Apps That Make a Difference: Seeing AI
Seeing AI is a free app designed to help blind and partially sighted people by describing people, objects, text and scenes. It works on both Android and Apple devices and is relatively easy to use.
Seeing AI uses your phone’s camera and built-in features to provide spoken information about the world around you.
Text recognition
The app can read printed and handwritten text aloud using your device’s camera.
Object and scene description
It can describe objects and scenes, and may also identify people and facial expressions.
Currency recognition
Seeing AI can identify different currency notes.
Barcode and QR code scanning
It can scan barcodes and QR codes, with audio guidance to help with positioning.
Image description
The app can describe images in other apps, such as your photo gallery, email or social media.
People recognition
You can save photos of people you know to help recognise them later.
Colour identification
Seeing AI can identify colours in your surroundings.
Light level detection
It can provide an audible tone that changes depending on the brightness of your surroundings.
“If I could only have one app on my phone, this would be the one.”
Roger Bonner, registered blind user
Need help getting started?
Our Digital Skills Support Service can help you download and use apps like Seeing AI on your phone or tablet. Support is available at local hubs and through one-to-one appointments.
You can contact your local sight loss charity to find out what digital skills support is available near you.