MetaRinse guide
How to remove GPS location from photos
Inspect the file, remove readable location fields through local re-encoding, and verify the exact output before you share it.
Start with the exact file
Choose the photo you intend to send, post, or upload. A library thumbnail, cloud copy, edited export, and downloaded social-media copy can each contain different fields. MetaRinse reads only the local file you explicitly select.
Before-and-after GPS example
| Field | Original | Cleaned output |
|---|---|---|
| GPSLatitude | 37.5665 | Not detected |
| GPSLongitude | 126.9780 | Not detected |
| GPSAltitude | 38 m | Not detected |
| GPSImgDirection | 214.2° | Not detected |
Coordinates are shown only inside expanded details. If a device serial is present, MetaRinse masks it by default.
Clean locally
- Open the cleaner and choose a JPEG, PNG, or supported WebP file.
- Expand the Location category and confirm what the scanner can read.
- Select an appropriate JPEG/WebP quality. PNG has no exposed quality slider.
- Choose Clean image. The browser decodes the pixels and creates a new file.
- Wait for the verification status before downloading.
Verify before sharing
MetaRinse parses the new blob before it offers a download. You should also open the downloaded file in your operating system and check its information panel. If the context is sensitive, use a second trusted metadata inspector that can operate locally. Keep the untouched original in a separate location.
Mobile and cloud cautions
- A phone photo library may keep the original location even when you export a cleaned copy.
- A cloud album, map view, or earlier message can retain separate location records.
- A visible street sign, house number, reflection, or landmark is part of the pixels and is not removed.
- A sharing platform may add new metadata or retain account-level records after upload.
Practical takeaway
Remove metadata before sharing, then inspect the actual downloaded output. Do not rely on a platform to make the decision for you.
Sources
Related guides
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