1. Run it through a free AI detector
Start with the tool above. It reads hidden AI labels in the file and runs several AI detectors on the pixels. If it says “confirmed”, you are done. If the confidence is low, keep going down this list.
2. Zoom in on hands, teeth and ears
AI has improved a lot, but extra or fused fingers, too many teeth, and mismatched earrings still slip through — especially in group photos and busy scenes.
3. Read every bit of text
Signs, labels, book spines, licence plates and jersey numbers often turn into gibberish or almost-letters. ChatGPT and Gemini are better at headlines but still mangle small background text.
4. Check light and shadows
Are shadows pointing the same way? Do reflections in windows, glasses and eyes match the scene? AI images often have flattering “studio” light where none would exist.
5. Look for melted backgrounds
Railings that fade into walls, repeated faces in a crowd, impossible architecture and objects that blend into each other are classic AI artifacts.
6. Skin that is too perfect
Poreless, glossy skin and “plastic” hair are common in AI portraits — but phone beauty filters do the same, so treat this as a hint, not proof.
7. Check the file’s metadata
Original files from ChatGPT, Gemini, Firefly and others contain labels saying they are AI-generated. Our detector reads these automatically. Real camera photos usually contain camera make, model and exposure settings.
8. Do a reverse image search
Use Google Lens, Bing Visual Search or TinEye. Real news photos usually trace back to a photographer or agency. AI images often appear first on social accounts with no clear source.
9. Look for a watermark
Some tools add visible marks — a small sparkle icon (Gemini), a Sora logo, or a colour bar (older DALL·E). People often crop them out, so check the corners for odd cropping.
10. Ask: does the story make sense?
If an image is shocking, perfectly timed and only shared by anonymous accounts, be sceptical. Check trusted news sources before you share it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to check if an image is AI?
Upload it to a free AI image detector like the one on this page. It takes a few seconds and checks both the file’s labels and the pixels.
Can AI images be detected 100% of the time?
No. Labels can be stripped and new generators keep improving. Combining a detector with the visual checks above gives you the best chance.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes — it is built phone-first. Tap “Upload”, pick a photo or video from your gallery (or take one), and you get the answer on the same screen. You can also paste a screenshot, an image link, or a link to a post. Then share the result straight to WhatsApp, Messages, X, Facebook or anywhere else.