How to Search for Images on Google: Comprehensive Guide

Google's image search is a powerful tool for finding similar or exact matches to pictures you upload. Whether you're looking for specific items from an image or need to find where an image has been used elsewhere, Google's image search can help. Here, we will walk you through five different methods to search for images on Google, complete with detailed step-by-step instructions.

Google's Image Search Capabilities

Most users are accustomed to searching by text, but Google's image search allows you to find similar or exact matches to images. You can upload pictures you have taken or find on other websites. Whether you use a desktop computer, a smartphone, or a tablet, Google's image search system can help you uncover a wide variety of different search results.

Five Ways to Search Google by Image

1. Using a Computer

To search Google by image on a computer, you can use one of the supported browsers such as Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple's Safari. Here’s how:

Open your preferred browser and go to Drag and drop an image from your computer into the Google search box or upload a picture by clicking "Open" or "Choose" to select a file. You can also search with a URL on your computer. Simply visit the website with the picture you would like to use.

2. On Android Devices

For Android users, here's how to perform a Google image search:

Open the official Google app on your Android device. Tap on the Discover option at the bottom of the screen. Tap the Google Lens icon, which looks like a small multicolored camera. Use your phone or tablet's camera to take a photograph or upload an existing image from your photo library using the Photo Picker icon. Select the circle icon to refine your search and select the area you want to search for. Scroll through the search results to find your desired goal. If the results are too wide, select a smaller area to narrow down your search.

3. On iPhone or iPad

On iOS devices, you can perform a Google image search using the Google app, Chrome browser, or Safari (version 11 and above). Here’s the process:

Open the Google app on your iOS device. Select the search bar and tap the Google Lens icon. Use your iPhone or iPad to upload a photo to your search by either taking it with your camera or selecting an existing image from your photo library using the Photo Picker feature. Search through the results to find your required goal. If you want more specific results, select a small area on the image to refine the search further.

4. Using the Web Browser

You can also use the web browser on your computer to carry out a Google image search:

Open your chosen browser and go to Click on the camera icon to upload an image or paste the URL of an image you found on the internet into the search box. Google will analyze the picture and provide a wide variety of different search results.

5. Using Google Lens on Mobile Devices

Google Lens is an image recognition technology that can be an effective tool for image search. Here’s how to use it on mobile devices:

Open the Google app on your Android or iOS device. Select the search bar and tap the Google Lens icon. Use your phone or tablet's camera to take a photograph or upload an existing image from your photo library using the Photo Picker icon. Select the area or object you want to search for and refine your search. Scroll through the search results to find your desired goal.

Conclusion

Google's image search capabilities are a powerful tool for finding similar or exact matches to pictures you upload. By following these five different methods, you can perform a Google image search on computers, Android devices, and iPhones or iPads. Whether you use a desktop computer, a smartphone, or a tablet, there is a method to help you find what you're looking for.