View Photo Metadata in iOS 13 & iPadOS

This guide shows you how to view the hidden metadata of any photo on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 13 or iPadOS. Metadata includes details like the date and time taken, camera model, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and location (if available). You’ll learn the built-in method first, plus a free app-based approach for more technical details. No prior setup is needed, though you’ll need an internet connection if you choose to install an app.

What You’ll Need

An iPhone or iPad with iOS 13 or iPadOS (any version)
The photo whose metadata you want to view (in your Photos library or Files app)
Optional: A free app like “EXIF Viewer� or “Metapho� (install from the App Store if you want extended info)

Step-by-Step

Open the Photos app – Tap the Photos icon on your home screen. If the photo is stored in the Files app, skip to step 6.
Select the photo – Tap the thumbnail of the photo you want to inspect. It will open in full-screen view.
Tap the “i� button – Look at the top of the screen (or bottom, depending on your orientation) for a small letter “i� inside a circle. Tap it. This opens the info panel.
Swipe up on the info panel – A small panel appears with basic info like the date, time, and resolution. Swipe up on that panel to reveal more details. You’ll see the camera model, lens, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and focal length. If the photo has location data, a map thumbnail also appears.
Tap the map (optional) – If a map is shown, tap it to see the exact location in Maps. You can also copy the coordinates from this view.
For photos in the Files app – Open the Files app, locate the image, and press and hold the file. In the pop-up menu, tap “Info.� This shows basic metadata like file size, dimensions, and creation date, but not camera details.
Use a third-party app for full EXIF – If the built-in info doesn’t show everything (like GPS coordinates or lens details), download a free EXIF viewer app from the App Store. Open the app, import the photo, and you’ll see a complete list of metadata fields.
Share metadata (optional) – Some apps let you share the metadata as a text file. This is useful for photographers who need to submit proof of capture.

Common Mistakes

Not swiping up – Many users tap the “i� and only see the first few lines. The full metadata is hidden behind a swipe-up gesture on the info panel.
Looking for metadata on edited photos – If you edit a photo in the Photos app, some metadata (like camera info) may be stripped or altered. The date and time usually remain, but EXIF data can be lost.
Expecting location on all photos – Location data is only present if you had Location Services enabled for the Camera app when the photo was taken. If not, no map will appear.
Confusing “Info� in Files with full EXIF – The Files app only shows basic file properties, not camera settings. Use the Photos app method or a third-party app for the full picture.

Tips

Use a third-party app for GPS coordinates – The built-in Photos app shows a map but doesn’t give you the raw latitude/longitude numbers. Apps like “EXIF Viewer� display them in decimal and DMS formats.
Check metadata before sharing – If you’re privacy-conscious, be aware that sharing a photo via AirDrop or Messages often includes metadata. To strip it, use the “Copy� and paste method in some apps, or use a dedicated metadata removal tool.
Batch view – Some apps let you view metadata for multiple photos at once, which is handy for sorting through a shoot.
Use the share sheet – In the Photos app, you can also tap the Share button and select “Info� from the bottom row of actions, but this shows the same limited info as the “i� button.

Troubleshooting

No “i� button appears – If you don’t see the “i� icon, try tapping the photo to bring up the controls. If it still doesn’t appear, make sure you’re not in a shared album or a hidden album. In some cases, photos imported from a computer may not have metadata.
Metadata is missing – If the info panel shows only date and time, the photo likely has no EXIF data. This happens with screenshots, images downloaded from the web, or photos taken with apps that strip metadata. There’s no way to recover it if it wasn’t saved.
Location not showing – Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Camera and ensure it’s set to “While Using the App.� If it was off when the photo was taken, the location is gone forever.
Third-party app doesn’t see the photo – Some apps require you to grant photo library access. Go to Settings > Privacy > Photos and allow the app to read your library. If the app still can’t find it, try importing the photo into the app’s own library.
Metadata is in a different language – Some fields like “ExposureTime� are standard EXIF tags and are always in English, but the app’s interface may be localized. Check the app’s settings for a language option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I view metadata on a photo sent to me via AirDrop?
Yes, if the sender didn’t strip it. When you receive a photo, it goes to your Photos app, and you can view its metadata normally.

Does iOS 13 show the shutter count?
No, shutter count is not part of standard EXIF data on iPhones. It’s only available on some professional cameras.

Can I edit or remove metadata in iOS 13?
There’s no built-in way to edit metadata. You can only remove it by copying the photo into a new image (e.g., via a drawing app) or using a third-party metadata editor.

Why does my photo show “No Location� even though I was at a place?
This happens when Location Services was off or the camera app didn’t have permission. Also, if you used a third-party camera app that doesn’t save location, the data won’t be there.

Are there any privacy risks with viewing metadata?
No, viewing is safe. But sharing photos with metadata can expose your location and camera details. Be cautious when posting online, as many social media platforms strip metadata automatically, but not all do.

Can I view metadata on a photo in iCloud?
Yes, if the photo is stored in iCloud and you have it on your device, the metadata is accessible. If it’s only in the cloud and not downloaded, you may need to download it first.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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