How to remove camera and GPS data from a video recorded with a GoPro or DJI

¿How to remove camera and GPS data from a video recorded with GoPro or DJI? If you shoot with a GoPro or DJI, your videos may include sensitive metadata such as GPS, altitude, speed, or camera modelThey're useful for telemetry and overlays, but if you're sharing on social networks or with third parties, you may want to hide them to protect your privacy.

In this guide you will find how disable geolocation before recording, how to audit what data your file contains and how delete metadata and telemetry tracks on desktop and mobile, with and without recompression. In addition, we contextualize the GoPro/DJI ecosystem with the differences in hardware, apps and features (GPS, barometer, connectivity, color profiles), because all of these influence the data that ends up inside your clips.

What metadata does your camera actually add (GoPro vs DJI)?

In recent GoPros like HERO 13 Black, the brand has reintroduced GPS, which allows recording and then superimposing telemetry (speed, altitude, G-force) in Quik as animated graphics. That GPS, when active, writes location data to the video container and to a specific telemetry track (GPMF/gpmd) within the MP4/MOV.

On the DJI side, the Osmo Action 5 Pro integrates barometer (depth/altitude) and displays that data on-screen and as an overlay if you choose. For native GPS, DJI does not have it built into the camera; you need the wrist control which adds similar data. Even without GPS, the DJI adds Device metadata, color profile and settings (make/model, resolution, fps) that you may want to clean.

Both families expose these functions in their apps (GoPro Quik, DJI Mimo). GoPro stands out for telemetry and versatile formats such as 8:7 and 9:16; DJI excels in OLED touch screens, internal memory and low noise in low light. All of this not only affects how you record, but also what data layers are saved in the file.

Disable geolocation and overlays before recording

The first step to minimizing leaks is to prevent them from occurring. This way, you limit what needs to be cleaned up later and reduce the risk of GPS remains in the container.

• GoPro HERO 13 Black: In Preferences, disable GPSIn the Quik app, avoid applying telemetry overlays when exporting. If you're using modes like Slow Burst or 8:7/9:16 ratios, location isn't required for them to work.
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: If you use the GPS controller accessory, don't pair it when you need privacy. In Mimo, disable data overlays (depth/altitude) and profiles that insert extra information.
• General admission: in your color profiles (8/10 bit, flat), it does not affect telemetry. Just make sure do not activate overlays when exporting in apps.

Audit your files: what data they carry and where

Before deleting, it is advisable to inspect. This way you can distinguish between container metadata (title, location, manufacturer), data tracks (e.g. GoPro's GPMF) and overlays already "burned" into the video (the latter cannot be removed without re-encoding or cut).

• Media Info (Windows/macOS/Linux): Shows you streams contained in the file (video, audio, gpmd/udta, etc.).
• ffprobe (FFmpeg): Detailed inspection by track and tags.
• Exif Tool: Lists and deletes container-level metadata and manufacturer markings (GoPro, XMP, GPS).

# Ejemplos rápidos de inspección
ffprobe -hide_banner -show_streams -show_format video.mp4
exiftool video.mp4

Remove metadata on desktop without recompressing

Whenever you can, prioritize a lossless remux that preserves the video and audio intact. The idea is to keep only the essential tracks and remove metadata from the container.

Option A: FFmpeg (fast and no recompression)

With FFmpeg you can stay only with video and audio, delete container metadata, and move the moov to the start (+faststart). This usually removes the track gpmd/GPMF typical of GoPro and other unwanted streams.

# Mantener solo vídeo y audio, quitar metadatos de contenedor
ffmpeg -i in.mp4 -map 0:v -map 0:a -c copy -map_metadata -1 -movflags +faststart out_clean.mp4

# Si detectas una pista extra de datos (p. ej., 0:2), quítala explícitamente
ffmpeg -i in.mp4 -map 0 -map -0:2 -c copy -map_metadata -1 -movflags +faststart out_clean.mp4

If your file does not have audio, use only -map 0:v. On most GoPro/DJI clips, this eliminates telemetry and tags without touching the video.

