Taking photographs with an iPhone is an excellent way of capturing memories and moments that we can look back on. Sometimes though, we need to know when the photo was taken, and the camera roll doesn’t always provide the answer. In this blog post, we will look at how to check when a photo was taken on iPhone, with various methods that are easy to follow and implement.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Check When A Photo Was Taken on iPhone
There are numerous reasons why you would want to check when a photo was taken on your iPhone. These include:
- When you are organizing your photos and need to sort them according to date taken.
- When you are trying to find specific events that occurred on a particular date.
- When you want to check if a photo has been altered or edited in any way.
- When you need to know the time stamp for a photo for legal or business purposes.
- When you need to prove the authenticity of a photo for personal or work-related reasons.
Knowing how to check when a photo was taken on your iPhone can be useful for various reasons. Below, we will discuss the different methods to do this.
Method 1: Using the Photos App
One of the easiest ways to check when a photo was taken on iPhone is by using the Photos app. The Photos app is a built-in app on your iPhone, which you can use to browse, manage, and edit your photos. Here are the steps to check the date and time a photo was taken using the Photos app:
1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Find the photo you want to check and tap on it to view it in full-screen mode.
3. Swipe up on the screen to reveal more information about the photo, such as the date and time it was taken.
4. You can also view the location where the photo was taken, if the location services were enabled when the photo was taken.
Pros:
- The Photos app is a built-in app on your iPhone, so there is no need to install any additional software.
- The information displayed when you swipe up on the screen is comprehensive and includes the date and time the photo was taken, along with the location if it was enabled.
- The method is quick and simple, making it the go-to method for most users.
Cons:
- If you have a large number of photos on your iPhone, it may take a while to find the photo you want to check using this method.
- If you have deleted the photo, it won’t be available to check using this method.
Method 2: Using the iCloud Website
Another method to check when a photo was taken on iPhone is by using the iCloud website. The iCloud website is a cloud storage platform provided by Apple, which can be used to store and access your photos, documents, and other data from any device with internet access. Here’s how to check the date and time a photo was taken using the iCloud website:
1. Open any web browser on your computer.
2. Go to the iCloud website (www.icloud.com) and sign in with your Apple ID and password.
3. Click on the Photos icon to open the Photos app.
4. Find the photo you want to check and click on it to view it in full-screen mode.
5. Click on the "i" icon at the top right corner of the screen to reveal more information about the photo, such as the date and time it was taken.
Pros:
- You can access your photos from any device with internet access, not just your iPhone.
- This method can be useful if you have lost your iPhone or if it is damaged.
- The information displayed when you click on the "i" icon is comprehensive and includes the date and time the photo was taken, along with other details such as camera settings, file size, and location.
Cons:
- You need to have an active internet connection to access the iCloud website.
- If you have a slow internet connection, the photos may take a while to load.
- You need to have enabled iCloud Photos on your iPhone for this method to work.
Method 3: Using Third-Party Software
If you prefer to use third-party software to check when a photo was taken on iPhone, there are various options available. One such software is Exif Metadata, which is available for download from the App Store. Here’s how to use Exif Metadata to check the date and time a photo was taken:
1. Download and install Exif Metadata from the App Store.
2. Open the app and select "Camera Roll".
3. Find the photo you want to check and tap on it.
4. The app will display the metadata for the photo, including the date and time it was taken.
Pros:
- Third-party software can come with additional features and options that may not be available on the built-in apps.
- The app is easy to use and provides comprehensive metadata for the photo.
- This method can be useful if you need to edit the metadata for the photo or if you want to view other metadata fields.
Cons:
- You need to download and install the third-party software, which can take up storage space on your iPhone.
- You may need to pay for the third-party software, depending on the app you choose.
- Some third-party software may require additional permissions or access to your device, which could compromise your privacy and security.
What to Do If You Can’t Check When A Photo Was Taken on iPhone
If you can’t check when a photo was taken on your iPhone using any of the methods described above, there are a few things you can try:
- If the photo was taken on a different device, such as a digital camera, check the metadata on that device to find out when the photo was taken.
- If you have deleted the photo, you may be able to retrieve it from your recently deleted folder on your iPhone or from your iCloud backup if you have enabled it.
- If the photo was taken a long time ago, you may not be able to retrieve the exact date and time it was taken due to data loss or corruption, so you may need to estimate based on other factors.
Bonus Tip
If you want to quickly check when multiple photos were taken, you can use the "Select" option in the Photos app to select multiple photos at once. Then, swipe up on the screen to display the metadata for all the selected photos at once.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I edit the date and time metadata for a photo on my iPhone?
A: No, you cannot edit the date and time metadata for a photo on your iPhone. However, you can edit the date and time on your camera before taking the photo, which will reflect in the metadata.
Q2: Are there any other third-party software options available for checking photo metadata on iPhone?
A: Yes, there are various third-party software options available, such as Metapho, which can provide you with detailed information about photo metadata on iPhone.
Q3: Can I check when a screenshot was taken using these methods?
A: Yes, you can check when a screenshot was taken using these methods. Screenshots taken on iPhone are treated the same way as photos and contain the same metadata.
Q4: Can I check the date and time a Live Photo was taken using these methods?
A: Yes, you can check the date and time a Live Photo was taken using these methods. The Photos app and iCloud website display the same information for Live Photos as they do for regular photos.
Q5: Can I use these methods to check when a photo was taken on an iPad or iPod touch?
A: Yes, you can use these methods to check when a photo was taken on an iPad or iPod touch, as they run on the same operating system as iPhones.
Final Thoughts
Checking when a photo was taken on iPhone is a useful feature that can help you organize your photos or provide proof of when a photo was taken. By following the methods described in this blog post, you can easily check when a photo was taken on your iPhone and access other useful metadata information. Whether you prefer to use the built-in Photos app, the iCloud website, or third-party software, there is an option available that suits your needs.