Readers like you help support Android Police. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.
Quick Links
- Magic Eraser
- Snapseed
- TouchRetouch
- Lightroom
- Cleanup.pictures
- Samsung Gallery
- Comparing all the tools
- Remove photobombers from your perfect image
Google always has a few software tricks up its sleeve when it launches its new Pixel smartphones, and we have to admit, some of them have been pretty darn good. 'Hold for Me' still ranks as numero uno for us. With Google jumping back into the flagship territory (and creating some serious competition for the best smartphones you can buy) with the Google Pixel 6 series, the company had to give the phone the same treatment. Google brought Magic Eraser to make the Pixel 6 series stand out from a saturated Android world.
ANDROIDPOLICE VIDEO OF THE DAY
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Magic Eraser wants to make photobombers a thing of the past. Did a random person walking behind you spoil the best shot? With Magic Eraser, Google automatically identifies people (sometimes objects) in the background and removes them with a single tap. When it can't identify a human or when you want to remove an object, you can doodle over the unwanted area, and Google tries its best to make it seem like it wasn't there.
The tool is exclusive to the Pixel 6 series and won't be available for any other phones anytime soon (although there is a lengthy workaround for Pixel users running Android 12). But that's not the end of the road because there are a few Magic Eraser alternatives that might work for you. Not all of them are free or as good as Magic Eraser, but they give you an idea of how the technology is more widely available than you may think and how close some of these alternatives are to matching Google's AI prowess.
Magic Eraser
Google's implementation is the most intuitive of all, and because it's built right into the Photos app means you won't have to mess around with downloading and updating another app. Unlike other tools in this list, Google's solution is the only one that automatically identifies people, making the process seamless (although it doesn't work every time).
We selected four images to give you an idea of how these alternatives work compared to Magic Eraser. These photos roughly represent the varying editing jobs you might want to do with a tool like that. We intend to remove the person standing in the first image, the chilies in the second, the hydrant in the third, and the dangling overhead wire in the last one.
4 Images
Let's check Google Photo Magic Eraser in action.
- Launch Google Photos and open the image you want to play around with.
- Tap Edit.
2 Images
- Go to the Tools tab and tap Magic Eraser to initiate the tool. (Video) Pixel Magic Eraser Alternatives! What are YOUR Favorite Photo Editing Apps?
- If Google can identify objects or people, you'll see them masked in a white layer.
- Tapping on the white layer makes the people or objects disappear.
- Alternatively, you can paint over the element you want to remove or circle it.
4 Images
Magic Eraser works best with humans, but as you can see in the third image, it did a good job of removing the fire hydrant and wire. However, Magic Eraser isn't smart enough to remove shadows; it missed out on the chili's shadow even when we painted over it. We can expect the tool to get better over time, but it certainly produces images worth sharing even the way it is now.
Snapseed
Also owned by Google, Snapseed is one of the most reliable photo-editing apps. The app has a Heal tool to remove unwanted objects from images. It's free to use and is also available for iOS devices. Follow the steps below to remove unwanted objects or people in Snapseed.
- Download and install Snapseed from the Google Play Store.
- Open Snapseed and tap the + button to load an image.
- Tap Tools.
2 Images
- Choose Healing from the menu and paint over the objects you want to remove.
4 Images
Snapseed is not as good at removing objects and people as it is at reproducing predictive patterns (see this, for instance). It doesn't use a sophisticated algorithm to artificially create a part of the image. Instead, it uses neighboring pixels to fill in the selected area. If that's what you need, Snapseed will work better, but on the whole, it's not as attractive as some other alternatives in the list below.
TouchRetouch
If you don't mind paying for an app that can help you remove unwanted elements, TouchRetouch is worth two bucks. It's a no-nonsense app and, as you'd expect from a paid app, doesn't push any annoying ads in your face.
Here's how to use TouchRetouch:
- Purchase the TouchRetouch app from Google Play Store and open it.
- Click the Albums icon and load your selected image.
