The Be My Eyes app connects blind or low-vision people to sighted volunteers or an AI-powered assistant for instant visual help. Whether it’s reading a menu, checking a product label, or understanding a document, it offers a fast, free, and respectful way to bridge the gap between what you hear and what you see.
- Fast help almost anywhere, any time
- Human empathy plus AI speed—choose what suits your task
- Works in 150+ countries, in 185+ languages
- Multi-platform: iOS, Android, Windows, smart glasses
- Privacy-minded: 30-day deletion, opt-out of training data
- Can’t handle safety-critical or sensitive ID tasks
- Camera framing and lighting skills help a lot—without them, calls can take longer
- Volunteer hours vary by location, though AI is available anytime
Be My Eyes App Review – Human Help and AI in Your Pocket
A Simple Idea That’s Changing Lives
Imagine needing to read the cooking instructions on a packet, or figure out which bottle is shampoo and which is conditioner. For many, that’s quick and easy. But if you’re blind or have low vision, it can be frustrating—sometimes even impossible—without help. That’s where Be My Eyes steps in.
It’s a free app that connects blind or low-vision users with sighted volunteers via live video calls. Or, if you’d rather, you can use Be My AI, a GPT-4-powered assistant that gives detailed descriptions of images instantly. It’s not just tech—it’s a human network, a safety net, and for many, a lifeline.
Launched in 2015 by Danish entrepreneur Hans Jørgen Wiberg, the app made headlines for its lightning-fast growth: 10,000 volunteers signed up in the first 24 hours. Today, volunteers far outnumber users—meaning help is usually just seconds away.
You should know Why controlling bladder is important and top apps to do that!
How It Works – Two Paths, Same Goal
- Human Help via Live Video
From your phone, you open the app, tap “Call a Volunteer,” and get connected—usually in about 15 seconds if you speak a common language. The volunteer sees through your camera and guides you in real time:
- Reading a food label
- Identifying colors
- Navigating a vending machine screen
- Reading office or classroom signage
- Organizing drawers or shelves
Calls often last under five minutes. When you’re done, you rate the helper, and that’s it. The app supports 185+ languages and works 24/7—though volunteers typically receive calls during 8 a.m.–9 p.m. in their time zone to reduce missed calls.
- Be My AI – Instant Visual Descriptions
Sometimes you don’t need a person—you just need an answer. With Be My AI, you snap a photo or screenshot, and the AI describes it in detail. Want the second paragraph only? Need just the temperature in a recipe? You can ask follow-up questions, and it will respond naturally.
The AI is especially handy for static content—documents, product boxes, screen layouts—when you want privacy or speed. In a Microsoft pilot, 90% of AI cases were solved without needing a human, often in under four minutes.
Platforms and Perks You Might Not Expect
Be My Eyes isn’t just for smartphones. There’s a Windows desktop app for reading screenshots or preparing for video calls. And in 2025, it started rolling out on Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in 18 countries—meaning you can just say “Call a Volunteer” and get help without touching your phone.
For iOS users, there are now Siri shortcuts like “Read with Be My Eyes,” and calls default to 1080p resolution so small text is clearer than ever. Auto-Read-Aloud is built in, even without a screen reader, and image descriptions automatically delete after 30 days unless you save them.
Safety and Privacy – Knowing the Boundaries
While the app is incredibly versatile, it’s not for everything. You should avoid using it for:
- IDs, credit cards, passwords
- Prescription medication verification
- Street-crossing or real-time traffic navigation
- Bathrooms or anything involving nudity
The reasoning is simple: live video has a delay, and sensitive personal data should stay private. For those, other assistive tech or human help is better.
The app also keeps you anonymous—volunteers don’t see your name unless you choose to share it. And you can opt out of AI data being used for training in the settings.
My Personal Take
I’ve seen plenty of assistive tech apps, but Be My Eyes stands out because it doesn’t just solve problems—it does it with kindness built in. The mix of human volunteers and AI means you’re never stuck waiting for help, and the fact that it’s free removes one more barrier. Sure, you’ll get more out of it if you’re comfortable framing shots or using your phone’s camera, but once you’ve made a few calls, it becomes second nature. It’s not perfect for every situation, but for those small visual moments that can stop your day in its tracks, it’s a quiet game-changer.
Check out top 5 pill reminder apps today!
Getting the Most Out of Be My Eyes
A few quick tips can make the experience smoother:
- Add a secondary language in settings—this can help connect you faster.
- Write down your task in one sentence before calling (e.g., “Find the ibuprofen in the top drawer”).
- Stabilize your phone or use a lanyard; good lighting helps enormously.
- Break long tasks into smaller calls to keep volunteers focused.
- Use Be My AI for non-sensitive items first—it’s faster, and you can always escalate to a volunteer.
Who It’s For—and Who It’s Not For
Be My Eyes is perfect for daily living tasks—at home, on campus, at work, or while traveling. It’s for people who value independence but want quick backup when something’s visually inaccessible.
It’s not recommended for anything involving legal, medical, or high-risk safety decisions. Those still need a person you trust in the same space.
Bottom Line
Be My Eyes is more than an app—it’s a bridge between independence and the occasional need for help. In 2025, with sharper video, built-in read-aloud, smart glasses integration, and thoughtful privacy features, it’s faster, clearer, and safer than ever.
If you or someone you care about is blind or has low vision, don’t wait for the next “I wish I could see this” moment. Download Be My Eyes today, set it up in under five minutes, and know that help—human or AI—is always in your pocket. Independence is priceless, but having a trusted backup ready at any moment? That’s freedom with peace of mind.
FAQs
- Is Be My Eyes really free?
Yes. It’s funded by business services and partners, not users. - How quickly will someone answer?
For popular languages, often in about 15 seconds. - What’s new in 2025?
Higher-resolution calls, Auto-Read-Aloud, smarter shortcuts, and 30-day auto-delete for AI outputs. - Can I use it on a computer?
Yes—Windows is supported for image and screenshot descriptions. - Does it work with smart glasses?
Yes, Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses now support volunteer calls and detailed descriptions. - When should I avoid using it?
IDs, passwords, prescriptions, street-crossing, and private spaces.
User Reviews
