A method for discovering an augmented reality (AR) object is provided that is applicable to the field of AR technologies. The method for discovering an AR object includes, when it is determined, according to a pre-generated navigation route and a movement speed of a terminal, that a vicinity of a preselected AR object is reached, determining a status of the terminal; when it is determined that the terminal is in a searching state, starting a camera and acquiring a picture; and when the acquired picture includes the AR object, notifying of the AR object.