How to Turn Off Google Lens in Google Chrome

Don’t know how to turn off Google Lens in Google Chrome?

Do not worry.

If you are unwilling to use the Google Chrome Lens, you can easily turn it off.

Google Lens is a special feature in Chrome that lets you search for images using the camera or by simply scanning your screen. This feature is convenient for some, while a few do not find it useful.

Before this, Search Google for This Image was available with a button to the browser’s address bar, which anyone can accidentally click on. If you do not like the new method but are rather interested in the old image-searching method, you are in the right place.

In this blog, you will walk through the steps to turn off the Google Lens feature easily. You can get back to it anytime you want.

What is Google Lens in Google Chrome Browser?

The Google Lens feature of your Chrome browser lets you search for information using images or even text within an image. This tool was available on Android for a while, but now it has become a part of Chrome as well. You can use this feature in Google Chrome if your version is at least 127.

Google Lens is an amazing tool for capturing a screenshot of any part of a particular site you are visiting. Once you click any picture using Google Lens, the image is sent directly to the Google servers, which is further been sent back to you in the form of related information.

If you want to identify any object, landmark, or even tet in photos, this feature comes in very handy. Earlier, users were introduced to the Search Google for image option, which was available in the address bar. However, many users have found it difficult to adjust to the new variation since the launch of Google Lens.

Where Does Google Lens Appear in Google Chrome?

You can easily find Google Lens from the three dots on the top-right corner of your Chrome Window. You will get to see the option for Search with Google Lens from the dropdown.

You simply need to drag the image, and the search result will appear on the right side of your screen.

In the very first version of Google Lens, it came up to Chrome on laptops and desktops, when used on any image it gets redirected to a new tab having the related search results for the image.

But, in the new version of Google Lens, launched in May 2022, users can see the results on the right inside of a panel so that the users do not have to leave the page and get to see the results there only.

Also, if you want to know the source of the image, a new tab can be opened for that, and in case you like the previous style of searching on a new tab, you can easily adjust the settings and get back to the default one whenever you want.

Google Lens is available not only on Chrome on desktops and laptops but also on Android devices. You can use Google Lens by installing any of the apps, including Google Apps, Google Photos, or even Google Assistant. Also, there exists a standalone Google Lens app available on the Google Play Store for you to install on your phone.

Why Turn Off Google Lens in Google Chrome?

Here’s why you might want to turn off Google Lens in Chrome based on your own needs and preferences:

• Privacy First: The Google Lens feature uses image recognition technology that scans the images. Some users might not like this technology. They might feel that their privacy is invaded as it might collect the related data of the images. But, if you turn off Google Lens, this automatic scanning system will be disabled, which will further help you browse more privately.
• Stop Accidental Searches: You can make your online searches by simply just right-clicking on the images using Google Lens. Although this facility helps a lot, sometimes the user might end up clicking the Google Lens unintentionally.
• Less Clutter with More Focus: Sometimes, the Google Lens might prompt a message stating suggestions or auto-recognize the images while you are browsing. It might become very distracting to a few, so disabling it makes your screen clear. And help you focus on the content you are searching for.
• Faster Browsing: The Google Lens feature consumes an extra amount of your PC’s resources and runs in the background, which makes your browser slower. So, turning off the Google Lens might help you improve your Chrome’s performance.
• Limit Data Shared with Google: By using Google Lens for image searching, you let it send your data to Google for further processing, which some users might dislike. So, disabling your Google Lens will only keep that data for you.

How to Turn Off Google Lens in Google Chrome

Here are the steps to disable the Google Lens in your Chrome browser. No matter which device you’re using, whether it is Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, or iOS, these steps will work on all devices.

Step 1: Simply first open your Chrome browser, type chrome://flags in the address bar, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Search Lens by typing it on the search bar at the very top of the page.

Step 3: Simply choose Disabled from the dropdown menu for Lens Overlay.

Step 4: At last, just restart your Chrome window.

Final Words

If you do not like Google Lens in your Chrome browser, you can easily disable it. Whether you are concerned about privacy, want to avoid accidental searches, or simply want to make your browsing simpler, you get the option to turn it off in your Chrome Window.

Using Chrome Flags on a Desktop, making a change in Windows Settings, typing in a few commands on the Linux terminal window, or adjusting the Chrome Settings on Android might help you turn off the Google Lens in your Chrome.