Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- New photos need camera location permission and app-level location settings enabled.
- Existing Android photos often require a file-level editor to write GPS into EXIF.
- Google Photos may save location in the app without editing the actual JPEG.
- The browser editor is the simplest way to make the GPS permanent in the file.
Two Different Problems, Two Different Fixes
On Android there are two distinct issues. Either new photos are not recording location, or older photos need a location added later. This guide separates those workflows so you do not waste time chasing the wrong fix.
Part 1: Make New Photos Save the Location
Before anything else, make sure the system Location switch is on. Then open the camera app and turn on the location option there. The labels change by brand.
Pixel (Google Camera, Android 14 / 15)
- Open Camera.
- Tap the down arrow at the top of the viewfinder.
- Tap the gear icon.
- Tap More settings.
- Turn Save location on.
If the toggle is greyed out, go to Settings → Apps → Camera → Permissions and allow Location while using the app.
Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6 / 7)
- Open Camera.
- Tap the gear icon in the top-left.
- Scroll down and enable Location tags.
- Accept the permission prompt if it appears.
One UI 7 also has Location accuracy under Settings → Location → Location services. Turn that on if your photo coordinates are drifting on busy roads or near tall buildings.
OnePlus (OxygenOS 14)
- Open Camera.
- Tap the three-line menu or gear icon.
- Enable Geo location.
Xiaomi / Redmi (HyperOS / MIUI 14)
- Open Camera.
- Tap the three-line menu and choose Settings.
- Turn on Save location info.
Why GPS still does not appear
The camera setting is only part of the picture. These three things also need to be true:
- The system Location toggle is on.
- The Camera app has Location permission set to Allow only while using the app or higher.
- The phone has a GPS fix when the photo is taken. Indoors or underground this can take 10 to 30 seconds.
Part 2: Add Location to Photos Already on Your Phone
Most Android gallery apps let you view a photo's location, but not edit it. These methods will get the GPS into the file itself.
Method 1: Google Photos
- Open the photo in Google Photos.
- Swipe up or tap the three-dot menu and choose Details.
- Tap Add a location or Edit.
- Search for the place or drop a pin on the map.
- Tap Save.
Note: Google Photos may only store this location inside the app. The file itself can still be empty. If you need the GPS in the JPEG, use a browser editor after this step.
Method 2: Browser editor
- Open Chrome or Firefox.
- Go to geotagseditor.online/add-gps-to-photo-online/.
- Choose the photo from your gallery.
- Move the map pin or paste coordinates from Google Maps.
- Tap Apply and download the updated JPEG.
This method writes the location directly into the file in your browser, so the GPS stays with the image when you share it.
Method 3: A trusted app
If you do this regularly, a trusted EXIF editor app is useful. Choose one that writes metadata to the file and does not require uploading images. Avoid apps that ask for broad storage permissions without a clear reason.
Method 4: GPX track matching
If you recorded a route with an app like OsmAnd, Locus Map, or Strava, you can match photos to your track by timestamp. This is useful for travel photographers who want the photo to reflect the actual route. Make sure your phone clock and the track clock are synced.