Why are my Google Takeout photo dates wrong or set to today?

When you export photos from Google Takeout, Google strips original capture timestamps and stores them in separate JSON sidecars. Your computer displays the download or extraction date instead. TakeoutFix re-embeds the original JSON timestamps back into EXIF headers so photos sort chronologically.

How can I fix Google Takeout metadata offline on Windows or Mac?

You can use the TakeoutFix desktop app. On Windows, run the standalone TakeoutFix.exe directly with no installation. On macOS, open TakeoutFix.dmg. Both applications process files 100% locally on your computer with zero file uploads.

What is a take out fix or takeout fix?

A take out fix or takeout fix is the process of repairing missing EXIF metadata after downloading photos using Google Takeout. Google Takeout stores metadata separately in JSON sidecar files. TakeoutFix (also called TakeoutFixer) solves this automatically in your browser.

How do I fix metadata after Google Takeout?

Open TakeoutFix in your browser, select your Takeout folder containing both the image files and their .json sidecar files, then click Restore My Data. The tool automatically matches each photo to its JSON sidecar and writes the date, GPS, and EXIF data back into the file header. No installation or upload required.

What is a metadata fixer for Google Photos?

A metadata fixer for Google Photos reads the .json sidecar files created during a Google Takeout export and writes the stored metadata (date taken, GPS location, camera model) back into the photo EXIF header. TakeoutFix is a free metadata fixer and meta data fix tool that works entirely in your web browser.

What is a Google Takeout merger?

A Google Takeout merger is a tool that merges the photo and video binary files with their detached JSON metadata sidecar files produced by a Google Takeout export. TakeoutFix performs this merge locally on your device with no server, no upload, and no privacy risk.

Does TakeoutFix work as a meta data fixer?

Yes. TakeoutFix is both a metadata fixer and a meta data fixer. It repairs EXIF metadata that was stripped out of your photos and videos during a Google Takeout or Google Photos export.

Legal Notices & Disclosures

Disclaimer & Disclosures

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Independent Software Notice & Non-Affiliation

TakeoutFix is an independent utility software project. TakeoutFix is not affiliated with, sponsored by, endorsed by, authorized by, or in any way officially connected with Google LLC, Alphabet Inc., Apple Inc., or any of their subsidiaries or affiliates.

The names Google Takeout™, Google Photos™, Google Drive™, and Android™ are registered trademarks of Google LLC. The names Apple Photos™, iCloud™, macOS™, and iOS™ are registered trademarks of Apple Inc. The use of these trademarks on this website is strictly nominative to describe file compatibility and export processes.

1. "As-Is" Software Provision

TakeoutFix is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.

While our matching algorithms and EXIF writers are comprehensively tested against millions of photo combinations, we do not warrant that the software will be uninterrupted, error-free, or compatible with every possible hardware and corrupted archive configuration.

2. Data Safety & Backup Responsibility

Users are strongly encouraged to maintain an unaltered backup copy of their original Google Takeout ZIP archives or exported directory before initiating any metadata write operations.

TakeoutFix processes files locally on your machine and writes metadata tags into headers. Although our operations are non-destructive and preserve raw image pixel arrays, the user bears ultimate responsibility for ensuring adequate backup redundancies for their personal data.

3. Informational & Educational Content

All tutorials, guides, articles, and troubleshooting steps published on TakeoutFix are provided for informational and educational purposes. While we strive to ensure technical accuracy regarding EXIF specifications, QuickTime atom structures, and platform behaviors, digital storage platforms and operating systems frequently update their software behaviors.

4. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall TakeoutFix, its creator (Rahul Jena), contributors, or affiliates be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of data, photos, profits, or goodwill arising out of or in connection with the use or inability to use this utility.

Have questions regarding this disclaimer?

Reach out to our support team directly.

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