Short answer
Signal generally strips EXIF metadata when you send photos as images. However, if you send media as a file/document, metadata can be preserved. The safest move is still to remove EXIF yourself first.
Why Signal removes EXIF for normal photo sends
Signal re-encodes photos to protect privacy and reduce size. This process usually drops GPS coordinates and most EXIF fields in the version recipients receive.
When metadata might stay
- Sending as a file/document (often keeps the original file intact).
- Sharing PDFs or other documents that contain author data.
- Non‑standard formats that may bypass re‑encoding.
How to share photos safely on Signal
If location or device privacy matters, strip EXIF before sending — even on Signal.
Remove metadata locally first
- Open privacystrip.com.
- Select the photo(s).
- Review detected GPS/EXIF data.
- Tap Remove All Metadata.
- Send the cleaned files on Signal.