Do PWAs Have Camera Access? Features, Security, Examples

Can PWAs Use Your Camera?

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) are everywhere—shopping sites, social media platforms, and even productivity tools. Millions of people use them daily without realizing they work differently from regular mobile apps. 

One common question is whether PWAs can access device features like the camera. Since PWAs run in a browser, their access to hardware is different from native apps. So, how does camera access work, and can you control it?

Do PWAs Have Camera Access?

Yes, PWAs can access your device’s camera, but only with your permission. 

They use browser APIs—like the MediaDevices.getUserMedia API—to request access, just like a website would during a video call. This means you always get a prompt asking for consent before a PWA can use your camera.

However, both PWAs and native apps have limitations compared to a phone’s built-in camera app, especially on Android.

They can’t access advanced camera settings or use background processing. For example, a PWA might struggle with real-time image processing or AR features that require deeper system integration.

 Still, for basic tasks like scanning QR codes or taking pictures, PWAs work just fine.

How to Stop PWA Camera Access

If you ever want to revoke camera access for a PWA, here’s how:

• On desktop browsers: Go to your browser settings, find Privacy & Security, and check the Permissions section. You can block or remove camera access for specific sites.
   
• On mobile devices: In your browser settings, look for Site Settings (Chrome) or Website Data (Safari). You can toggle camera access off for any PWA you’ve used.

If you’ve installed a PWA on your home screen, it still follows browser-based permissions, so managing access is as simple as tweaking your browser settings.

Developing and Securing PWA Camera Access

Allowing camera access in a Progressive Web App (PWA) opens up exciting possibilities, from video calls to barcode scanning. But how do developers integrate this feature, and is it safe for users? 

How to Develop PWAs with Camera Access

Adding camera access to a PWA is straightforward using the MediaDevices API in JavaScript. Here’s a quick look at the process:

1. Request access using navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia() to capture video or images.
2. Handle permissions—browsers will always ask for user approval before granting access.
3. Ensure browser compatibility—modern browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox support this API, but some older versions may not.

Here’s a simple example:

 
navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia({ video: true })
  .then(stream => {
    document.querySelector('video').srcObject = stream;
  })
  .catch(error => {
    console.error("Camera access denied:", error);
  });
 

PWAs don’t need separate app store approvals, making camera integration quick and efficient. However, security is key—let’s discuss how to keep users safe.

Is Camera Access in PWAs Safe?

PWAs can’t access cameras in the background or without user consent, but security concerns still exist. 

Here’s what to consider:

• Permissions expire 
  Most browsers revoke access once a session ends or after a certain period.
  
   
• HTTPS is required
  PWAs must be served over secure connections to access device cameras.
  
   
• No background access
  Unlike native apps, PWAs can’t run camera functions when minimized.
   

All these features are natively implemented by the browser—without them, camera access would be forbidden. Developers must handle permissions properly to ensure smooth functionality and security.

To ensure safety :

✔ Always request permissions clearly and allow users to revoke access anytime.
✔ Use secure authentication if storing or transmitting video data.
✔ Follow privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA) when handling personal media.

How Can Camera Access Be Used in PWAs?

Using camera access unlocks various possibilities for PWAs, like:

• Taking and uploading photos – 
  For social media apps or ID verification.
  
   
• Video calling – 
  Lightweight video chat features without downloads.
  
   
• QR code scanning – 
  Instant product lookups or contactless payments.
  
   
• Augmented reality (AR) – 
  Virtual try-ons for fashion or home decor.

These kinds of features enhance the user experience without compromising the speed and accessibility of PWAs. Camera-enabled PWAs can be strong and secure if done right.
 

Popular PWAs That Use Camera Access

Many well-known PWAs already take advantage of camera access to enhance user experience. Here are a few examples:

Instagram PWA – Allows users to take and upload photos directly from the browser without installing the full app.

WhatsApp Web – Enables video calls and voice calls when connected to a mobile device. It also supports QR code scanning for secure login.

Google Lens PWA – Lets users scan and search images using their device camera, identifying objects, text, and products instantly.

AliExpress PWA – Features a barcode and QR code scanner to help users find products quickly.

Figma PWA – Supports live camera feeds for collaborative design feedback and real-time interactions.

These examples show how PWAs can integrate camera access effectively, making apps more lightweight and accessible while still offering powerful features.