On-device resources

On-device resources can only be accessed in native mobile apps, not in web apps.

Location services

Access native device location using GPS, Wi-Fi, cell towers, and Bluetooth.

How location works on mobile

Location access in native apps is more accurate than on the web:

• Web apps rely on the browser’s geolocation API, which may use Wi-Fi, IP addresses, and GPS if available.

• Native apps use OS-level location services, giving more precise and real-time results.

Workflow actions

• Get current location: Pings the device and returns its current location. If the user hasn’t granted permission, the system will prompt them. If denied, no location will be returned.

• Request location permissions: Prompts the native permission dialog for location access. You can customize the message in the Settings → Language tab to meet App Store guidelines.

Data sources

• Current geographic position: Returns a one-time location when the view initializes. Requires granted permissions.

• Has granted location permissions: Returns yes or no depending on the user’s permission status.

Google Maps support

If your app uses maps:

• For Android: Enable Maps SDK for Android in Google Cloud.

• For iOS with Google Maps: Enable Maps SDK for iOS.

• No key is required if you're using Apple Maps on iOS only.

Enter your API keys under Settings → General.

Camera and photo library

Use the device’s camera or access stored images with dedicated actions.

Using the camera

• Use the Open camera action to launch the device’s camera app.

• To save the photo to the device’s photo library, enable Save to camera library.

• To make the file private, check Make this file private and attach it to a data type.

• The uploaded file will be returned as a URL via Result of step X.

Using the photo library

• Use the Open camera library action to let users choose images from their device.

• Choose between single or multiple image uploads using the Type setting.

• You can make the file private in the same way as with camera photos.

Permissions and prompts

• Bubble automatically handles permission requests for camera and photo library access.

• You can customize the system prompt in Settings → Language.

For more on translating system-level messages, see the article: App texts.