Comparison
AirDrop vs email vs WhatsApp metadata retention
Verdict: the share channel changes metadata outcomes, but pre-share cleaning is the only consistently reliable privacy workflow.
Retention comparison table
| Channel | Typical handling | Retention likelihood | Reliability | Recommended workflow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirDrop | Often preserves original file characteristics | Higher likelihood of metadata retention | High transfer fidelity, low stripping assumptions | Scrub before sending |
| Depends on attachment path and client behavior | Moderate likelihood | Variable by service and recipient workflow | Scrub and verify final attachment | |
| Often reprocesses media in common send modes | Variable by mode and file type | Not consistent enough for strict privacy guarantees | Scrub first, then send |
Last tested: 2026-02-18. Results vary by OS version, app version, and selected send mode.
Tradeoffs by use case
Best for speed
Chat tools can be quick, but metadata behavior is less predictable than a dedicated clean-copy workflow.
Best for strict privacy
Clean files first, then choose channel based on convenience, not assumed stripping.
Methodology and limitations
The comparison uses practical share tests across representative media files. Treat this as current known behavior, not an absolute guarantee for all future versions.