- Tap Object Removal and highlight the parts you want to erase, then tap Go.
4 Images
As you can see in the images above, TouchRetouch does a really good job. Notice how well it removes the overhead wire in the fourth image without bothering the busy background. Unlike Magic Eraser, it also handles the chili shadow in the second image.
Lightroom
Lightroom Mobile also offers a Healing tool that can be used for similar purposes, but it's more of a professional tool than the others on our list. It gives you control over what you want to replace the highlighted part with, but the process can take several minutes. Lightroom for Android is only available as part of a broader subscription package that starts at $10/month USD.
Here's how to use Lightroom Mobile.
- Download the Lightroom app from the link below and open it.
- Select the images you want to import and edit using the FAB in the lower-right corner.
- Choose the Healing tool at the bottom and paint over the part of the object you want to remove.
2 Images
- You can then select which part of the image you would like to use to replace the deleted part.
- When you're happy with the result, tap the checkmark in the upper-right corner.
4 Images
.jpg "The best Magic Eraser alternatives if you don't have a Google Pixel 6 (27)")
Lightroom's results aren't that impressive, but that's because it takes a lot of time and patience to get better results. We only recommend using it if you're a paying subscriber and want complete control over the removal process.
Cleanup.pictures
Unlike other apps in this list, Cleanup.pictures is a web tool based on Samsung AI and is accessible across devices, including your computer or tablet. It's completely free to use and doesn't host ads on the website. This one's the best of all the tools mentioned so far, and the results below speak for themselves.
Here's how to use Cleanup.pictures:
- Head over to Cleanup.pictures and upload the image you want to alter.
- Change the brush size according to your needs and highlight the part you want to erase.
4 Images
This tool has been the most consistent so far in terms of performance. Notice how it filled in the wood pattern perfectly in the second image and removed the overhead wire in the fourth, making it seem like it wasn't there. It did very well with human subjects and did a great job of not leaving artifacts behind in the first image.
If you don't mind using a web tool, Cleanup.pictures should probably be your first choice, as it performs better than Magic Eraser in certain cases.
Samsung Gallery
If you own a recent Samsung flagship, you probably didn't know that your phone had a built-in object remover. Samsung didn't market it as much. The feature is available on some of the best Samsung phones released after 2020 running One UI 3.1 or later.
Here's how to use the object remover in Samsung Gallery:
- Open Gallery, and then select the photo you want to edit.
- Tap the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen, and then tap the three vertical dots.
- Open Labs, and then tap the switch next to the Object Eraser to enable the feature.
- You'll see an eraser icon in the editing suite.
- Highlight an object or section of your photo and then tap Erase to remove it.
4 Images
.jpg "The best Magic Eraser alternatives if you don't have a Google Pixel 6 (33)")
.jpg "The best Magic Eraser alternatives if you don't have a Google Pixel 6 (34)")
.jpg "The best Magic Eraser alternatives if you don't have a Google Pixel 6 (35)")
Samsung's object eraser tool removes objects cleanly and doesn't struggle with complex scenarios. Considering the pictures used for this test, it performs a better job than Magic Eraser. Samsung improved the function with the One UI 4.1 update (based on Android 12). Let's check it in action.
Object Eraser in One UI 4.1
First shipped with the Samsung Galaxy S22 series, the default Gallery app can now remove shadows and reflections. To keep this comparison fair, we decided to test whether the tool can remove shadows in images one and three.
In both cases, the tool failed to identify and remove the shadows successfully. It's also worth noting that you can't remove shadows after manually erasing something in an image.
This is not to say that the new features don't work, but that they might not work with all images you feed it. Here are a few samples that show the results it produces (the original photos are on the left and the edited photos are on the right).
2 Images
.jpg "The best Magic Eraser alternatives if you don't have a Google Pixel 6 (38)")
2 Images
2 Images
As you see in the results above, the tool comes in handy to brighten up dark photos, but it can make certain photos look unnatural. It can also remove reflections, but the results are also a hit-and-miss.
