Is MetaLens free to use?
Yes. MetaLens is completely free. There are no accounts, no sign-ups, and no limits on how many images you can inspect.
Do you store the images I upload?
No. Your image is parsed to read its metadata and is never written to disk or retained. The file is processed in memory during the request and discarded as soon as the results are returned.
What image formats are supported?
MetaLens reads JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF, AVIF and ICO files up to 15 MB. It detects the real format from the file’s contents, so a renamed file will still be identified correctly.
What is EXIF data?
EXIF is a block of metadata that cameras and phones embed in photos, recording details like the camera model, exposure settings, capture date and often GPS coordinates. Our full guide explains it in depth.
Why does my photo show no embedded metadata?
That is normal for many images. PNGs, screenshots, and photos that have been through messaging apps or social platforms often have their metadata stripped. It simply means there is no EXIF, GPS or XMP data to display.
Can MetaLens show where a photo was taken?
If the photo contains GPS coordinates in its metadata, MetaLens displays them and plots the location on a map. If location was disabled or the data was removed, no GPS information will appear.
How do I remove metadata from my photos?
You can strip EXIF and GPS data on iPhone, Android, Windows and Mac. Our step-by-step guide walks through each platform and shows how to confirm the data is gone.
Does MetaLens work on my phone?
Yes. The site works in any modern mobile or desktop browser. You can upload a photo directly from your camera roll and view its metadata on the same screen.
Still have a question? Head to our contact page or read the full guide library.