While this metadata can be useful for photographers to determine a picture’s composition, it could also expose a lot more than you would want, including the location. Hence, it’s always better to erase this EXIF data from photos, especially when sharing them publically. In this article, let’s see how you can remove the location and other EXIF data from your photos. Read on.
Remove Location and Other EXIF Data from Your Photos
On Android
The EXIF data for any photo can easily be seen through the Google Photos app on Android. However, to delete the same, you will need a third-party tool like Photo Exif Editor. Install the app from the Google Play Store and follow the steps below. If you don’t want your phone to store geolocation for pictures that you click in the future, open the camera app, head to the Settings, and turn off the Location tag feature.
On Windows PC
Windows, thankfully, comes with a full-fledged built-in metadata editor that can be used to remove EXIF data from photos. To do the same, check the steps below.
On iOS (iPhone/ iPad)
iOS users can use the Photo & Video Metadata Remover app, available for free on Apple App Store, to erase EXIF data in pictures.
Simply download and open the app and select your photos. Then, tap on the Settings icon at the bottom-left corner, and hit Clear All Metadata. Alternatively, you can use other options like Metapho, ViewExif, Exify, and more to export images without metadata. To stop your iPhone from storing geolocation every time you click a picture, navigate to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, click on Camera, and select ‘Never.’
On macOS
Using Built-in Option
Just like Windows, you can use built-in tools on Mac to remove EXIF data for photos, as explained below.
Using ImageOptim
To erase whole EXIF data for images in bulk on macOS, you need an application called ImageOptim. Once downloaded, here’s how you can use it.
What is EXIF Metadata?
As noted, metadata is the extra information that a picture carries in the form of Exchangeable Image File Format. This EXIF is embedded in the picture and may contain:
Latitude and Longitude coordinates for the location where the picture was captured.The make and model of the camera or device used to click photo.The date and time when the photo was taken.Camera Settings used, including ISO, aperture, shutter speed, focal length, white balance, and lens type.Name and build of software used to edit the picture.
Now, a photographer may choose to strip EXIF metadata for multiple reasons, be it to hide the location of the photo, to protect his/her working techniques, or to save on loading time/ data by reducing the image size. Even if he doesn’t, this data won’t show up directly while looking at photos through a web browser. It is embedded in the physical file and needs specific tools to be able to read it. Generally, one can use the ‘Details’ or ‘Information’ option in the photo-viewing apps on their phones and computers to see this information.
Wrapping Up
So this was all about how you can remove GPS location and other EXIF data from your photos on Android, iOS, Windows as well as macOS. We’ve tried giving you the most feasible methods available, yet, if you’re using something else, or have something different to add, do let us know in the comments below. Also, feel free to reach us in case of any doubts or queries. Also, read- How to Add Shot on Watermark to Your Photos on Any Android Phone
