Why Is Google Lens Not Working?
Ever wondered why your Google Lens is not working on iPhone, Android, PC, or Mac? Surprisingly, there’s no single common reason behind this issue. Here, we have compiled a list of plausible causes that may lead to Google Lens not functioning correctly. Let’s check them all.
- Corrupted app cache
- Outdated Google Lens app
- Software bugs
- Unidentifiable object
- Device camera issue
- Issues related to a poor internet connection
- No proper permission settings (Google Lens disabled)
- Server issues
- An outdated OS and browser may also lead to Google Lens isn’t working
How to Fix Google Lens Not Working
Now you’ve learned the potential reasons that can hinder the functioning of Google Lens. If you're experiencing issues with the app, this Google Lens Not Working troubleshooting guide is here to help.
Below, you'll find practical solutions to restore its functionality. And get it working like new. Discover how to get Google Lens to work with the 10 quick fixes.
1. Clear Google Lens Cache
Accumulated cache can also result in your "Google Lens is not working" issue. It often leads to unresponsiveness or lags in the application. Moreover, if the cache data is corrupted, it can result in Google Lens Translate not working or other issues. It prevents the app from recognizing the images. Here’s how to clear Google Lens cache.
Step 1: Navigate to the phone Settings. Open Apps or Applications Manager.
Step 2: Locate and click Google Lens > Storage. Then tap Clear Cache to erase temporary data.
Step 3: Click Clear Data to reset your Google Lens and erase temporary data.
2. Allow Permission
When you disable Google Lens, it will no longer function properly. When you do not grant the necessary permissions, Google Lens Not Working occurs, and you can't translate, search, or retrieve information about an image. Discover the easiest way to grant app permissions.
Step 1: Open the device’s Settings > Apps/Applications.
Step 2: Find and tap Google Lens.
Step 3: Press Permissions or App permissions.
Ensure that permissions are enabled for Camera, Storage, and Microphone.
3. Confirm a Fine Internet Connection
Is the "search with Google Lens" not working on iPhone, Android, or computers? Google Lens functions depend on the internet. Google Lens search not working could be due to a problem with the network connection. Here’s how you can check and confirm a stable internet connection.
Step 1: Visit the Speedtest by Ookla website on your browser.
Step 2: Click Go to measure the download and upload speeds.
4. Camera Glitches or Malfunctioning
The phone’s camera malfunctioning can also lead to Google Lens QR code scanner, scan business card or book cover not working. An internal phone glitch or bug can cause trouble with Google Lens not working, and you may not be able to search for images.
Step 1: Open the phone’s camera app.
Step 2: Verify that it’s working correctly.
5. Reinstall the Google Lens
Google Lens might not work as intended due to sudden errors or a temporary glitch in the app. No matter why Google Lens AI or Google image search is not working anymore, reinstalling the app is a good solution for seamless functioning. Check out the quick steps to reinstall the Google Lens app.
Step 1: Erase the Google Lens app from your system.
Step 2: Launch the App Store/Play Store. And search for Google Lens.
Step 3: Click Install or Get to reinstall the app.
6. Update Your Device System
Is your Google Lens not working on iOS, PC, or Mac system, or in Chrome? Make sure the OS is up to date. Once you have updated your OS or browser to the latest version, you can see optimal performance with high compatibility. Updating the device system also helps fix bugs that may interfere with Google Lens. Always check settings for features or flags enabling Lens. Learn how to update the device's system.
Step 1: Navigate to the phone’s Settings. And click About phone.
Step 2: Check for the system update of your device and Android version.
Use the Google Lens app again after updating.
7. Re-launch or Update the Google Photos App
Reopening or updating the Google Photos app may help resolve the issue with Google Lens not working in Photos. By updating it, you may resolve the issue of Google Photos and Lens not working. Here are the quick steps to relaunch and update the Google Photos app.
Step 1: Access the App Store or Play Store. Click your profile photo to continue.
Step 2: See the list of currently updated apps.
Step 3: Find Google Photos in the list. If an update is available, click the tab to install it immediately.
8. Review Google Server
Despite verifying all the above-stated solutions, do you still wonder why Google Lens won't work? Maybe you haven’t reviewed the Google server yet. The Google Lens app works only when the server is up to date. Slow performance and image recognition issues can occur due to server issues. Let's explore the quick steps to check the server status.
Step 1: Launch the Google Lens app. And hit the three horizontal lines to open the menu.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap "Settings"> "About".
Step 3: Find the Server Status. And touch to know the status.
9. Sign Out and Sign in to Your Account
Another effective way to fix the Google Lens is not working on your phone issue is to sign out and then sign in to your account. Here’s how to do so.
Step 1: Open the Google Lens app. And tap the profile icon.
Step 2: Click Manage your Google Account.
Step 3: Press the menu icon in the left corner and click Sign Out.
Step 4: Close the app and reopen Google Lens. Click your profile icon and select Sign In. Enter your Google credentials to verify that Google Lens is functioning correctly.
10. Restart your Phone or Computer
Whatever problem there is on your PC or mobile, a useful fix is to restart your device. That often solves most of the problems you can't figure out.
Extra Fix 11. Use an Alternative
Alternatively, you can use a lightweight application — SwifDoo PDF for Windows — to translate a picture. One of its strengths is the ability to translate text in real time using OCR. It can translate images into over 100 languages with accuracy. Besides images, SwifDoo PDF can convert screenshots to PDFs and translate text from images effortlessly.
Check out how.
Step 1: Download SwifDoo PDF and open the picture in the application.
Step 2: The picture will auto-transform into a PDF. Choose OCR at the top of the secondary menu bar. Then, select the document language. And tap OK.
Step 3: Select the Document Translation tool, specify the input and output languages, and click the Translate to button.
Step x: Or, select text and click the AI icon. Select the Translate option and choose the desired language. The best AI translator will automatically translate the content.
Bonus: Best Google Lens Alternative to Translate Images
The Google Lens app not working issue occurs frequently for various reasons. But we have already discussed why your Google Lens is not working properly and how to fix it with the 10 solutions. However, you can depend on a convenient app like SwifDoo PDF to translate your images and PDFs. This lightweight app offers powerful PDF management features, including SwifDoo AI.
This AI PDF translator also has a built-in OCR tool that accurately recognizes text in scanned documents and images, making it perfect for translating visual content. SwifDoo PDF offers tools for editing, annotating, compressing, and converting PDFs, as well as translation. This way, it provides a comprehensive solution for managing documents and images on a single, intuitive platform.
What more can SwifDoo PDF do:
- Convert images, drawings, EPUB, and Office documents to PDFs.
- Edit text and any elements in your PDF documents.
- Compress pictures, PDFs, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, and other files.
- Add annotations, such as notes and text comments, to documents.
Conclusion
First, try the proven methods to resolve the issue with “Google Lens does not work," and if that doesn't work, consider an alternative tool. Whether you want to search and translate information in pictures, there are many similar products to help. You can also switch to another computer or mobile phone to use Google Lens.