Google replaces the reverse image search option in Chrome with the Google Lens option

Google Chrome users who have recently used the web browser’s reverse image search option may have discovered that Google removed the option from Chrome. Right-clicking on images shows the new “search image with Google Lens” option now in the browser and no longer the “search image” option.

The reverse image search option loaded the Google Images website with the results of the query. It’s possible to go there manually to run a search for an image by uploading it to the service, but it requires several manual steps instead of just two clicks in Chrome.

With reverse image search removed, users can use the Google Lens link instead. Google Lens is not a reverse image search option, as it is designed to provide users with context and relevant information. The lens website highlights visual matches and links to pages containing similar images. Results are limited and links point to Google Images for the full list of images and similar pages with that content.

Users can click the “see all” link on the page, or scroll down to activate the “try it out” link, which also opens the Google Images website.

There is no longer an option to restore the classic reverse image search feature in Chrome. Chrome users can install extensions, such as Search by Image, Reverse Image Search, or Huntress Reverse Image Search. All of these extensions add options to Chrome to search for an image on Google Images.

Another option Chrome users have is to switch to the Vivaldi browser. Vivaldi, which is also based on Chromium, supports “find image” option in its latest version. The option is displayed in the browser’s context menu when users right-click images displayed in the web browser.

Reverse image searches are useful for several use cases. Webmasters, photographers, and copyright holders can use search engines to find third-party web pages that use the images. Internet users can use them to find larger versions of images, for example, to use as wallpaper images or to get a copy with more details.

Why did Google remove the option?

Google did not provide an explanation. Since it replaced the original image search option with Google Lens, it seems likely that the company wants to boost the use of Google Lens by exposing the service to more users. Chrome users who used the reverse image search option to get more information about an image may like the new option as it provides more context about an image than Google Images.

Now you: Do you use reverse image search engines? What is your opinion on Chrome replacing the option?

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