How to Turn Off “Search for Image with Google Lens” in Google Chrome
Google Lens is a powerful tool integrated into Google Chrome that allows users to perform reverse image searches and obtain detailed information about an image. However, not all users need or want this feature, especially when they prefer the traditional reverse image search option. In this guide, we’ll show you how to disable “Search for Image with Google Lens” in Google Chrome so you can customize your browsing experience to your liking.
What Is Google Lens?
Google Lens is an AI-powered image recognition tool that allows users to search for information by simply capturing or uploading an image. This feature is built into Chrome’s right-click context menu and is enabled by default. While it offers advanced features, some users find it unnecessary or prefer to use Google Image Search for a simpler reverse image search.
Why Disable “Search for Image with Google Lens”?
Here are some reasons why you might want to disable Google Lens:
- Preference for Google Image Search: Many users are more familiar with the old “Search Google for this image” option.
- Simplicity: Google Lens provides too much information for basic image searches.
- Performance: Google Lens can sometimes slow down the browser or display unwanted results.
- Privacy: You may prefer not to use Google Lens due to privacy concerns.
How To Disable “Search for Image with Google Lens”
Although there is no straightforward option in Chrome’s settings to turn off Google Lens, you can still disable it by modifying certain Chrome flags.
Steps to Disable Google Lens in Chrome:
- Open Google Chrome:
- Launch your Chrome browser.
- Access Chrome Flags:
- Type
chrome://flags/in the address bar and press Enter. This will open Chrome’s experimental features page.
- Type
- Search for Google Lens Flag:
- In the Search flags box at the top, type Lens to find the specific flag related to Google Lens.
- Disable Google Lens:
- Locate the flag labeled Enable Lens features in Chrome and change the setting from Default to Disabled.
- Restart Chrome:
- After disabling the flag, you will see a prompt at the bottom of the screen asking you to Relaunch Chrome. Click the Relaunch button to restart your browser.
Once Chrome restarts, the “Search for Image with Google Lens” option will be disabled, and you should now see the “Search Google for this image” option in the right-click menu, just like before.
Alternative Method: Use an Older Version of Chrome (Not Recommended)
Some users may consider downgrading to an older version of Chrome that doesn’t have Google Lens integration. However, this method is not recommended due to security vulnerabilities in outdated browser versions.
Instead, it’s better to stick with the latest version of Chrome and use the flag method described above.
How To Re-Enable Google Lens (Optional)
If you ever change your mind and wish to re-enable the “Search for Image with Google Lens” feature, you can easily do so by following the same steps but setting the Lens flag back to Default or Enabled.
Steps to Re-Enable Google Lens:
- Open Chrome Flags:
- Type
chrome://flags/in the address bar and press Enter. 
- Type
- Search for Google Lens Flag:
- In the Search flags box, type Lens.
- Enable Google Lens:
- Set the Enable Lens features in Chrome flag to Enabled.
- Restart Chrome:
- Click the Relaunch button to apply the changes.
Conclusion
Disabling the “Search for Image with Google Lens” option in Chrome can help streamline your browsing experience if you prefer the simplicity of Google Image Search. By following the steps outlined above, you can quickly turn off this feature and revert to the more traditional reverse image search.
If you decide to re-enable Google Lens later, you can do so easily by adjusting the Chrome flag settings. This flexibility ensures you can customize your browsing experience based on your needs and preferences.
By following these steps, you’ll have more control over your image search functionality in Google Chrome and can enjoy a simpler, more streamlined user experience.