How to Add GPS Location and a Timestamp to Photos on iPhone
Short answer: Your iPhone already saves the date, time and location in every photo's hidden data, as long as Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Camera is set to While Using the App. To print the date, time and GPS coordinates on the picture itself, use a stamp app such as GPS Map Camera.
A contractor sends a photo of a leaking pipe. A courier says your parcel is on the doorstep. A colleague swears the site inspection happened on Tuesday. In each case the useful part isn't the picture. It's where and when it was taken.
Does my iPhone save the location of a photo?
Yes, if you allow it. Every photo carries a block of hidden information called metadata (EXIF). The time is always recorded. The location only is if the Camera is allowed to use it:
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services.
- Scroll to Camera and choose While Using the App.
- Keep Precise Location on if you want an exact spot rather than a rough area.
How do I see where a photo was taken?
Open the photo in the Photos app and swipe up, or tap the ⓘ button. You'll see a small map and the date and time. Tap the map to see the photo's place on a larger map.
That built-in method is free, and for personal photos it's usually enough.
Why isn't the built-in data enough for work?
Hidden metadata has three weak spots:
- Nobody sees it. The recipient has to open an info panel, and most won't.
- It gets stripped. Many messaging apps and social networks remove location data to protect privacy.
- It isn't part of the image. Print the photo, screenshot it or paste it into a report and the metadata is gone.
When the date and place need to be visible at a glance, as in a site report, a delivery record or a travel log, a visible stamp is the answer.
How do I print the date, time and GPS location on a photo?
Use a timestamp camera app. GPS Map Camera is the one we feature. According to its App Store listing, it adds date, time and GPS coordinates to photos and videos, can show a map and compass direction in the frame, lets you stamp photos already in your library, and keeps working offline, syncing location data later. The stamp's font, size, position and colours can be changed.
A few habits make any stamp app more reliable:
- Let the GPS settle. Open the camera outdoors a few seconds before the first shot. Indoors, the position can be way off.
- Set your layout once. A consistent stamp makes a folder of 80 inspection photos far easier to scan.
- Keep the original. Stamp a copy and keep the untouched photo, so you still have the real metadata.
- Check the text size. A small stamp reads fine on screen and becomes useless once the photo is shrunk for email.
Can a GPS stamp be used as proof?
Not on its own. A stamp is text drawn on a picture, and text can be changed. The listing for GPS Map Camera even mentions a location-changing tool next to the stamping features, which makes the point well enough.
If a photo might matter in a dispute, an insurance claim or an HR process, keep the original file with its metadata, note who took it and when, and write a short description while it's fresh. Never use a changed location to mislead an employer or a client.
How do I keep my location private when sharing?
Coordinates on a photo can reveal your home, office or a child's school. Before posting publicly:
- Don't share photos stamped with exact coordinates from home.
- In the share sheet, tap Options at the top and switch Location off. (We cover this in how to remove location data from iPhone photos.)
- Crop or blur anything in a stamped image that you wouldn't put on a noticeboard.
Which option should you use?
- Remembering where you took pictures: the built-in Camera and the Photos map are enough.
- Field work, deliveries, inspections, travel logs: a stamp app saves a lot of explaining.
- Anything legal or financial: keep original photos and records no matter which app you use.
At the time of writing GPS Map Camera has a 4.4★ rating from 1,148 ratings on the App Store, a decent sample. It's free to download; its listing mentions a Pro subscription for the full feature set, so check what the free version covers. For other options, see our guide to the best GPS photo location apps.
Related reading
- How to Remove Location From iPhone Photos Before Sharing
- Plant, Bird & Rock Identifier Apps: How Accurate Are They?
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I add the date and time to a photo on iPhone?
The Camera app records the date and time in the photo's hidden data automatically. To show them on the image itself, use a timestamp camera app that prints a stamp onto the photo.
How do I turn on location for the iPhone camera?
Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Camera and select While Using the App. Photos you take afterwards include where they were taken.
Is there a free app that adds GPS coordinates to photos?
GPS Map Camera is free to download and adds coordinates, date and time to photos and videos. Its listing mentions a Pro subscription for more features.
Can I add a location stamp to photos I already took?
Yes, with an app that supports it. GPS Map Camera's listing says you can apply location and timestamp overlays to photos already in your library.
GPS Map Camera: Geo Location