Option B: ExifTool (deep tag cleaning)

ExifTool allows you to empty all tags of the container and manufacturer groups. This is very useful for fields such as title, comment, creator, or residual GPS.

# Borrar todas las etiquetas conocidas y sobrescribir el original
exiftool -all= -overwrite_original -api LargeFileSupport=1 video.mp4

# En GoPro, puedes forzar limpieza de grupos específicos si persisten
exiftool -all= -UserData:all= -XMP:all= -GoPro:all= -overwrite_original video.mp4

If you use both methods (FFmpeg and ExifTool), you will achieve a almost total elimination without recompressing. Check afterwards with Media Info o ffprobe.

Option C: LosslessCut / MP4Box (interface or surgical)

LosslessCut is ideal for erasing unwanted clues with interface: leave only video and audio and export losslessly. MP4Box (GPAC) allows remove tracks by index if you know which one corresponds to telemetry.

# Ejemplo MP4Box, eliminar la pista 2
MP4Box -rem 2 in.mp4 -out out_clean.mp4

Delete metadata on mobile

On smartphones, some tools remove tags by repackaging the file. Check that they offer no-recompression mode or that allow you to choose bitrate/codec to avoid heavy losses.

• iOS / iPadOS: : when sharing from Photos you can disable «Location». For imported GoPro/DJI videos, apps like Metapho or ExifTool-based shortcuts can delete tags. Exporting from iMovie/Clips often clears part of the bin.
• Android: open source apps like Video Transcode allow controlled remux or reencoding. There are also frontends of Exif Tool that clean tags in MP4/MOV.

If you reencode due to force majeure, use a high bitrate and the same codec (H.264/H.265) to minimize degradation, and at the end it executes a pass of ExifTool/FFmpeg to finish off labels.

GoPro auxiliary files and other traces

In GoPro you will see files like .LRV and .THM which serve as previews and thumbnails. They don't usually contain useful GPS, but it's convenient erase them when you share file packages. Apps (Quik, Mimo) also create caches of project data that you shouldn't publish.

Good privacy practices

When finished, validate your clean clips with MediaInfo/ffprobe/ExifToolIf you're editing, export from the NLE with empty metadata and no overlays. On networks, remember that some platforms they write labels again processing; nothing critical, but it is recommended share the clean version that you already checked.

Helpful context: GoPro HERO 13 Black vs. DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro differences that impact workflow

Although this guide is about privacy and metadata, understanding the ecosystem helps you decide which functions to activate and how it will affect the final file.

Design, screens and assembly

The Action 5 Pro is more compact and light in specifications (44,2 × 70,5 × 32,8 mm; 146 g) vs. the HERO 13 (50,8 × 71,8 × 33,6 mm; 154 g). GoPro integrates folding legs and now adds magnetic click and 1/4″ thread, a very versatile and reliable; DJI uses accessory for fastening.

In screens, DJI bets on OLED with a 2,5″ rear that occupies almost the entire body and touch front 1,46″. GoPro keeps LCD panels (rear 2,27″ and front 1,4″ non-touch). DJI offers more brightness and contrast and a somewhat smoother experience.

Resistance, temperatures and storage

The Action 5 Pro holds up 20 m without housing compared to 10m on GoPro, and operates between -20°C and 45°C (GoPro: -10°C to 35°C). DJI adds 47 GB internal, ideal if you forget the microSD; both accept cards up to 1 TB.

Sensors, formats and color

DJI mounts sensor 1/1,3 with photos up to 40 SM and better low-light performance; GoPro uses 1/1,9 and shines on video: 5,3K60, 4K120 and to 2,7K240. Offers formats 16:9, 4:3, 9:16 and the versatile 8:7. In color, both with 8 / 10 bits and flat profile; DJI tends towards warmer tones and dynamic range of 13,5 stops, with SuperNight up to ISO 51200. GoPro corrects with HDR HLG in high contrast.

Featured Features

DJI debuts Subject Tracking (9: 16) and barometer with auto-recording at 1 m underwater. GoPro presents the HB lens series (ND, ultra wide angle 177°, anamorphic 21:9, macro 11 cm) and the GPS returns for native telemetry.

