens, you can search for information , copy or translate text , identify plants or animals , explore places or menus , discover products , find visually similar images , and do many other useful things.
In this article, we will explain in detail how to use Google Lens and what it can do!
How does Google Lens work?
Google Lens works by comparing objects in your photo to other images, ranking them based on their similarity to and relevance to the objects in question. The app also uses its understanding of the detected objects to find other relevant results online. Lens can also use other helpful signals, such as words, language, and other metadata available on the website hosting the image, to rank results and determine their relevance .
To use Google Lens , you have several options:
- You can download the Google Lens app from the Google Play Store if you don't already have it.
- You can open the Google Photos app and select a photo you want to use Google Lens on. Then tap the Google Lens icon at the bottom of the screen.
- You can open the Google Assistant app and tap the Google Lens icon in the bottom right corner of the screen. You can then point your camera at an object or take a picture.
- You can open the Google Camera app if you have a Pixel or compatible smartphone. Then tap the More button and select Google Lens. You can then point your camera at an object or take a photo.
Once you've used Google Lens, you'll see results appear as points or cards . You can tap on these results to get more information, or perform actions like copying text, translating words, buying products, and so on.
Here's a video tutorial on how to use Google Lens in less than 2 minutes!
What can Google Lens do?
Google Lens can do a lot of useful and fun things with your camera . Here are a few examples of what you can do with Google Lens:
QR code reading
Lens can read QR codes and give you the corresponding links.
Text translation
Lens can translate text into more than 100 languages . Simply point your camera at text written in another language, or take a picture, and Lens will show you the translation.
Copy of text
Lens can copy text from an image and paste it into another app . Simply point your camera at the text, or take a picture, and Lens will let you select the text you want to copy.
Plant and animal identification
Lens can recognize the plants and animals you see around you. Simply point your camera at a plant or animal, or take a picture, and Lens will give you its name and additional information.
Exploring places and menus
Lens can recognize restaurants, clubs, cafes, and bars, and display a pop-up window with reviews, address, and opening hours. You can also point your camera at a menu, and Lens will show you photos and descriptions of the dishes.
Product discovery
Lens can recognize specific products, such as clothing, shoes, books, and more . Simply point your camera at a product, or take a picture, and Lens will show you relevant Shopping results. You can also compare prices, read reviews, and purchase the product directly from Lens.
Find visually similar images
Lens can show you other images similar to the one you took. Simply point your camera at an image, or take a photo, and Lens will show you similar images found on the internet.
Can Google Lens be used with the "OK Google" command?
Yes, you can use Google Lens with the "OK Google" command by saying "OK Google, open Google Lens" or by tapping the Lens icon in the Google app's search bar. You must first enable Google Assistant and Voice Match on your Android device. Google Lens lets you search for what you see with your phone's camera.
We invite you to carefully read our article on how to activate Google voice control: Ok Google, configure my device
How to customize and use Google Lens?
Google Lens offers numerous possibilities to enrich your daily life with your camera. But did you know that you can also customize Google Lens settings and use the app with other Google apps ? Here are a few tips to get the most out of Google Lens:
Create notes from an image
You can use Google Lens to create notes from an image. For example, if you see an interesting poster, you can scan it with Google Lens and save it to Google Keep. This way, you can view it later, edit it, or share it.
Solving mathematical problems
You can use Google Lens to solve math problems . For example, if you have a math assignment, you can scan it with Google Lens and open it in Google Calculator. This way, you'll see the solution step by step and can check your answers.
Scanning documents
You can use Google Lens to scan documents. For example, if you have a receipt, invoice, or contract, you can scan it with Google Lens and save it to Google Drive. This allows you to securely store, edit, or share it.
Share images
You can use Google Lens to share images. For example, if you see a beautiful flower, a cute animal, or a stunning landscape, you can take a picture of it with Google Lens and upload it to Google Photos . This way, you can easily find it later, edit it, or share it.
Customize Google Lens settings
You can customize Google Lens settings to suit your preferences. For example, you can turn the flash , sound, or language on or off. To access Google Lens settings, tap the gear icon in the top right corner of the screen.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Google Lens:
How do I enable or disable Google Lens?
To enable or disable Google Lens , you need to access the Google app settings . Tap the three horizontal bars icon in the top left corner of the screen, then tap Settings . Next, select Google Lens Suggestions and toggle the corresponding switch on or off.
Which applications are compatible with Google Lens?
Google Lens is compatible with several Google apps , such as Google Photos, Google Assistant, and Google Camera. You can also use Google Lens with other third-party apps, like Pinterest, Snapchat, and Twitter. To see if an app is compatible with Google Lens, look for a camera or magnifying glass icon within the app.
What are the limitations of Google Lens?
Google Lens is a powerful and intelligent tool , but it's not perfect. It can sometimes misidentify or misunderstand an object. It may also fail to find relevant or useful results for certain objects. Google Lens is constantly improving thanks to machine learning and user feedback.
How do I delete my Google Lens search history?
To delete your Google Lens search history , you need to access your Google account. Tap the three horizontal bars icon in the top left corner of the screen, then tap Account . Next, select Data & personalization , then Web & App Activity . You can then choose to delete all or part of your search history.
How to use Google Lens with other Google apps?
Google Lens can integrate with other Google apps to offer you more features and convenience. For example, you can use Google Lens to create notes from an image and save them to Google Keep , to solve math problems and open them in Google Calculator , to scan documents and save them to Google Drive , or to share images and send them to Google Photos . To use Google Lens with other Google apps, simply tap the share icon at the bottom of the screen after using Google Lens, and then choose the desired app.
In summary
Google Lens is a versatile and convenient app that lets you search for what you see with your camera. Feel free to explore the various features of Google Lens and use them with other Google apps like Google Spaces . You'll be surprised by everything you can do with Google Lens!
