Image uploader widget not allowing me to upload images using camera

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When using the Mendix image uploader widget inside of the hybrid app on my Android device, it does not give me the option to upload a picture by taking a picture using my camera, it directs me to the files on my device.  I do not have this problem when using it on an iOS device.  I have camera permissions enabled on my app, does anyone know what may be causing this issue?  FYI we are using Mendix version 6.10.17, thanks.
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4 answers
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The image uploader widget is specifically used for uploading existing images from a device to the application. If you want to take a picture using your device's camera, take a look at the Camera widget: https://appstore.home.mendix.com/link/app/1377/

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It used to be set up so that when you select the image uploader widget it would allow you to select the camera to take a picture and upload it or select an existing photo/file on your device. It works this way currently on iOS devices

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I''ve run into this exact same problem using the Mendix File Uploader widget.

Did you, or anyone else find a solution for this problem?


Thanks,


Kris

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Hi,


This is actually expected behavior on Android, especially in older Mendix versions like 6.x.

The Mendix Image Uploader widget (web/hybrid) relies on the standard HTML file input. On Android, this does not guarantee camera option — it depends on:

  • Browser/WebView implementation
  • Device configuration

That’s why:

  • iOS shows camera option directly
  • Android often shows only file picker

Root cause

The widget does not explicitly enforce camera usage. It uses something like:


<input type="file">

On Android, unless accept and capture attributes are properly handled by the WebView, the camera option may not appear.

In older Mendix (6.x):

  • This behavior is inconsistent
  • Hybrid app WebView has limitations

Working solutions

1. Use Native Camera widget (recommended)

Instead of Image Uploader:

  • Use Camera / Take Picture widget (Cordova plugin)

This gives:

  • Direct camera access
  • Consistent behavior across Android devices

2. Custom widget with capture support (if staying hybrid)

You can create or use a widget that sets:


<input type="file" accept="image/*" capture="camera">

But note:

  • Not all Android WebViews respect this
  • Behavior still varies by device

3. Check WebView / Chrome version

On Android:

  • Update Android System WebView / Chrome
  • Sometimes camera option appears after update

4. Upgrade Mendix version (strongly recommended)

Mendix 6.10 is quite old.

Later versions (7+ / 8+) improved:

  • Hybrid behavior
  • Widget compatibility

Important note

Even with correct permissions:

  • Android does not guarantee camera option for file input
  • It is not purely a Mendix issue, but platform limitation

This is a limitation of the Image Uploader in hybrid apps on Android. The reliable solution is to use a dedicated camera widget/plugin, rather than relying on the default file upload behavior.

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