Apps, connectivity and audio

Both have Wi-Fi 6; DJI announces up to 80 Mb/s and one more app connection stable and fast than GoPro based on common experiences. In audio, three mics per camera; GoPro accepts Bluetooth for microphones/headphones and DJI allows pairing two DJI Mic 2 by Bluetooth.

Autonomy and price

DJI's battery lasts up to 240 minutes thanks to the 4nm processor. GoPro HERO 13 with Enduro 1900 mAh reaches 1,5 ha 5,3K o 2,5 ha 1080p. In price, Action 5 Pro starts at €379, and GoPro in €449,99The packs include mounts, batteries, and cables; GoPro offers combos with HB lenses.

Highlighted Pros

• GoPro HERO 13 Black: Very versatile mounting system; leading resolutions and fps; HB lenses for creativity; Format 8:7 ideal for multiplatform.
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: large, touch-sensitive OLED displays; 20 m without housing; -20 to 45 °C; 47 GB internal; major sensor and 4 room battery-powered; more affordable price.

If you're concerned about privacy, remember: at GoPro the GPS is native (turn it off when you don't need it). In DJI, without the GPS controller there will be no geolocation, but there will be barometer and camera data, which you can remove with the methods in this guide.

Other cameras and ecosystem considerations

Beyond these two, there are models that may interest you due to their features, budget or format, and that also generate metadata that is convenient. manage and clean:

• DJI Action 2 Power: lowercase, magnetized, RockSteady 2.0 and HorizonSteady, 4K120, 12 MP, up to 160 minutes, submersible 10 m (60 with housing).
• DJI Pocket 2: 4K with three-axis mechanical stabilization, 64 MP, slow motion 240 fps, panoramas and timelapse, ActiveTrack 3.0; ultra compact size.
• DJI OsmoAction 3: Dual screen, EIS with advanced algorithms, HDR, waterproof 11 m, voice control (English) and Quick Switch.
• DJI OsmoAction 4: 4K/120, 1/1,3 sensor, good performance with low light, long autonomy (~150 min), D‑Log M 10 bits.
• DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro: 4K120, target tracking, improved audio, long autonomy and water resistance.
• Insta360 Go 3: 35 g, very versatile, FlowState + Horizon Lock 360, battery life up to 170 min, magnetic mount and action-style housing.
• Insta360 One: 360º a 5,7K (H.265, 100 Mbps), FlowState, IPX8 10 m (45 m with housing), Bullet time and “invisible selfie stick.”
• APEXCAM: economical, 4K with modest bitrate, submersible to 30 m with housing, 20 MP, two batteries.
• Akaso Brave 7: 20 MP, 4K, stabilization, dual screen, Wi‑Fi, two batteries 1350 mAh and accessories.
• COOAU SPC 06: 4K/2.7K/1080p, 20MP, anti-shake, 2.4G remote control, 20 accessories and two batteries 1200 mAh.
• Sony DSC‑RX0M2: 4K, stabilization, ZEISS wide-angle lens, submersible 10 m, very robust.
• For children: Kidizoom Action (internal memory for 600 photos, waterproof 2 m with case, supports) and economic models like saiyuanxing with filters, frames and games.

Key factors to watch in any cam action: autonomy (replaceable batteries/fast charging), durability (water, dust, shocks), stabilization (EIS/FlowState/HyperSmooth), vision angle and AI/editing apps (Quik, Mimo, Insta360). Some offer voice control, Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth and compatibility with accessories (lenses, mounts); and, of course, integrated GPS in certain models, which brings us back to the need for manage metadata depending on your case.

By applying the guidelines above—disabling geolocation when not needed, auditing with MediaInfo/ffprobe, and cleaning up with FFmpeg/ExifTool or equivalent tools on mobile—you'll have a solid flow for sharing GoPro or DJI videos without exposing your location or other telemetry, while still taking advantage of their display, battery, color, and format advantages when it suits you. Now you know How to remove camera and GPS data from a video recorded with a GoPro or DJI.