How to use Google Lens: A step-by-step guide

Introduced in 2017, Google Lens is an image recognition technology that works like a visual search engine, which brings up relevant information about objects after identifying them. Once Google Lens is launched, it requires users to aim the camera at an object, text, or scene, or upload an image. Relying on Google’s advanced machine learning algorithms, it will instantly start processing the object to get information from Google Search or other Google services, such as Translate, Shopping, Maps, and so on.

How to access the Google Lens

Here are several ways to access Google Lens on a smartphone:

Google Search bar (Android) widget: On most Android phones, a Google Search bar widget is preinstalled on the home screen. The camera button on it can be tapped to launch the Lens directly from the home screen.

Dedicated app (Android & iOS): Google Lens can be used by launching its dedicated app.

Google Photos (Android & iOS): Open the Google Photos app, select a photo, and tap on “Lens” from the bottom bar.

Google app (Android & iOS): Open the Google app, and tap on the camera icon in the search bar to access Lens.

Google Assistant (Android): Launch Google Assistant by saying “Ok Google” or long pressing the Home button.

Camera app (Android): On smartphones, the native camera app will have a Google Lens icon to access it.

Google Chrome (Android): You can launch Google Lens using the dedicated camera icon in the Chrome browser’s URL bar.

How to use the Google Lens

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Google Lens:

1) Launch Google Lens through any of the above-mentioned options.

2) Choose from the “Translate,” “Search,” or “Homework” options.

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3) Aim the camera at an object, text, or scene, and hit the round button to translate, search, or take a photo of a homework question.

4) Google Lens will analyse the image and provide relevant information or options.

Google Lens features

Here are the different features of Google Lens:

Translate: The “Translate” option will allow you to select and target languages for real-time translation.

Search: If you point the Google Lens at an item, such as a watch, it will show search results for the same or similar watches available at online stores. Furthermore, it will display a search bar, allowing you to refine your search for the same object. Alternatively, if you have aimed the Google Lens at a text, you can select the entire text or a portion of it and long-press it to make use of options, such as Copy, Listen, Translate, Search, and Copy to Computer.

Homework: The “Homework” option can help with schoolwork and study questions.

All smartphones come equipped with a camera. Even budget-friendly phones now feature high-quality primary cameras. Apart from using a phone’s camera for taking photos, it can be used with Google Lens to access a wide world of information. Whether you are travelling and need to translate signs, want to learn more about a plant or landmark, or just need some help identifying an interesting object, Google Lens makes the process easy and intuitive.