Skip to content 
If you have ever wondered how to do a reverse image search, the process is much simpler than it sounds. With the right tools, you can upload a photo or paste its link into Google Images, Google Lens, or other services to instantly find similar pictures, track down the source, or check if an image is authentic. Whether you are on a phone or computer, reverse image search works in just a few clicks.
Key Summary:
Reverse image search helps you discover where a photo came from, find similar pictures, or verify if an image is real. On desktop, you can do this by uploading a photo, pasting its link, or dragging it into Google Images. On mobile, you can use Google Lens, Safari, or other apps to get instant results. The tool is useful for shopping, checking viral images, or tracking how your photos are used online.
What is Reverse Image Search?
Reverse image search is a tool that lets you upload a photo or paste its link into a search engine to find similar images, the original source, or higher-quality versions. Instead of using words, you use the picture itself to discover where it appears online.
This makes it helpful for many everyday uses, like finding where to buy a product you’ve seen in a photo, checking if a viral image is real, or spotting if someone is using your work without permission.
It can also show different sizes of the same picture, which is handy for photographers, artists, or anyone needing a clearer, higher-resolution version.
Uploading a Picture or Using the Image URL for Reverse Search
There are several ways to do a reverse image search in Google Images. You can upload a picture, paste the URL of an image, or use drag-and-drop. Here’s how to do it:
1. Using the Camera Icon: Upload an Image or Use a URL
Google Images offers an easy way to upload images or use URLs for reverse searches.
Steps:
1. Open Google Images and click on the camera button in the search bar.
2. You will see two options:
Paste Image URL: If you found the picture online, copy the URL and put it here.
Upload an Image: If you already have the picture saved on your computer, click Upload an Image and choose the file from your computer.
3. Paste the address of the copied image or share the picture, then click Open or Choose.
4. Google will analyze the image and show you matching images in the search results.
2. Alternative Method for Chrome Users
If you use Chrome, you can do a reverse image search right in the browser, without having to download or share anything.
Steps:
Launch Chrome and go to the page that has the picture you want to find.
Right-click on the image.
From the drop-down box, choose “Search with Google Lens”.
A new tab will open with Google’s reverse image search results for the selected image.
3. Dragging and Dropping a Picture for Reverse Search
You can easily do reverse image searches right in Google Images with the drag-and-drop way if you already have the image saved on your computer.
Steps:
Go to Google Images.
Open the folder on your computer where the image is saved.
Hold down the picture file and drag it to the search bar in Google Images.
If you put the picture into the search bar, Google will start looking for it right away.
How To Use Reverse Image Search on Browsers Other Than Google
You can easily use reverse image search on browsers like Mozilla Firefox or Apple Safari, and the process is nearly identical to Google Chrome.
Open your preferred browser and go to Google Images.
Upload the image you want to search by either:
Clicking Upload an Image and selecting the file from your computer, or
Dragging and dropping the image directly into the search bar.
Wait for Google to process the image and display possible matches.
The results will show related images or websites that feature similar content, and you can explore further from there.
Image Search on Mobile
Using the search image feature on your mobile device is super handy! Whether you’re trying to find a product, check prices, or track down a recipe, it’s easy to do with just your phone.
How to Reverse Image Search on Mobile Devices
Open your browser and go to Google Images.
Tap the camera icon (or hit upload) to either upload a photo from your photo library or paste the image’s URL.
When you’re done, click “Find Similar Images” and let the search begin.
Android: Reverse Image Search Using Google Lens
If you’re on Android, Google Lens makes reverse searching easy:
Open the Google app and tap Discover.
Choose Google Lens from the search bar.
Either snap a new picture or upload one from your phone.
To look for a certain part of the picture, tap Use an object in the picture or Use part of the picture. Then, scroll through the results.
iPhone: Reverse Image Search Using Safari
For IOS users, reverse image search can be done through Safari:
Open the Safari app and go to Google Images.
Search for the image you’re interested in by entering keywords.
Tap the image you want to reverse search.
Tap the Google Lens icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
You can use the crop tool to find the exact part of the picture you want to look for, then scroll through the results.
Alternatives to Google Images
You can use Google or there are many alternatives.
Yandex
Yandex, Russia’s leading search engine, offers one of the strongest reverse image tools, especially for face and scene recognition. Its interface is mostly in Russian, but you can navigate easily with buttons like Выберите файл (Choose file) and Найти (Search). Once uploaded, Yandex shows similar images and lets you refine results. It’s powerful for faces from different angles or lighting, though some users have privacy concerns due to its Russian ties.
TinEye
TinEye was one of the first reverse image search engines and remains a reliable option. You can upload an image or paste a URL, and it will scan its massive database of over 44 billion pictures. TinEye stands out for not storing your uploads, protecting your privacy. With browser add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, and its TinEye Alerts service (used by companies like Philips and The Home Depot), it’s a trusted choice for tracking how images appear online.
