How to Remove EXIF Data From Photos (GPS, Camera Info, Timestamps)
When you take a photo with your phone, you're not just capturing an image. Embedded in that file is a packet of metadata called EXIF data — and it can reveal far more about you than the image itself.
What EXIF Data Contains
EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is a standard for storing metadata in image files. Your phone or camera automatically embeds this information in every photo you take.
GPS Coordinates — Precise latitude and longitude where the photo was taken. If you photograph something at home with location services enabled, the EXIF data contains your home address — accurate enough to identify the specific building.
Camera & Device Info — Make, model, and sometimes serial number of your camera or phone. Lens model, focal length, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and flash status. This can identify your specific device.
Timestamps — Exact date and time the photo was taken, plus the timezone. This reveals when you were at the GPS location — creating a precise record of your movements.
Software & Editing History — Which software was used to edit the photo, and sometimes a thumbnail of the original image before cropping. People have been identified from pre-crop thumbnails embedded in supposedly anonymized photos.
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Remove Metadata Now →Which Platforms Strip EXIF Data?
Most major social media platforms remove EXIF data from photos before displaying them to other users. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn all strip EXIF from publicly visible images. However, this comes with important caveats.
First, the platforms themselves retain and use the metadata. Facebook has confirmed that it uses EXIF data for content organization and analysis. The metadata is stripped from what other users see — not from what the platform collects about you.
Second, not all platforms strip EXIF. Flickr preserves EXIF data by default (it's a feature for photographers). Many forums, messaging apps, and cloud storage services also preserve metadata. If you email a photo or share it via a direct file link, the EXIF data is included.
Third, even platforms that strip EXIF may not strip all metadata. Some preserve ICC color profiles or XMP data that could contain identifying information.
The safest approach: strip EXIF data yourself before sharing, regardless of the platform.
How to Remove EXIF Data
Method 1: Our Free Online Tool (No Upload Required)
Our metadata remover runs entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your photos are processed locally — nothing is uploaded to any server. Drop your image in, download the clean version. This is the fastest and most private method.
Method 2: Built-In OS Tools
On Windows, right-click the image → Properties → Details → "Remove Properties and Personal Information." On macOS, the Preview app doesn't offer EXIF removal natively, but you can use the command-line tool exiftool (install via Homebrew: brew install exiftool) and run exiftool -all= photo.jpg.
Method 3: Disable Location Tagging
Prevent GPS data from being embedded in the first place. On iPhone: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Camera → Never. On Android: Open Camera → Settings → toggle off Location Tags. This stops GPS embedding but doesn't remove other metadata like camera info and timestamps.
When EXIF Removal Matters Most
Selling items online (marketplace photos can reveal your home location), sharing photos with people you don't fully trust, posting photos of your children or home, whistleblowing or activist documentation, sharing images on forums or websites that don't strip metadata, and emailing photos to anyone.
Even if you think a photo doesn't reveal anything sensitive, the combination of timestamp + GPS coordinates creates a map of your movements over time. Ten innocent photos can establish your daily routine, workplace, and home address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EXIF data in photos?
EXIF (Exchangeable Image File Format) is metadata embedded in photos by your camera or phone. It can include GPS coordinates, camera make and model, lens information, date and time, shutter speed, ISO, and sometimes a unique camera serial number.
Do social media platforms strip EXIF data?
Most major platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) strip EXIF from publicly visible uploads. However, the platforms retain and use the metadata themselves. Flickr, forums, and many messaging apps may not strip EXIF at all.
Can EXIF data reveal my home address?
Yes. If you take photos at home with location services enabled, EXIF data contains precise GPS coordinates that can pinpoint your exact address. This is one of the most serious EXIF privacy risks.
How do I remove EXIF data without losing image quality?
EXIF is stored separately from image pixels. Removing it has zero effect on image quality. Our free metadata remover processes photos entirely in your browser with no quality loss.
Does screenshotting remove EXIF data?
Yes — a screenshot doesn't inherit original EXIF. But it creates new metadata from your device and loses image quality. A dedicated metadata removal tool is better.