Search by photo
Seen it somewhere? Find it on Shopi with a photo.
Saw shoes, a bag or a sofa you liked but don't know what it's called? Take a photo of it, or use a screenshot from WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram or Facebook. Shopi shows you similar items for sale on Shopi. It's free and works in any phone or computer browser, with no app or account needed.
How to search by photo
- 1
Tap the camera in the search bar
It sits at the end of the search box at the top of Shopi, on a phone and on a computer.
- 2
Take a photo or choose one
Your phone offers the camera or your gallery. A screenshot works too: crop it to the item first if you can.
- 3
Browse similar items and message the seller
Shopi reads the photo and lists items for sale that look similar. Open one to see the price and location, then chat with the seller on Shopi.
What you can find
Photo search works best on things you recognise by how they look, especially when you don't know the brand or the right words to type.
- Shoes and sneakers
- Bags and handbags
- Clothes and fashion
- Phones and accessories
- Sofas, tables and furniture
- Electronics and home appliances
Tips for better matches
- One item per photo. A crowded photo gives mixed results.
- Fill the frame with the item, in good light, on a plain background if you can.
- Crop screenshots to just the item, without captions or stickers.
- No luck? Try a second photo from another angle.
What happens to your photo
Your phone makes the photo smaller, then Shopi compares it with photos of items for sale, using an AI provider (Google) that processes it only on Shopi's behalf. That is all it's used for. Shopi doesn't save your photo, doesn't add it to your account and doesn't show it to sellers or other users. Read more in the privacy policy.
What photo search does not do
- It only searches items for sale on Shopi, not the web, other marketplaces or shops.
- It finds items that look similar. It can't promise the same brand, model or size, so check the details with the seller.
- It doesn't buy, pay or message anyone for you. Every deal is between you and the seller.
- There is a limit on how many photo searches you can run in a short time. If you reach it, wait a little and try again.
Photo search questions
How do I search for an item using a photo on Shopi?
Tap the camera in the search bar at the top of Shopi, then take a photo or choose one from your gallery. Shopi shows items for sale that look similar. Open one to see the price and location, and message the seller on Shopi.
Can I use a screenshot from WhatsApp, TikTok or Instagram?
Yes. Save the screenshot to your phone, tap the camera in Shopi's search bar and choose it. Cropping it to just the item gives better matches.
Is photo search free? Do I need an account?
It's free, and you don't need an account to search. You only sign in when you want to message a seller.
Does Shopi keep my photo?
No. Your photo is used only to find similar items for sale. Shopi doesn't save it, doesn't add it to your account and doesn't show it to sellers or other users.
Will it find the exact same item?
Sometimes. Photo search finds items that look similar, so you may see the same product or close alternatives. Check the brand, model, size and condition with the seller before you pay.
Which photos can I use?
JPG, PNG and WebP images up to 8 MB, including photos straight from your phone's camera. A clear photo of a single item works best.
What if there are no matches?
Nothing similar is for sale on Shopi right now. Try a clearer photo, search with words, or describe what you want to Shopi Agent.
Is Shopi photo search the same as Google Lens?
No. Google Lens searches the whole web. Shopi photo search looks only at items for sale on Shopi in Kenya, so every result is something you can message a seller about.
Prefer words? Describe what you want to Shopi Agent, browse listings by category, or see more answers on the Shopi FAQ.
Browse other categories on Shopi
Buy and sell in Kenya
A free local marketplace for finding items nearby, posting your own listings, and chatting directly.
Phones and electronics
New, used and refurbished phones, including Samsung, Tecno, Infinix and Oppo, plus laptops, phone accessories and electronics from sellers across Kenya.
Home appliances
New and second hand fridges, microwaves, electric kettles and cooking gas equipment from local sellers.
Car parts and spare parts
Search car parts and spare parts for Toyota, Nissan and other vehicles, and confirm fit and condition with sellers.
Home and local services
Find plumbers, electricians, water suppliers, car washes and other local providers across Kenya.
Land, plots and property
Land, plots, houses for sale and houses for rent, from Nairobi to Nyahururu and Nyandarua.
Cars for sale
Used cars with photos or video, make, model, year, mileage, price and direct buyer chat.
Beauty and cosmetics
Skincare, makeup, perfumes, wigs and hair products from local beauty sellers.
Selling on Shopi
How to post an item for free, what to include, and how buyers reach you.