Images contain a number of metadata, which provide information about the location and the exact date of recording. Is it possible to see this data in the graphic files you receive via WhatsApp?
This information is commonly known as EXIF data and yes, it is possible to access it. Here are the steps you need to follow.
How to see all the metadata of a WhatsApp photo step by step
If you want to see all the metadata of a photo received via WhatsApp, follow the steps below.
View metadata of an image received via WhatsApp
So you can see the metadata of a photo in WhatsApp:
- Tap on the picture you received.
- Tap the three vertical dots button to see more options.
- Choose View in Gallery.
- Choose to open the image with Google Photos.
- Tap on the three vertical dots in the top right corner.
- Look at all the information in the picture.
You probably won’t get much information about the picture and you won’t be able to see the location or the date. Why?
Is it possible to see the location of a photo received via WhatsApp?
If you followed the steps above, you will probably have noticed that the information contained in the photo very sparse are. You’ll hardly be able to see the date and time, which in many cases doesn’t match the actual time the photo was taken. Why is this happening?
When photos are sent via WhatsApp, a compression process is used to reduce the file size. Included all metadata of the original image will be lost. It is therefore unlikely that a photo received via WhatsApp will store information about the place or time it was taken. Usually this data is distorted or disappears altogether.
The only way to get all the metadata of an image when you send it via WhatsApp is, send it as a document. Ask your contact to do this, then follow the steps outlined in the previous section.