Comparing a set side-by-side is the easiest way to see which one does the best job. It looks like Magic Eraser does the best job over the entire scene, including the shadow, though a slight shimmering effect remains around the water. Cleanup.pictures also does well here, especially around the water, but leaves a larger shadow that suggests someone has just been erased.
5 Images
Remove photobombers from your perfect image
There's no doubt that Google has democratized a feature that was once accessible only to creative professionals and made it easy to use. However, you can turn to plenty of alternatives if you don't own a Pixel 6; some are even better at getting the job done. If you mostly use the front camera on your phone, read our dedicated post to up your selfie game.
FAQs
The best Magic Eraser alternatives if you don't have a Google Pixel 6? ›
Snapseed. Also owned by Google, Snapseed is one of the most reliable photo-editing apps. The app has a Heal tool to remove unwanted objects from images. It's free to use and is also available for iOS devices.
What if i don t have magic eraser pixel 6 pro? ›Magic eraser is avaialbe under the google photos. Go to the desired photo>Edit>Tools>Magic eraser. Hope this helps.
What can I use instead of magic eraser? ›Add 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of Borax and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of baking soda to a bowl. Add the water to the mixture and stir. Place a sponge in the bowl and allow it to soak up the solution. Squeeze out some of the excess and begin scrubbing.
How do you get the magic eraser on almost any Google Pixel phone? ›Open a photo in the Google Photos app and tap the "Edit" button. Select "Tools" and tap "Magic Eraser." You need a Google Pixel phone or a Google One subscription to use Magic Eraser.
Will other pixels get magic eraser? ›Now we're bringing Magic Eraser and other enhanced editing features to more people. Starting today, Google One members — on both Android and iOS — and all Pixel users will be able to enjoy Magic Eraser, a new HDR video effect and exclusive collage styles. Plus, Google One members will get free shipping on print orders.
Is Google Magic Eraser only on Pixel 6? ›Previously, Magic Eraser was only available to people with a Pixel 6, Pixel 6A or Pixel 7 phone, but Google announced via blog post that the feature is now available for all Google One subscribers, including iOS devices.
Is Magic Eraser only available on Pixel 6? ›The Magic Eraser tool in Google Photos is no longer a Pixel exclusive. You can get it on all Android phones and the iPhone with any Google One plan.
What is the same as Magic Eraser? ›Magic Erasers and melamine foam are the same thing, but cheaper.
Why not to use Magic Eraser? ›Magic Erasers are abrasive and shouldn't be used on wood or any high gloss surface, including countertops, because they can dull the finish. Use Magic Erasers with caution on painted surfaces.
Is there a Magic Eraser app for Android? ›Google's Magic Eraser tool is now accessible on eligible iPhone or Android phone. Google One membership users can now access the Magic Eraser feature. The tool was originally exclusive to only the Pixel 6 series and Pixel 7 phones.
Is Magic Eraser exclusive to Pixel? ›
Since its release, Magic Eraser has been exclusive to the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, but Google today is rolling out an update that gives the Pixel 5a and earlier models, other Android devices, and iPhones the ability to use the photo-editing feature, too.
Does iPhone have magic Eraser like Google Pixel? ›Google recently announced that Magic Eraser is finally coming to all Pixel smartphones and for any Google One (cloud storage service) subscriber, including those on iOS. Magic Eraser first made its appearance on the Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in 2021.
How to enable Pixel Magic Eraser on old Pixel Smartphones? ›Magic Eraser is available as an editing tool on Pixel phones as well as other Android and iOS devices. To use it on Pixels, open an image you want to edit in Google Photos, tap the edit button, and scroll to the Tools tab at the bottom. You'll find the Magic Eraser option right there.
Does any other phone have magic eraser? ›Magic Erase add-on has been limited to Tensor-powered Pixel devices only. The function is now available on older Pixel phones, iPhones, and non-Pixel Android phones. However, there is a catch. You need a Google One subscription to unlock Magic Eraser on non-Pixel Android phones and iPhones.
