Pixel 6 Magic Eraser Alternatives: Top 5 Apps

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

The Pixel 6’s Magic Eraser is a standout feature for removing unwanted objects from photos, but it’s only available on Pixel devices. If you’re looking for a Magic Eraser alternative, you have several strong options, including Google Photos’ Magic Eraser for all users, Samsung’s Object Eraser, and third-party apps like Snapseed and TouchRetouch. This guide explains how each works and helps you choose the best one for your needs.

What Makes Magic Eraser Special?

Magic Eraser, introduced with the Pixel 6 in 2021, uses on-device machine learning to automatically detect and remove unwanted objects or people from a photo. You tap or circle an object, and the algorithm fills the area with a plausible background based on surrounding pixels. It’s particularly good at removing photobombers, power lines, and trash from otherwise perfect shots. The feature is integrated into Google Photos, which means it works on any photo stored there, not just those taken with the Pixel camera.

Top Alternatives to Magic Eraser

Here are the most effective alternatives, ranging from free built-in tools to dedicated apps:

Google Photos (Magic Eraser for all users): Since 2023, Google has made Magic Eraser available to all Google Photos users, not just Pixel owners. It works on both Android and iOS, and it’s free. You’ll find it under Tools > Magic Eraser when editing a photo.
Samsung Object Eraser: Available on Samsung Galaxy devices (starting with the S21 series), this tool works similarly. It’s found in the Gallery app’s photo editor under ‘Object Eraser’. It’s not as automatic as Magic Eraser, but it does a good job on simple backgrounds.
Snapseed (Healing tool): This free app from Google (available for Android and iOS) has a ‘Healing’ tool that lets you brush over objects to remove them. It’s less automatic but gives you more control, and it’s excellent for small blemishes or wires.
TouchRetouch: A paid app (around $2) available on both platforms. It specializes in removing objects, people, and even blemishes. It offers several tools like ‘Object Removal’ and ‘Quick Repair’ that are very effective, especially for larger objects.
Adobe Photoshop Express (Heal tool): The free version includes a ‘Heal’ tool that works similarly to Snapseed’s. It’s a good option if you already use Adobe’s ecosystem.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Your choice depends on your device and how often you’ll use the feature:

If you have any Android or iOS device: Start with Google Photos’ Magic Eraser. It’s free, works well, and you likely already have the app.
If you have a Samsung phone: Try Object Eraser first—it’s built-in and requires no extra downloads.
If you need more control or work with complex backgrounds: Use TouchRetouch or Snapseed. They offer manual healing that can handle edges better than automatic tools.
If you edit on a desktop: Use GIMP (free) or Photoshop (paid) with the ‘Content-Aware Fill’ or ‘Healing Brush’ tools, which are the original desktop equivalents.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Object removal isn’t perfect. Here are common issues and tips:

Blurry or smudged results: This happens when the background is complex (like grass or patterned fabric). Try using the manual healing tool (Snapseed or TouchRetouch) with a smaller brush and work in stages.
Object not fully removed: Sometimes the algorithm misses edges. Zoom in and use the healing brush to clean up leftover artifacts.
App crashes or is slow: Large photos (e.g., 48MP) can be heavy. Try editing a downscaled version, or use a dedicated app like TouchRetouch that’s optimized for this task.
Magic Eraser not available in your region: Google has rolled it out widely, but if you can’t see it, update Google Photos and check your device’s compatibility.

Comparison: Magic Eraser vs. Alternatives

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Ease of use: Magic Eraser (and Google Photos) is the easiest—just tap. Samsung’s Object Eraser is also simple. Snapseed and TouchRetouch require a bit more skill.
Effectiveness on complex backgrounds: TouchRetouch and desktop tools (Photoshop) generally handle complex textures better. Magic Eraser can struggle with busy patterns.
Price: Google Photos and Snapseed are free. Samsung’s Object Eraser is free on supported devices. TouchRetouch costs a small fee. Photoshop is subscription-based.
Availability: Google Photos works everywhere. Samsung’s is limited to Samsung devices. Snapseed and TouchRetouch are available on both Android and iOS.

Costs and Safety Considerations

Most of these tools are free or low-cost. TouchRetouch is a one-time purchase, and Photoshop requires a subscription. When using any photo-editing app, be aware of privacy: read the app’s permissions and avoid uploading sensitive photos to unknown services. The apps mentioned here (Google, Samsung, Snapseed, TouchRetouch) process images locally on your device for the most part, which is safer than cloud-based editors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Magic Eraser free on non-Pixel phones?

Yes, Google has made Magic Eraser available to all Google Photos users for free. You need to update the app and have a compatible device (most Android and iOS devices). It’s under the ‘Tools’ section when editing a photo.

Does Samsung’s Object Eraser work as well as Magic Eraser?

It works similarly, but results vary. It’s very good on simple backgrounds and for removing small objects. It may not be as automatic as Magic Eraser, but you can manually select areas. For most users, it’s a solid built-in alternative.

Can I use Magic Eraser on a PC?

No, Magic Eraser is only available in the Google Photos mobile app. On a PC, you can use free desktop tools like GIMP (with the ‘Heal’ tool) or online editors like Photopea (which has a content-aware fill).

What’s the best free alternative for iOS?

Google Photos (with Magic Eraser) and Snapseed are both free and work well on iOS. Snapseed’s Healing tool is manual but effective. If you want an automatic one-tap solution, use Google Photos.

Why does my result look blurry?

Blurriness usually happens when the background is textured or when the object is large. Try using a smaller brush in manual healing apps, or edit a higher-resolution version of the photo. Also, ensure you’re not over-smoothing the area.

Can I remove people from a photo completely?

Yes, but it’s easier if the person is standing away from complex backgrounds. For best results, use a tool with manual healing (like TouchRetouch) to clean up edges after automatic removal.

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