If you shop online often, the image search It has become a powerful ally for locating the exact item or a very similar one without racking your brain with keywords. This feature is integrated into AliExpress, and there are also external tools that greatly expand the possibilities.
In the following lines I explain to you, in detail and without beating around the bush, How to find products on AliExpress using a photo: from your mobile phone and computer, with the official app, from Google Images, with browser extensions, and even with web services that search multiple marketplaces at once. You'll also learn about the advantages, limitations, tips for nailing down results, and answers to common questions.
What is image search on AliExpress and why is it worth it?
The idea is simple: you upload a photo (or point with your mobile camera) and the system returns visually similar results. In a marketplace with millions of listings, this feature saves time and reveals variations in price, color, or seller that you might not see with text. It's built into the AliExpress app and can be used from desktop and mobile.
In addition, there are external services such as SearchByImage.com that allow you to search by image in AliExpress and, by the way, in other big ones like Amazon y eBayThese types of tools are perfect when you want to compare availability or prices of the same item on different sites.
When to use image search
- You want the same productYou've seen an item on the street, at a friend's house, or online, but you don't know its name or where it's sold. With the photo, AliExpress will show you matches or very similar alternatives.
- Unknown brand or logo: If you have an image with an emblem or symbol and you are missing the words, upload the logo and you will get it. related listings with that brand.
- Find the economical version: You're looking for a specific design but don't want to pay for the original. Image search locates copies or similar proposals at more reasonable prices (but be careful when choosing quality).
- Quickly compare prices: : a photo of the product and the system will show you multiple sellers with different rates, shipping, and reviews so you can get the best deal.
Advantages and limitations of this method
Best
To find the right article, a simple search is often enough. simple photo (even of modest quality). It doesn't require any technical knowledge: it works in the app and also on your PC. In practice, it makes purchasing much faster, especially if the product name is unusual or there are many variants with confusing descriptions.
Another strong point is that you can compare sellers, qualities and shipping times at a glance, allowing you to optimize the final price and avoid unpleasant surprises with inflated products or cloned listings.
What you should keep in mind
Like any visual algorithm, the match isn't always pinpoint accurate. Sometimes you'll see results that look similar but aren't identical, especially if the photo contains distracting elements (complex backgrounds, multiple objects, odd angles) or if they are categories with great aesthetic variety (fashion, decoration).
If the first attempt doesn't convince you, try another image (more cropped or from a different angle), change small parameters or combine it with text. some occasions, using an alternative method (Google Images or a specific extension) improves accuracy.
Methods from mobile (AliExpress app)
The official app includes a camera button in the search bar. You can use it to take a photo on the fly or choose an image from your gallery and the platform returns matches to you.
Instant search without saving photo
If you have the product in front of you, point the camera and press the center button. The system captures the visual reference, processes the image and displays the results, without the photo is stored on your phone.
Search with a photo from the gallery
When you already have an image (for example, a screenshot from social media or a photo a friend sent you), tap “Gallery” and select the file. The app will analyze the photo and list the items that most closely resemble it.
Find the same item from a tab
If you have found a product but prefer to buy it from another seller, you can launch an image search from the item's own listing to see other equivalent offers.
- Open the product image in full screen to see it in detail and for the app to better capture the visual features.
- Click the magnifying glass icon in the top left corner; it will automatically activate image search.
- Explore the alternatives and choose the seller that suits you. price, shipping and reputation.
Methods from the computer
Using the AliExpress search engine on the web
In the desktop version, within the search engine AliExpress you will see one camera next to the magnifying glass (or by expanding the expanded search). Clicking it opens a box that allows you to drag and drop an image or upload it from your computer.
Drag the product photo or select it from the file browser. In seconds, the platform will display listings with the same image or very similarIt's a very straightforward and useful process when browsing from your PC.
Google Images as support
For a time it was common to specify results on a domain with site:aliexpress, but Google's interface changes have complicated this fine-grained filtering. It's still useful, though:
- Go to Google and access the image search by clicking on the icon. camera.
- Upload your photo (by dragging, pasting from the clipboard, or using a URL) so Google can find visual matches on the web.
- Type “aliexpress” in the search box to prioritize results. marketplace among the coincidences.
Browser extensions: search on the fly
There are free add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge that add a contextual button to search by image on AliExpress without leaving the page you're currently on. Among them, the "AliExpress Image Search" extension stands out. AliPrice, very popular for its simplicity and speed.
Installing it is as simple as going to your browser's store (Chrome Web Store, Mozilla Add-ons or Edge Add-ons), clicking "Add" and, once in the browser bar, using its icon when you see a product that interests you. It analyzes the image and returns similar listings to compare prices, shipping, and variants with one click.
