Every iPhone photo carries GPS coordinates in its EXIF metadata if Location Services were on when you took it. iOS 15+ added a built-in editor for that metadata. Three methods to use it (or work around it) in 2026.
Method 1: Built-in Photos App (Edit Existing Photo)
Since iOS 15, Apple Photos has a built-in location editor. Works on any photo in your library.
Steps
- Open Photos, pick the photo.
- Tap the info button (i in a circle) at the bottom.
- Tap "Adjust" next to the location, or "Add a Location" if there is none.
- Search for a city or address, pick from the dropdown.
- Done. The photo's EXIF now shows the new coordinates.
Catch: the dropdown only offers cities and addresses Apple Maps recognizes. For exact custom coordinates (like the middle of a forest), you need Method 2 or 3.
Method 2: Take a New Photo with Custom GPS (Location Changer)
For photos taken from the start with the fake GPS in EXIF (cleaner than editing afterward, because the timestamp matches), Location Changer's photo feature captures with custom coordinates baked in.
- Open Location Changer.
- Tap any spot on the world map to set the target coordinates.
- Open the photo feature, take a shot.
- Save to Camera Roll. The photo carries the fake GPS in EXIF.
Useful for Instagram posts tagged from another city, photo verification flows, fake travel content.
Method 3: Third-Party EXIF Editors
For fine-grained EXIF control (specific coordinates, altitude, custom timestamp), App Store apps like Metapho or EXIF Editor let you edit any field of any photo. Most are paid ($1-$5).
Take Photos with Custom GPS Baked In
Location Changer captures photos with any GPS coordinates in EXIF, so Instagram and other apps treat them as taken from your fake spot. Plus drop a pin and share an Apple Maps card to chat. Free.
Which Apps Read the New Location?
- Apple Photos: shows the new location in the photo's info pane and on the Places map.
- Instagram location picker: suggests venues near the fake coordinates when you upload.
- Google Photos: reads EXIF, displays the new location.
- Email attachments: EXIF travels with the photo if sent as Original Quality.
- Snapchat / Facebook / public Instagram posts: strip EXIF before public display. Internal use of the data may still apply.
FAQ
Does Apple Photos save the original GPS?
It keeps the original in an undo buffer. You can revert. After enough time the buffer clears.
Can people who receive the photo see the change?
Only if they read EXIF. There is no visible indicator that the location was edited.
Will iCloud sync the change?
Yes. The new EXIF syncs to all your Apple devices via iCloud Photos.
