Apps that make a difference: Be My Eyes app
Be My Eyes is a free app that connects blind and partially sighted people with sighted volunteers through a live video call. By using your phone’s camera, a volunteer can describe what they can see and help with everyday visual tasks.
The app also includes artificial intelligence image description and other features that give you different ways to get visual information when you need it.
This page explains what Be My Eyes does, how people often use it, and where it can be helpful as part of wider support.
What is Be My Eyes?
Be My Eyes works by connecting you to a sighted volunteer when you press the call button in the app. The volunteer uses the video feed from your phone’s camera to describe what is in front of you. Calls are usually answered within a short time, often under a minute, depending on availability.
The app is free to download and use and is available on both Android and iOS devices. It is designed to be accessible, with simple controls and spoken prompts to guide you through what is happening during a call.
Key features
Volunteer calls
Open the app and press the call button to connect with a volunteer. You can use your phone’s rear camera to show your surroundings or items you want help with, such as reading labels, checking expiry dates, confirming colours, or identifying objects.
Because you are speaking to a real person, you can ask follow up questions and clarify things in a natural way, which many people find reassuring.
Be My AI
This feature allows you to take a photo and receive an instant, detailed description generated using artificial intelligence. You can also ask follow up questions about the image. Some people find this helpful when they want information straight away without making a live call.
Specialised help
Be My Eyes includes a service directory that connects users with participating companies for specialist support. This can include technical help with products such as Microsoft software.
Groups
You can create a group of trusted friends, family members or colleagues and call them directly through the app. Some people prefer this option for more personal or sensitive tasks rather than connecting to a volunteer they do not know.
How people use Be My Eyes
People often use Be My Eyes for quick, everyday tasks where a human description or image explanation is helpful. For example, one person told us they use it to:
- check the colour of clothing
- read sell by dates on food
- confirm whether a light is on or off
- look at something on a computer screen
- identify an object or sign when out and about
Some people describe it as having “eyes at the end of the phone” for those moments when a quick visual check makes life easier.
Getting started
Download and register
Install the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. When setting up your account, choose “Blind or Low Vision” and select your preferred language.
Permissions
The app will ask to access your camera, microphone and notifications. These are needed for the app to function properly.
Tips for using the app
Keep your phone steady and try to position the camera clearly towards what you want the volunteer to see. Good lighting can help, and volunteers can ask you to turn on your phone’s torch if needed. A stable internet connection will improve call quality.
Using Be My Eyes with smart glasses
Using a smartphone app usually requires at least one hand to hold and position the device. Be My Eyes now works with certain smart glasses, including Meta AI glasses, allowing hands free access to volunteer support.
You can use a voice command to call a volunteer, who will see through the camera built into the glasses and provide spoken feedback through the open ear speakers.
It is also possible to switch between your glasses and your smartphone camera during a call. For example, you might begin hands free and then use your phone camera to show fine print more clearly.
Things to be aware of
Be My Eyes connects you to volunteers, not trained professionals. Volunteers are usually friendly and helpful, but availability can vary.
It is best used for everyday, non urgent tasks. It should not be used for emergencies, safety critical situations, or anything involving highly sensitive personal information.
Using the app requires some ability to position your phone or wear compatible glasses, so it may not be suitable or comfortable for everyone.
How Be My Eyes fits with other tools
Be My Eyes is one of several tools that can help with reading, identifying objects or understanding what is around you.
Some people prefer apps that work automatically using artificial intelligence. Others value the human interaction that Be My Eyes offers. Many people use a combination of tools, depending on the situation.
There is no right or wrong choice. It is about finding what works best for you.
Getting support
Our Digital Skills Support Service can help you download and use apps like Be My Eyes on your phone or tablet. They will also advise and assist on how to purchase and use Smart glasses. Support is available at local hubs and through one-to-one appointments.
If you would like to talk about how technology might help in daily life, please contact us to make an appointment with your local Digital Skills Advisor.