These extension stores apply a process of moderation and review This provides an extra layer of security for what you install. In addition to AliPrice, there are other add-ons that integrate comparisons and photo search shortcuts; just search "AliExpress image search" and choose the one that best fits your needs based on features and reviews.
If you are concerned about the reliability of sellers or discounts, you can rely on utilities such as AliHelper, designed to evaluate stores, detect price drops, and generally make informed purchases (very useful if you're looking for the affordable version of a specific design).
You can also search other marketplaces
Web tools such as SearchByImage.com make it easy to upload a photo and check matches not only on AliExpress, but also on Amazon and eBayThis is especially useful if you're unsure between platforms or want to compare delivery times and return policies.
Another practical alternative is to use multi-price search engines that extend the search to popular stores such as Amazon, Miravia or MediaMarktCombining them with image search helps uncover options that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Practical tips for fine-tuning results
- Crop the image: Remove backgrounds and other objects. The more isolated the product is, the less it confuses the algorithms.
- Look for clear angles: Sharp front or side photos usually work better than awkward perspectives.
- Avoid texts and watermarks that can be distracting; if they appear, try covering them up or cutting them out.
- Clothes and shoes: Try to make the garment occupy most of the frame, without models or decorations that take away the prominence.
- Comparing is keyIf you see the same design for less, check out real buyer photos and reviews to avoid poor quality.
- Pay attention to the logos: Sometimes the system detects the same item without the original emblem. AliExpress is strict with replicas, so prioritize official sellers or verified offers.
- Choose fast shippingFilter by expedited logistics if you're in a hurry; it often improves the shopping experience.
- If you already know the name, combines the image with a text search (specific model, reference or specifications).
Specific tricks from desktop and mobile
On your PC, use the AliExpress camera search box to drag and drop images. This is ideal when you have the file on your computer and you want results in seconds.
With mobile, the flow is even more direct: the camera button opens the capture function, and you can also launch the search from the gallery if you already had the photo saved (for example, a screenshot from Instagram or TikTok).
A very useful extra within AliExpress is to search from the product page itself: you enlarge the image to full screen, press the integrated magnifying glass and you compare the same item in alternative stores on the marketplace.
FAQs
What to do if photo search doesn't work?
Start by cropping the image to center the main object and remove the background or extra elements. If you still don't see what you're looking for, try another photo (better focus or more frontal), switch to the mobile/desktop version, or use Google Images and a browser extension. It also helps to type a generic term alongside your visual search (e.g., "aliexpress + category" in Google) and check your connection or close and reopen the app if you notice any issues.
How accurate are the results on AliExpress?
It depends on the quality and type of product. With objects with defined shapes (gadgets, accessories, shoes (well framed) the match is usually high. In fashion with complex prints, the variety is greater, and you'll see similar, but not always identical, options. If you need more accuracy, try two or three photos from different angles or crop to isolate the detail that defines the product.
Languages ​​and availability on the platform
AliExpress and its related tools operate in a huge range of languages, facilitating global use. These include German, English (multiple regions), Filipino, Indonesian, Swahili, Malay, Dutch, Vietnamese, Turkish, Catalan, Danish, Estonian, Spanish (including Latin American variant), French, Croatian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Hungarian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil), Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish, Swedish, Czech, Greek, Bulgarian, Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Hebrew, Arabic, Persian, Marathi, Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Thai, Amharic, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, KoreanThis diversity makes image search convenient for users around the world.
Featured Extension: AliExpress Image Search (AliPrice)
If you browse from Chrome, adding the AliPrice extension saves you time: it integrates into the browser bar and analyzes the product image to display marketplace matches. It's very useful for comparing sellers, viewing variants, differentiating between qualities, and spotting bargains without switching back and forth between tabs.
To install it, go to your browser's add-ons store, search for the extension name, and click "Add." The process is quick, and since it's published on a official store, passes safety and performance checks. In the listings, you'll see screenshots, videos, and guides that explain how to get the most out of it.
Practical experience note
Much of this advice is based on the experience of a marketing professional with more than 10 years Buying and analyzing AliExpress: more than 350 orders since 2015 and 23 disputes won with sellers, in addition to constant monitoring of changes to the platform and tricks to get discounts. This real experience helps separate what works from what is nonsense, and prioritize shortcuts that truly save time and money.
Today, in the middle of 2025, image search is not only still relevant: it's more useful than ever. The combination of the app's native function, Google Images, specialized extensions like AliPrice, and external services like SearchByImage.com allows you to locate the same or equivalent product, compare sellers, and check the final price without wasting hours filtering results. With well-cropped photos, a keen eye for selecting reliable offers, and the right shortcuts, it's easy to turn a simple search into a powerful one. image in a smart purchase.