Not Able to Access Camera for Button / File Field in Flow Mobile App

[panterra]

Hi Everyone, 

I am using a Flow Button to capture a file using Mobile App Version 2.33.0. 

When I run the button:

• On the file field, I am prompted to provide the file I would like to upload
• If I choose to use the camera, the Flow logo appears as though the camera is about to launch, then nothing happens
• Please see the gif below
• I've added a green underline when I press the Camera Button and ???? question marks when the camera doens't appear (when it should)

Troubleshooting that I've done: 

• Checked the permissions on the app / increased them
• Re-installed the App
• Cleared cache and data for the app
• Saved the Flow again

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Let me know if you're seeing the same thing / have any other suggestions. 

PS - I've already been told to get an iPhone instead. Hah. Not happening. 🙂

Sean

[Brad_Groux]

I believe what you are trying to do is beyond the supported use cases for the mobile app. What you're trying to do is more in line with what you would do from a PowerApp. According to the offical Flow documentation, the Flow mobile app allows you to: 

• Create a flow on a phone
• Manage flows on a phone
• Troubleshoot Monitor flow activity on a phone

I can find no mention of performing the functions of a Flow from the Flow mobile app, beyond pressing a flow button, and notification actions like approvals. A PowerApp, utilizing Flow can certainly do what you're trying to do. 

[panterra]

Hi Brad,

Thank you for the reply. I'll post a sample of the Flow. I had someone with an iPhone try this and it works for them.

Sean

[v-bacao-msft]

Hi @panterra ,

I used Flow mobile app to test it on my side. When I click on camera, I can use the camera of the phone to take photos and upload them.

Image reference:

For reference, I am using Android 5.0, Flow Mobile app version 2.32.0.

I did not test the IOS system, it seems that the operating system shown in the screenshot you provided is Android.

Please give Flow mobile app permission to use camera, or temporarily not restrict the access to the app, and then test if there will be similar problems.

You could also install the same version of the app as me and test if the same problem exists.

Best Regards,

[panterra]

@v-bacao-msft - Thank you for the response. This is the expected behaviour that I previosuly had when using this feature in the app. 

Here is a screenshot of what I see when I try to change the app's permissions. I checked this previosuly, its looking suspect becasue the Camera permissions are not even an option for this app.

I am using the Android build - am I able to download previous versions from ther app store?  

[Brad_Groux]

---

@panterra wrote:

@v-bacao-msft - Thank you for the response. This is the expected behaviour that I previosuly had when using this feature in the app. 

Here is a screenshot of what I see when I try to change the app's permissions. I checked this previosuly, its looking suspect becasue the Camera permissions are not even an option for this app.

I am using the Android build - am I able to download previous versions from ther app store?  

---

Have you tried giving the app Storage permissions? The picture you take will still be stored on the phone, even after it is uploaded via Flow. As an example, when you use the camera in Instagram, it still stores the image on the local device too. An example of an app that would only need camera access, and not storage would be a QR code or barcode scanner - as they are using the camera only for information gathering, not taking images. 

If this reply has answered your question or solved your issue, please mark this question as answered. Answered questions helps users in the future who may have the same issue or question quickly find a resolution via search. If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up. THANKS!

[panterra]

HI @Brad_Groux , I have tried providing the app with all permissions and it doesn't seem to change the behaviour I am seeing. 

[Brad_Groux · Accepted solution]

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@panterra wrote:

HI @Brad_Groux , I have tried providing the app with all permissions and it doesn't seem to change the behaviour I am seeing. 

---

Then you may have an app compatability issue with your Android version and/or phone model. I'd verify that you are running the latest version of supported Android on your device, and also make sure that the app is fully up to date as well. 

If your Android version, and device firmware are at their latest levels then you should likely submit a support request that includes your device, carrier, and Android version. Android is the "wild west" of mobile app development, so not every Android phone or Android OS level will be supported. As Apple is a closed ecosystem, it is much easier to test and support apps with only a limited number of device and software specs.  

To submit a support request, click the Contact Support button in the bottom right-hand corner of the Flow support page. They should be able to tell you if your device model and/or software versions have known issues, or they can note the issues with your model and troubleshoot for platform or app updates to remedy it. 

If this reply has answered your question or solved your issue, please mark this question as answered. Answered questions helps users in the future who may have the same issue or question quickly find a resolution via search. If you liked my response, please consider giving it a thumbs up. THANKS!

[panterra]

Thank you @Brad_Groux  and @v-bacao-msft 

I am now working with Microsoft Support on resolving the issue.

Sean

[IanMorgan99]

Hi,
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but did this get resolved? I am seeing the same behaviour.

ie. Use of an input of 'File' from within a Flow that is triggered by 'Button' works fine on IOS, permitting the user to take a photo, but not on Android, where it is only permitted to use an existing file from the filesystem.

Thanks,

Ian.