DupliChecker
DupliChecker offers a simple reverse image search that works on both desktop and mobile. You can upload a file or paste a link to quickly find matching photos. Its easy-to-use interface makes it handy for everyday searches, from spotting duplicates to resizing or cropping images.
Browser Extensions for Reverse Image Search
If the methods above aren’t working for you here are a couple extensions for Reverse image Search.
Reverse Image Search Chrome Extension
Reverse Image Search is a Google Chrome extension that allows you to screenshot a web page and select a portion of it for reverse image search. This is useful if you have multiple images combined and you want to do a reverse image search of only part of the combined image. Additionally, you can reverse image search a video by pausing the video, taking a screenshot, and then reverse image searching the screenshot.
Reverse Image Search Extension on Firefox
Firefox also offers a reverse image extension. It boasts that, “Adds an option to the context menu to search with an image on Google, Bing, Yandex, TinEye, SauceNAO, IQDB or custom search engines. You can also choose more than one and they will be shown in a submenu!”. The multi results feature may be a good option for the serious image searcher.
How to Reverse Image Search Using AI
AI has made reverse image finding even faster by letting people upload pictures straight to chatbots and get results right away. These AI-powered tools look at the picture, search the web, and quickly return information or pictures that look like the one you’re looking at. Let us take a look at ChatGPT and Gemini, two of the most famous AI tools that can do this.
How to Reverse Image Search Using ChatGPT
ChatGPT makes it simple to reverse search an image by uploading it directly into the chat and letting the AI process it. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
- Go to ChatGPT: Open ChatGPT in your browser at chat.openai.com.
Start a New Chat: If you’re already logged in, start a new conversation.
Upload the Image:
Drag and drop the image directly into the chat window, or
Click the paperclip icon (attachment) and select Upload from computer.
4. Ask Your Question: Once the image is uploaded, type something like, “What is the origin of this image?” or “Can you find similar images?”
5. Review Results: ChatGPT will process the image and provide results or suggestions based on the image.
6. Cross-check Results: Keep in mind that the results may not always be 100% accurate, so it’s a good idea to verify the information you get.
How to Reverse Image Search Using Gemini
Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, offers a fast way to reverse search images by analyzing them and providing relevant results. Here’s how you can use it:
Go to Gemini: Open the Gemini AI chatbot by visiting gemini.google.com in your browser.
Start a New Conversation: Begin a new chat in Gemini.
Upload Your Image:
Click on the Upload image icon in the message bar.
Select the image you want to reverse search from your computer or device.
Ask for Info: Once the image is uploaded, type a request like “Find the source of this image” or “Show me similar images.”
Check the Results: Gemini will analyze the image and return the results. You’ll get similar images or possible sources for the image you uploaded.
Fact-Check the Results: Just like with ChatGPT, it’s a good idea to fact-check the results for accuracy.
Is Reverse Image Search Accurate?
It is important to note that Reverse Image Search is not a perfect technology. Multiple factors can influence the accuracy of your search results when looking up an image.
Image File Quality
The quality of the image plays a big role in how well a reverse search can identify it. Think of it like trying to guess the taste of food while blindfolded. If the image is blurry or pixelated, it’s hard for the system to make an accurate match, just as it would be for us to recognize something without using our eyes.
Image Recognition Accuracy
Reverse image search tools rely on large databases to match objects. Sometimes they struggle with uncommon images, but the more frequently an image or object appears online, the better the chances of finding it. Well-known locations or popular images are usually easier for the search engine to recognize.
Tips to Make Your Reverse Image Search Accurate
To ensure your reverse image searches are as accurate as possible, make sure to keep these brief tips in mind when you are submitting an image for reverse search:
Check Image Dimensions: Try to upload images that are at least 200×200 pixels in size.
Reduce Compression: If using an image editor, avoid high compression, as it can degrade the quality.
Visual Check: Always preview the image on your device before uploading to make sure it’s clear enough.
Why You Should Reverse Image Search
Reverse image search is quick, free, and packed with practical uses. From spotting fake photos to finding where your own images are shared, it can save you time and give you peace of mind.
Track your images online:
See if your photos or artwork are being used without permission or gaining traction on other sites.
Verify authenticity:
Spot manipulated or fake pictures by checking the original source before sharing.
Shop smarter:
Find products you’ve seen in a photo, compare prices, or locate the store where they’re sold.
Protect yourself from scams:
Run a reverse search on profile pictures to confirm if someone online is real or using a stolen photo.
Find better quality versions:
Locate higher-resolution copies of an image for printing, design, or personal use.
Conclusion
Reverse image search is a simple but powerful tool that works across desktop, mobile, and even AI chatbots. With just a photo or link, you can uncover the original source of an image, find similar pictures, or verify whether something online is authentic.
Whether you want to shop smarter, protect your content, or avoid scams, it takes only a few clicks to get answers.
Using tools like Google Images, Google Lens, TinEye, or Yandex, you can make the internet a little clearer and more trustworthy every time you search.
