Install for freeHow to search by image on Aliexpress 2026
Searching on AliExpress is easy when you know the product name — but it gets tricky when you only have a photo. That’s where image search helps.
In this guide, you’ll find the same working methods AliExpress users rely on today: the camera icon inside the AliExpress app (photo or gallery), the “similar products” tool on a listing, Google Images on desktop, and browser extensions that send an image to AliExpress search.
When image search is useful
- You want to find the exact same item. For example, if you have seen something from a friend, in a shop or on the street, and you really like its model or colour. But you do not know where you can buy it. Searching by image or photo on Aliexpress can help you find exactly the product you are looking for.
- You’re trying to identify a brand. If you only have a logo or a recognizable symbol, you can upload that image and find items that match that brand style or branding.
- You need to find the budget version. Also, a picture search can be useful if you want to find a copy of a designer item but are not willing to pay for the original. You can upload an image or photo of the original product, and the AliExpress system will offer you a lot of goods that look similar, but are much cheaper. By the way, it is even more important to find a reliable seller and great discounts on AliExpress. The free AliHelper extension will help you with this.
- You want to compare prices quickly. Upload a photo of the item and compare multiple visually similar listings. This makes it easier to spot the best deal.
Advantages and disadvantages of the method
Advantages
In order to find an analogue of the product you like, you only need a photo or picture of it. In most cases, a clear photo is enough — and you don’t need any technical skills. You can search by image from both your phone and your computer.
Disadvantages
Image search isn’t perfect. Sometimes you’ll get “similar” items instead of the exact match — especially with blurry photos, busy backgrounds, or pictures with text overlays.
If the results look off, try:
- cropping the image so only the product remains,
- using a brighter/sharper photo,
- uploading a different angle.
How to search for a product by image on AliExpress
Mobile app
For the next two methods, you need to go to the AliExpress mobile app and tap the camera icon in the search bar.
Quick search (using your camera)
Open the AliExpress app and tap the camera icon in the search bar. Choose the camera mode, point it at the item, and take a clear photo. AliExpress will show visually similar listings right away. For best results, keep the product centered and avoid cluttered backgrounds.
Search by photo or image from the gallery on AliExpress
In the AliExpress app, tap the camera icon in the search bar and select a photo from your gallery. Pick the clearest image you have and, if possible, choose one where the product fills most of the frame — this usually improves the matches.
Search for similar product by picture from Aliexpress
If you’re already looking at a product listing in the AliExpress app, you can use the “similar products” feature. Open the listing, tap the magnifying glass (search) icon, and AliExpress will show items that look similar. This is handy when you want the same type of product from other sellers.
Desktop version
Using Google search engine
Previously, you could limit Google image results to AliExpress using a site filter (for example, site:aliexpress.com). Google has since changed the image search UI, so this method is less reliable now.
1. On any page of the search engine, click on a picture with a camera;
2. Upload an image of the desired item by dragging it into the opened window, from the clipboard (Ctrl V), from your hard drive or from a link;
3. Type “aliexpress” in the search box.
Using browser extensions
There is a wide range of free extensions available in browser plugin shops such as Chrome Store, Mozilla Addons and Microsoft Edge Addons that are designed specifically for searching by photo or image on Aliexpress. These extensions are handy tools that integrate into your browser and allow you to search directly while surfing the web.
Safety checklist before installing an extension:
- If in doubt, use Google search instead.
- Prefer well-known stores (Chrome Web Store / Firefox Add-ons / Edge Add-ons).
- Check the number of users, recent reviews, and update date.
- Avoid extensions asking for unnecessary permissions (for example, access to all sites if it’s not needed).
Such extensions are especially useful if you often shop on Aliexpress and want to simplify the process of finding the right products. Installing and using these tools is easy, and they can significantly reduce the time spent on searching, as well as increase the efficiency of your online shopping.
To find the programme you need, just enter the appropriate query in the search box, for example, “search by image Aliexpress” and choose the extension that appeals to you the most for one reason or another. On the page of each plugin you will find a photo, picture, video or text guide that describes how to use it.
Conclusion
If you’re on your phone, the fastest option is the AliExpress app: use the camera icon (live photo or gallery), or open a listing and tap the magnifying glass to find similar items.
On desktop, Google Images can help when AliExpress results are too broad. And if you do this regularly, a browser extension can make the process faster.
If images aren’t opening on AliExpress, the problem may be related to your internet connection or speed. Sometimes this can be due to browser settings or ad blockers, which may block certain elements of the page. It is also worth ensuring that you have the latest browser and operating system updates installed, as well as checking your security settings and malware protection. If the problem persists, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies or try using a different browser to access AliExpress.
First, try a different photo (brighter, sharper, and tightly cropped). If that doesn’t help, switch to another method from this guide (for example, Google Images on desktop or a browser extension).
Results depend on the photo. Clear images with a simple background usually work well. Blurry photos or pictures with lots of extra objects often return only “similar” items.
