How to check if a photo has location data

Before you share a photo, it's worth knowing what it gives away. Here's how to check on every major device.

The fastest way: any device

Drop the photo onto PhotoSoap. It lists what it finds — GPS coordinates, camera model, serial number, date taken — and gives you a clean copy. Nothing is uploaded; the file is read inside your browser.

Check a photo now → Works on phone and computer.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open the photo in Photos.
2. Swipe up, or tap ⓘ.
3. If you see a map, the photo has a location. The panel also shows the date, time and camera.

Android (Google Photos)

1. Open the photo and swipe up, or tap the ⋮ menu and choose Details.
2. Look for a map or a place name. Google Photos may also estimate a location from your location history, which is shown in your library but isn't stored in the file.

Windows

1. Right-click the file and choose Properties.
2. Open the Details tab and scroll to GPS. If there's a latitude and longitude, the photo has a location.
3. The same window has a Remove Properties and Personal Information link, which can remove some (but not all) fields.

Mac

1. Open the photo in Preview.
2. Choose Tools → Show Inspector (⌘I).
3. Open the ⓘ tab. If there's a GPS section, the photo has a location.

Found location data? Here's what to do

Remove it before you share: PhotoSoap removes all of it at once, or see how to remove location on iPhone. If you're posting to social media, check which apps remove it for you — many messaging apps don't.