Does Facebook Remove EXIF Data?

Yes — Facebook re-encodes photo uploads and strips EXIF including GPS from the versions it serves. Downloading someone's Facebook photo won't yield location coordinates.

The residual risks: originals you shared via Messenger-as-file, email, or other channels; cross-posted copies; and the fact that Meta itself processes upload data per its privacy policy. Strip locally first so the file is clean everywhere, not just on Facebook.

DROP IMAGES

JPG • PNG • WebP • HEIC

Facebook vs Messenger vs WhatsApp

Feed photos: re-encoded, EXIF stripped. Messenger photos: typically re-encoded similarly, but “file” sends may differ. WhatsApp: strips EXIF on standard sends. In all cases the sender-side original retains everything unless you clean it.

Common questions

Can I recover EXIF from a Facebook photo?

No — served images don't include it. Forensics on the file won't bring back stripped GPS.

Does Facebook read the EXIF I upload?

Uploads pass through Meta's servers, which can process metadata before stripping — another reason to clean before uploading.