How to reverse image search from any phone

How to reverse image search from any phone

The reverse image search feature allows you to find similar photos or source details based on an image rather than a term or phrase.

There are some algorithms that are used to answer these questions. However, they are not as well developed as traditional keyword searches. This is understandable, as there are many more parameters involved compared to traditional search functionality.

That being said, most PC users find it very easy to perform these searches. Smartphone users, on the other hand, may struggle to get accurate and relevant results, depending on their phone's operating system, browsers, and database options.

Here are some ways to perform reverse image searches with your phone.

Reverse Google Image Search

Google offers a limited version of its reverse image search feature for smartphones and tablets. First, you have to open images.google.com. This only works well with Safari and Chrome mobile browsers.

The feature is limited because you won't be able to find the camera icon that allows you to upload photos.

To do this, after accessing the images.google.com website on your phone, you'll need to request the desktop version of the site. Tap on the three-dot menu icon and hit “Request Desktop Site”.

Once on the desktop version, the camera icon used to upload photos will become visible. If you're using Safari instead of Chrome, tap the arrow to open the menu with the “Request Desktop Site” option. How to Reverse Image Search?

Chrome Browser Solution

If you're using an iOS or Android smartphone, you can also use the Chrome browser to perform a reverse image search.

Keep your finger on the desired image and wait for the popup menu to display. At the bottom of the list will appear the option “Search Google for this image”.

This is a Chrome-specific feature, so you won't be able to replicate it in the Google app or Safari.

What about Bing?

If you're one of the few still using Bing on Google, you can also perform reverse image searches. Open bing.com/images and look for the camera icon to select an image. You can choose one from your library or choose one from the Internet if you have the URL.

If you allow Bing.com access to your phone's camera, you can also perform a reverse image search of a photo you've taken. This is a feature that is not available on Google.

The biggest advantage of using Bing for this type of search is that you don't need to load the desktop version of the website on your smartphone.

Other third-party image search engines

If you're not happy with how the two leading search engines are optimized for this, you can turn your attention to other niche search engines.

TinEye

it already has a few billion image searches. When you use the phone, the charging icon is an arrow pointing up.

Tap this option and choose whether you want to use a photo from your SD card, Google Drive, or another location. However, there is a downside. TinEye isn't exactly free, as it only gets 150 free searches per week.

The paid option gives you a lot more options, but memberships start at $200 for 5,000 searches, which can be a steep price to pay if you're not doing it for professional reasons.

Veracity

It is free for iOS users. It allows you to upload images from storage and find relevant information from search engines like Google and TinEye. This is a free app with lots of ads, so you may need to consider paying a small membership fee for a smooth browsing experience.

Reverse

Another popular app among iOS users is Reversed. This application acts as an intermediary between you and the Google image database.

However, the free version is limited in results. If you want to get results from Google, Bing, and Yandex (the Russian version of Bing), you'll need to upgrade to the Professional membership.

a final thought

Although Bing is considerably less popular than Google, the instant reverse photo search feature it offers is really worth the search engine's consideration, especially for these types of queries.

With Bing, you won't have to wait to take a photo, modify it, save it, search for it, and upload it to the reverse image search feature. You can grab one while it's already on the website and upload it immediately.

If you're trying to save time on your reverse image searches, whether on your phone or desktop, Bing might be more useful than Google.