Will Google Photos get magic eraser? ›If you have a smartphone, you can easily remove any unwanted objects from your images without a fuss using a tool known as Magic Eraser, which is available in Google Photos on Android and iOS.
Is Magic Eraser no longer exclusive? ›Google has announced that the Magic Eraser feature, which tried to automatically remove unwanted parts of a picture and debuted with the Pixel 6, will no longer be exclusive to phones with its custom chips.
How do I Edit a picture in Google pixel 6? ›...
Adjust brightness or shadows (Pixel 4 & later)
- In the Photos app, go to the photo that you want to edit.
- Tap Edit Tools. Magic eraser.
- Tap a suggestion. You can also use the circle or brush to erase more distractions from the photo. ...
- To finish, tap Done.
- Upload your image using the form above.
- Adjust the tolerance and other settings in the tool options bar to control how the magic eraser tool erases.
- Click in the image to erase an area of color.
Snapseed
Snapseed from Google is one of the best photo editing apps available for Android smartphones. It's a photo editing suite that brings a wide range of tools for photo editing purposes. If you want to get the Magic Eraser type feature, use Snapseed's Heal tool.
The Bottom Line
However, if you want the most cleaning power from your eraser, we at Taste of Home have to recommend the original: the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Both the classic and kitchen versions of this product held up to the most wear and tear.
Is Easy eraser same as Magic Eraser? ›
Magic Erasers, Easy Erasing Pads and similar products all have the same key ingredient: melamine foam. Melamine foam erasers are formed differently from other cleaning products and only need water to effectively clean most stains -- no chemical cleaners or soaps required.
What is the secret ingredient in Magic Eraser? ›No wand-waving here: The “magic” of the eraser is simply melamine, a nitrogen-rich organic base that, in its solid state, is a powerful-yet-delicate abrasive. Melamine is a widespread chemical compound used in everything from dry erase boards to sound insulation on bullet trains to your grandparents' Formica table.
Why do magic erasers work so well? ›The combination of hard and soft structures within the “sponge” is what makes the magic. Melamine foam is harder than what makes up most stains, but it's softer than most of the surfaces those stains are on. This allows the Magic Eraser to remove stains without scratching the surface underneath or around the stain.
Do you wet a Magic Eraser? ›All you need to do to prep your Magic Eraser is simply get it wet. Give it a good squeeze to remove any excess water.
How do you get the magic Eraser in Pixel 6? ›Once you've selected a photo, tap on Edit at the bottom. Google may list Magic Eraser as one of the suggested tools, but if not, tap the Tools category and then Magic Eraser. The Pixel will take a moment to scan the image and highlight suggestions for you to erase.
Is there a free Eraser app? ›Can you erase something from a picture on iPhone or Android? YouCam Perfect is available for both iOS and Android, so you can use the app to remove objects on any mobile device. Download the app for FREE now to give it a try!
What app removes things from pictures? ›Snapseed: Free Tool for Object Removing
Snapseed is a popular photo editor. Although it is free, you will be pleasantly surprised by the features within the app. Use the Healing tool to quickly and accurately remove small objects from your photos, such as dust, spots, or blemishes in the portrait.
- remove.bg. 408 reviews. 54 alternatives. ...
- Trace by Sticker Mule. 114 reviews. 31 alternatives. ...
- ZapBG. 70 reviews. 35 alternatives. ...
- Image Upscaler. 23 reviews. 12 alternatives. ...
- BG App on iPhone. 25 reviews. 33 alternatives. ...
- Photoroom. 51 reviews. 24 alternatives. ...
- PhotoRoom. 71 reviews. ...
- Image Extractor. 7 reviews.
To check whether you have the feature yet, head to any photo in your Google Photos Library, tap Edit and look under Tools. If it's available for you, it'll say Magic Eraser with a Google One logo on the right-hand side. You may also find it appears at the beginning of the Suggestions menu in Google Photos.
