How to Reverse Image Search on Any Device: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

What Is Reverse Image Search?

Reverse image search lets you use a photo — instead of text — as your search query. Instead of typing words to find an image, you upload an image to find information about it: where it came from, who is in it, what object it shows, or where else it appears online.

Whether you're on a desktop, iPhone, Android, or tablet, here's exactly how to do it on every major platform.

Table of Contents

1. On Desktop (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
2. Using Google Lens
3. On iPhone / iOS
4. On Android
5. Uploading a File vs. Pasting a URL

Reverse Image Search on Desktop

Google Images

1. Go to images.google.com
2. Click the camera icon in the search bar
3. Choose Upload a file or paste an image URL
4. Click Search

Google will show visually similar images, pages where the image appears, and related searches.

Bing Visual Search

1. Go to bing.com/images
2. Click the camera icon in the search bar
3. Upload a photo or drag and drop it
4. Bing will display matching images, products, and related content

Right-Click in Chrome (Fastest Desktop Method)

If you see an image on a webpage and want to search it instantly:

1. Right-click on the image
2. Select "Search image with Google" (or "Search image with Lens")
3. A new tab opens with results immediately

Using Google Lens

Google Lens is the most powerful reverse image search tool for identifying objects, text, plants, animals, and landmarks. It goes beyond simple image matching.

• On desktop: Visit lens.google.com and upload any image
• In Chrome: Right-click any image → "Search image with Lens"
• In Google Images: Click the Lens icon on any result thumbnail

Reverse Image Search on iPhone

Method 1: Safari + Google Images

1. Open Safari and go to images.google.com
2. Tap the share icon and select Request Desktop Website
3. Tap the camera icon and upload a photo from your camera roll

Method 2: Google App (Easiest)

1. Open the Google app on your iPhone
2. Tap the Google Lens icon (camera) in the search bar
3. Point your camera or select a photo from your library

Reverse Image Search on Android

1. Open the Google app or Google Chrome
2. Tap the Lens icon in the search bar
3. Take a photo or select one from your gallery
4. Tap on parts of the image to narrow the search

Tip: On Android, you can also long-press any image in Chrome to trigger a "Search image with Google" option directly.

Uploading a File vs. Pasting a URL

Method	Best For	Limitations
Upload a file	Photos on your device	File size limits may apply
Paste image URL	Images already online	URL must be publicly accessible
Drag and drop	Quick desktop searches	Desktop only

Quick Summary

• On desktop: Right-click in Chrome or use images.google.com / bing.com/images
• On iPhone: Use the Google app with Lens
• On Android: Long-press in Chrome or use the Google app
• For object/place ID: Always use Google Lens over standard Google Images