Edit Photo Date, Time, and Location on iOS 15

With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced native metadata editing directly within the Photos app, allowing users to modify the date, time, and geotagged location of any saved image without needing third-party applications. This feature updates the Exchangeable Image File Format (EXIF) data attached to the file, helping users fix incorrect chronological sorting, correct inaccurate location tags, or protect their privacy before sharing pictures.

Understanding Photo Metadata on iOS 15

Whenever a photo is taken, the camera embeds EXIF metadata into the image file. This data includes technical details such as camera settings, ISO, shutter speed, as well as contextual information like the exact timestamp and GPS coordinates. Prior to iOS 15, editing this information required dedicated desktop software or third-party iOS utilities. iOS 15 integrates an "Info" pane directly into the Photos interface, making this embedded data visible and modifiable.

How to Change the Date and Time

Modifying the timestamp changes where the photo appears in your chronological library and timeline memories.

  1. Open the Photos app and select the image you want to edit.
  2. Swipe up on the photo or tap the Info button (the "i" icon with stars or a circle around it located in the bottom toolbar).
  3. Tap the blue Adjust button next to the date and time.
  4. Use the calendar and time picker to select the new date, time, and time zone.
  5. Tap Done in the top-right corner to save the changes.

To revert your changes at any point, reopen the adjustment window and tap Revert.

How to Change or Add a Location

Adjusting the location rewrites the GPS metadata associated with the image, altering where the photo appears on the Photos interactive map.

  1. Open the photo and tap the Info button (or swipe up).
  2. Below the photo's technical details, locate the map or the Add a Location prompt.
  3. Tap Adjust located next to the current address, or tap Add a Location if none exists.
  4. Type an address, landmark, or city name into the search bar.
  5. Select the correct location from the drop-down results.

If you want to remove the location entirely for privacy reasons, tap No Location within the adjustment menu.

Why Metadata Editing Is Useful

  • Fixing Scanned or Imported Media: Older photos imported from external cameras or physical scans often carry the date they were digitized rather than when they were actually taken. Adjusting the date ensures they appear in their proper historical place in your library.
  • Correcting Time Zone Errors: Photos taken during travel across different time zones sometimes sync incorrectly, which can disrupt chronological sorting.
  • Privacy Control: Removing or altering precise geolocation data prevents recipients from discovering personal locations—such as home addresses or private workplaces—when sharing original image files.