How to Check If Your Photos Have Hidden Metadata
Before sharing any photo, it's worth checking what hidden data it contains. Here's how to check for GPS coordinates, device information, and other metadata on any device.
Most people share photos without ever checking what hidden information is embedded in them. A quick metadata check before sharing takes under a minute and can reveal GPS coordinates, device serial numbers, and other data you may not want to pass on to recipients or strangers online.
Here is how to check photo metadata on any device.
The Fastest Way: ExifVoid
The quickest way to see every piece of metadata in a photo, on any device, is to use ExifVoid.
- Go to exifvoid.com in any browser (works on phone, tablet, and desktop)
- Drag the photo into the upload area, or tap to browse and select it
- ExifVoid scans the file and displays:
- - A risk score showing how much identifying information is present
- - An interactive map if GPS coordinates are found
- - Expandable category cards for GPS data, device information, timestamps, camera settings, and software information
- - All raw metadata values for every field found in the file
This works for JPEG, PNG, WebP, and HEIC files. No account required, no server upload — everything happens in your browser.
How to Check Metadata on iPhone
Using the Photos app: 1. Open the photo in Photos 2. Swipe up on the image 3. A map appears at the bottom if location data is present, along with the date and time
This gives you a quick view of GPS and timestamp data. It does not show device serial numbers, camera settings, or XMP data.
For a complete view: Use ExifVoid in Safari.
How to Check Metadata on Android
Using Google Photos: 1. Open the photo in Google Photos 1. Tap the three-dot menu → Details 2. Location, date, device, and some camera settings are shown
For a complete view: Use ExifVoid in Chrome.
How to Check Metadata on Windows
Using Windows Explorer: 1. Right-click the photo file 2. Select Properties 3. Click the Details tab 4. Scroll through the list — you will see GPS latitude, GPS longitude, date taken, camera make and model, and camera settings
This covers most EXIF fields. It does not show XMP data (edit history, copyright, creator name from Lightroom).
For a complete view: Use ExifVoid in any browser.
How to Check Metadata on Mac
Using Preview: 1. Open the photo in Preview 2. Go to Tools → Show Inspector (Cmd+I) 3. Click the GPS tab to see location data 4. Click the EXIF tab for camera and device information
Using the Photos app: 1. Select the photo 2. Go to Image → Show Location to see GPS data
For a complete view: Use ExifVoid in Safari.
What to Look for When Checking Metadata
GPS Latitude and Longitude — the most sensitive fields. If these are present, the photo records where it was taken. Paste the coordinates into Google Maps to see the location.
GPS Altitude — less commonly used for tracking, but confirms GPS data was recorded.
Make and Model — identifies your phone or camera manufacturer and model. Not directly identifying, but narrows down who you are.
Camera Serial Number — a unique identifier for your device. Can link photos across different accounts or contexts.
Date/Time Original — the exact moment the photo was taken. Can contradict stated alibis or confirm presence at a location.
Software — if the photo was edited in Lightroom, Photoshop, or another tool, this field identifies the software and sometimes the version.
Creator / Copyright — if you have configured editing software with your name, these fields embed your identity in the file.
What to Do If Metadata Is Present
If you find GPS coordinates or other data you do not want to share, remove all metadata before sending or uploading. ExifVoid strips all EXIF, XMP, IPTC, and GPS data in about 15 seconds. The cleaned version is visually identical to the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check metadata on a photo I received from someone else?
Yes. Download the photo file and drag it into ExifVoid. You will see all metadata embedded by the sender's device. This is useful for verifying whether photos sent to you carry location data.
Does a photo need to be on my device to check its metadata?
If you can download the original file, you can check its metadata. Photos displayed on websites are often already stripped by the platform. Right-clicking an image and choosing "Save image as" gives you the hosted version, which may differ from the original. For the most accurate check, use the original file before uploading anywhere.
Is it safe to use a website to check my photos' metadata?
ExifVoid processes everything in your browser — the photo file never leaves your device and is not uploaded to any server. You can disconnect from the internet after the page loads and it still works.
Check your photos for hidden metadata
Free, instant, and 100% in your browser. No upload. No account.
Scan a Photo Free