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How to Check a Photo's Metadata
Before you worry about what a file holds, take a look. Every major device has a way to see it.
Last reviewed November 2026
Check it in your browser
The Metadata checker reads JPG, PNG, WebP, and HEIC files on your device and doesn't change them. It lists the blocks it finds and shows readable details such as the device, date, and location, with a map drawn locally.
Check it on your device
- iPhone: open the photo in Photos and swipe up.
- Android: open the photo in Google Photos or your gallery and swipe up.
- Windows: right-click the file, choose Properties, and open Details.
- Mac: open it in Preview, then choose Tools and Show Inspector.
Photo apps can display information from your library or account as well, so a scan of the exported file is a better guide to what you'd actually be sending.
How to read the results
| If you see | It means |
|---|---|
| GPS location | The file holds coordinates. Check this first. |
| Camera make or model | It names the device that took the photo. |
| XMP data | Usually added by editing software. |
| Photoshop or IPTC data | Often captions, credits, or copyright. |
| Content Credentials | A record of how the image was made or edited. |
| Text metadata | Notes in a PNG, which may include AI prompts. |
What "no metadata detected" means
It means none of the supported blocks were found. It doesn't prove that a file has no hidden information of any kind, and it says nothing about invisible watermarks in the picture itself.
Be careful with online viewers
Many metadata websites upload your photo to their servers to read it. That can defeat the purpose if the file is private. Look for tools that say they work locally, and check their privacy policy.
New to all this? The glossary explains each term.
Common questions
Can I see metadata on a photo someone sent me?
Yes, if you have the file itself. Photos received through social apps have often had their metadata removed already.
Does checking a photo change it?
No. The checker only reads the file. A new copy is made only if you choose to clean it.
Can metadata tell me if an image is AI-generated?
Sometimes a file states that it was made with AI, but most AI images carry no such record, so a missing record proves nothing.
Check a photo now
Reads the file on your device. Nothing is uploaded.