Does Google have a free photo editor? ›Google Photos suggests edit options based on the type of photo you want to edit, that you can apply with one tap. To apply a suggested edit, tap the suggestion name. For example, tap Enhance .
How do I declutter my Google Photos? ›
- On your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app .
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- At the top right, tap your Profile picture or Initial.
- Tap Photos settings Back up. ...
- Under "Review and delete," select any category.
- Tap Select.
- Select the items you want to delete.
- Tap Move to trash .
Paste-based toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive that levels out the scratch, removing it or making it less noticeable. It's important, however, to proceed with caution: Use the wrong technique, and you could dull the finish or create more scratches, worsening the problem.
Are alcohol wipes good for cleaning phone screens? ›In general, phone and screen protector manufacturers will tell you to stay away from using alcohol and other disinfecting wipes. That's because, over time, these wipes can wear away the oleophobic (oil-repellent) coating, the thin glaze that makes your screen more fingerprint resistant and gives it that smooth feel.
Why don't i have Magic Eraser on Google Photos? ›To check whether you have the feature yet, head to any photo in your Google Photos Library, tap Edit and look under Tools. If it's available for you, it'll say Magic Eraser with a Google One logo on the right-hand side. You may also find it appears at the beginning of the Suggestions menu in Google Photos.
How do I add magic eraser to pixel 6 Pro? ›- Open Google Photos.
- Tap the photo you want to edit to open it.
- Magic Eraser may appear as one of the suggested editing tools, but if you don't see it, then tap Edit > Tools > Magic eraser.
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap Edit on the photo you want to change.
- Tap on tools, and select Magic Eraser.
- Either approve the suggested edit, or circle an object manually.
- Once complete, save the photo by tapping Done.
Magic Eraser is available as an editing tool on Pixel phones as well as other Android and iOS devices. To use it on Pixels, open an image you want to edit in Google Photos, tap the edit button, and scroll to the Tools tab at the bottom. You'll find the Magic Eraser option right there.
How do I remove an object from a picture in Pixel 6? ›- In Google Photos, look for a photo with an unwanted object or photobomber and tap to open it.
- Tap Edit at the bottom menu bar. ...
- Tap Magic Eraser. ...
- If the app automatically identifies what you'd like to remove, tap Erase all to remove highlighted objects.
Google's Magic Eraser tool is now accessible on eligible iPhone or Android phone. Google One membership users can now access the Magic Eraser feature. The tool was originally exclusive to only the Pixel 6 series and Pixel 7 phones.
How do I erase on Pixel 6? ›Once you've selected a photo, tap on Edit at the bottom. Google may list Magic Eraser as one of the suggested tools, but if not, tap the Tools category and then Magic Eraser. The Pixel will take a moment to scan the image and highlight suggestions for you to erase.
Why don t i have magic eraser on my Pixel 7? ›
2) If you don't have it still, go to Play Store, and uninstall the Google Photos app. Restart the device. Install the app again, and check if it shows now.
Does Pixel 7 have magic eraser? ›Since its release, Magic Eraser has been exclusive to the Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series, but Google today is rolling out an update that gives the Pixel 5a and earlier models, other Android devices, and iPhones the ability to use the photo-editing feature, too.
How do I edit a picture in Google pixel 6? ›...
Adjust brightness or shadows (Pixel 4 & later)
- In the Photos app, go to the photo that you want to edit.
- Tap Edit Tools. Magic eraser.
- Tap a suggestion. You can also use the circle or brush to erase more distractions from the photo. ...
- To finish, tap Done.
The Magic Eraser tool can be located in the editor's 'Suggestions' or 'Tools' tabs. You can undo removals at any time and revert the changes. The tool is available for Photos 6.25 and a Google One subscription, Samsung devices, iPhones (version 6.26), and iPads.
How do I get my magic eraser to work? ›To use a magic eraser, add water to the sponge, squeeze as much water out as you can, scrub the surface with light pressure, and watch the grime disappear. Magic erasers work extremely well as a wall cleaner.