Google Lens Camera search in the Google app

What is Google Lens?

Google Lens searches using your camera, an image or a screenshot. It translates menus, signs and handwriting in over 100 languages, helps you learn about artwork, murals and landmarks, and lets you hold the shutter button to ask a question. From Lens you can also start Search Live, a real-time voice-and-camera conversation with Google Search.

Cost: Free (No paid plan listed). Booking: No booking. Works on: iPhone, Android, Web, Inside Google app / Google Search.

Best for: Travellers who want quick answers about a landmark, sign or menu in front of them, straight from the phone camera

How Google Lens uses AI

Google says Lens 'uses AI to help you search the world around you' and returns an AI Overview when you ask about what the camera sees. Search Live, opened from the Live option in Lens, is powered by Gemini 3.1 Flash Live for spoken back-and-forth about the view.

Booking: No booking.

Keep in mind

• Google labels generative AI in these answers as experimental
• Search Live works only where AI Mode is offered (200+ countries and territories, per Google)
• Shopping results in Lens are limited to listed countries

Is Google Lens free? Cost and plans

Free. Free inside the Google app, Chrome and other Google products.

Guides that cover Google Lens

• Google's AI travel tools: Gemini trip planning and AI Mode

Also from Google

• Google AI Mode trip planning (Canvas)Trip-planning feature inside Google Search AI Mode
• Google AI Mode travel bookingHotel booking inside Google Search AI Mode
• Google GeminiGeneral AI assistant
• Google Flights Flight DealsAI deal search inside Google Flights
• Google AI Mode flight price trackingFeature inside Google Search AI Mode
• Google TranslateTranslation app
• GPGoogle Pixel Voice TranslatePhone-call translation feature on Pixel phones
• Google Pixel Buds Pro 2Earbuds with Gemini and Google Translate
• Gemini in Google MapsAI features inside Google Maps

Google Lens alternatives

Tools for a similar task. Sharing a task does not make them interchangeable, so compare what each one does.

• SmartGuideAI-powered audio guide app
• Trainline AI Travel AssistantAI assistant inside the Trainline app
• AudialaAI audio guide and travel companion app
• TPTheme Park AIUnofficial AI theme-park companion app
• WanderboatAI local guide app

Sources

Sources checked 15 October 2026. This listing summarises what the provider and other cited sources say; it is not a hands-on test.

1. Google Lens - Search what you seesearch.google, checked 15 October 2026. Supports: Translate in 100+ languages, landmarks/artwork, ask questions, Google app, Android camera, Chrome desktop
2. Google Lens tips: How to use Google AI to search what you see (Jan 7, 2025)blog.google, checked 15 October 2026. Supports: Lens uses AI, AI Overviews when asking about what you see, experimental generative AI, Android/iOS and Chrome
3. Google Search Live expands globally (Mar 26, 2026)blog.google, checked 15 October 2026. Supports: Search Live via the Live option in Lens, Gemini 3.1 Flash Live, availability wherever AI Mode is offered

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