In addition to performing a regular search, you can use Google Lens on your iPhone through the official Google app or widget, just the same as you can on an Android device. Simply tap on the camera lens icon, and either capture an image using the camera, or select one from your gallery to begin searching.
Google has recently rolled out a new shortcut that makes using Google Lens on newer iPhone models a breeze. You can pair this shortcut with the Back Tap feature on iPhone to launch the Google Lens service from any screen. This gesture is available on iPhone 8 or newer, running iOS 14 or above.
- Install the Search your screenshot shortcut on your iPhone by first tapping on Get Shortcut and then Add Shortcut.
- Launch the Settings app and navigate to Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap.
- Select either the Double Tap or Triple Tap action and scroll all the way to the bottom to the Shortcuts section.
- Tap on Search your screenshot.
Try double or triple tapping the back of your iPhone. This will bring up a prompt on the shortcut’s first launch — simply tap on Always Allow. For subsequent back tap actions, your iPhone will automatically capture a screenshot and initiate a Google Lens search. You can then tap on different areas on the screenshot as usual to carry out a refined search in Google Lens.