Stop Sharing Your Location on Android: Remove Location Data from Photos

Before sending someone pictures you take on your phone or sharing them on social media, consider removing the location data. Metadata in photos include details like camera settings, GPS coordinates, device type, location data, and more in an exchangeable image file format (EXIF). Luckily, you can remove location data from photos on Android.

We already showed you how to remove location data from photos on a Samsung phone. We outlined that process in a separate article because Samsung uses its proprietary One UI on top of Android. So, the process differs for Samsung devices from Android phones from manufacturers like Google, LG, HTC, Sony, OnePlus, and others.

Still, the process differs for all manufacturers of Android devices and the version of Android they are running. This piece uses a Google Pixel 7a running Android version 14. But this guide will show you what to look for on your Android phone.

Why Remove Location Data from Photos

So, unless you disable the location setting for photos on your phone, people can see where you were when the picture was taken with your phone’s camera.

In addition to the GPS coordinates and other data, a map will display on your Android phone when you open a picture and swipe up to see the metadata that contains location information.

You may want to remove the location information before sending a photo to someone you don’t know or posting it on social media. Viewing and removing location data from your photos is straightforward if you know where to look.

For example, we showed you how to remove location data from photos on Windows and walked you through removing location data from photos on iPhone.

Today, it’s time to show you how to remove location data from other Android devices.

Remove Location Data from Photos on Android

Fortunately, you can quickly remove location data from photos on Android; just follow the steps.

Open the Photos app.

Select the image from which you want to delete the location data. Tap the three-dot button in the top right corner or swipe up on the image. Scroll down to the location data and tap the pencil or three-dot button next to the photo.

Select the Remove Location option.

Once you complete the steps, the photo’s location data will be removed. The only way to include a location for the photo is by manually adding it.

Stop Android from Including Location Data in Photos Altogether

While removing location data from photos is straightforward, you may find it cumbersome. You can adjust the Camera app settings so it never includes location for photos.

Open Settings. Swipe down the screen and select Apps.

Select the Camera app (you may need to select Show All Apps to find it).

Tap Permissions on the App Info screen.

Select the Location option.

Depending on your preference, choose the Don’t Allow or Ask Every Time option and close out of Settings.

Stop Your Location from Showig on Android Photos

The above steps can protect your location from appearing in photos you send to others or share on social media.

Fortunately, Android allows you to remove location from photos individually or stop it altogether. Location data is a great way to help organize and manage your photos, so removing the location piecemeal is a great way to do it.

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