How to remove location from a photo before you send it

What's hidden in a photo

Most phone photos carry a block of data called EXIF. It records the camera model, the date and time and, if location tags are on, the exact latitude and longitude where you were standing. Anyone who gets the original file can read it with free software, and some can turn it into a pin on a map in seconds.

When it gets shared and when it doesn't

The big social apps usually strip location when they compress your photo for posting. Location tends to survive when the original file goes out unchanged, for example:

• sending a photo as a document or file in a messaging app
• attaching it to an email
• uploading it to a cloud folder and sharing the link
• selling something online with a photo taken at home

The listing photo for the sofa you're selling can tell a stranger exactly which house it's in.

Stop new photos recording location

Open your camera app's settings and look for a setting called Save location, Location tags or similar, then turn it off. On most phones it's near the top of the camera settings. The camera still works normally.

Remove location from photos you already have

Use our free photo location remover. Pick a photo and it shows what's stored inside, including a map link if there's a location, then makes a clean copy without it. It runs in your browser and the photo never leaves your phone or computer.

If you share through Google Photos links, check its sharing settings for an option to hide location from shared items. It only covers link sharing, so files you send another way still need cleaning.

Photos you don't want to share at all

Some photos shouldn't be sitting in your camera roll in the first place: ID cards, documents, anything private. Our guide to keeping ID photos safe on your phone covers where to put them.

Last checked 2026-11-01. Phone menus change between Android versions and brands, so labels on your phone may differ slightly.