Overview

While using the PWA version of an app, one might notice that features that require the device's camera to scan a QR code, such as the Loyalty Feature, are not working as intended. The behavior is that the camera doesn't turn on when trying to scan a coupon/code, and in the case of iOS devices (iPhones/iPads), one gets a blank/black screen saying "Point at a QR code". 

Information

By design, the PWA implementation differs from a Native App (iOS or Android) in the way it uses the device's camera as it accesses the app through the mobile device's browser. Thus, the QR Scanner feature is not fully supported for PWAs.

As a matter of fact, it is a known limitation for PWAs to use some of the native mobile phone capabilities like the camera but also call, voice recording, and others. Therefore, one recommendation would be to invite users to download the native versions of the app.

Alternatively, depending on the app feature being used that requires access to the camera, one could search for other options. For example, in case one is using the Loyalty Feature, one can replace the 'QR Code' option for a 'Secret Code' as the stamp method.

Related Articles

• Features Working on iOS Android and Web App
• PWA Issues - Troubleshooting
• Building the Loyalty Feature