Remove photo metadata on Android

Start with the camera and gallery app

Android does not have one universal metadata workflow. Pixel Camera, Samsung Gallery, Google Photos, and other apps have different controls. Instructions can vary by model and software version.

Inspect the actual file you intend to send. A gallery’s displayed location can come from the file, a library edit, or an estimate. Those are different sources of information.

Google Photos has a location-removal limit

Google Photos allows changes to estimated locations and locations you added yourself. It does not let you remove camera-recorded location through that location-editing control. A downloaded file can still carry the original camera location even if sharing settings inside Google Photos hide it.

Sources: Google Photos: Understand photo locations

Edit location in Samsung Gallery

These are Samsung’s documented steps; menus vary across devices. Verify an exported copy afterward. Editing a location is not the same as clearing all EXIF fields.

1. Open the photo or video in Gallery.
2. Open More options, then Details, then Edit.
3. Use the minus control beside the location and save the change.

Sources: Samsung: Edit photo and video details

Prevent future GPS tags on Pixel

In Pixel Camera, open Settings, then More settings, and turn Save location off. Other camera apps may call this Location tags or Save location information. This affects future captures; existing files need a separate edit.

Sources: Google: Change Pixel Camera settings

Remove source metadata from a compatible file

Use the tool for JPG, PNG, and WebP still images. Choose the file, remove metadata, and save the fresh PNG. The original stays unchanged. PNG output may be larger, and wide-gamut or HDR colors can change.

If your camera saves HEIC or RAW, export a compatible still first. Do not assume that a messaging app or a screenshot is a reliable substitute for inspecting the final file.

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