What Permission Do You Need to Set in Info.plist in Xcode to Allow Camera on Your App?

When you create an app that needs to use the camera, you must tell the system why your app wants to access the camera. iOS requires apps to ask for permission to protect user privacy. This is done in a file called Info.plist in your Xcode project.

In this article, you will learn what permission you need to set in the Info.plist file to allow your app to use the camera. The explanation will be simple and easy to follow.

What is Info.plist?

The Info.plist file is a property list file that contains key-value pairs for configuring your app. It provides information to the operating system about the app’s capabilities and settings. When your app tries to use certain features, iOS checks this file to see if the app has declared why it needs those features.

If your app wants to access hardware like the camera, microphone, or location services, you need to add a specific key to the Info.plist file with a message explaining to the user why the app requires access.

Which Permission is Required for Camera Access?

To access the camera, your app needs the NSCameraUsageDescription key in the Info.plist file. This key is mandatory, and it allows you to provide a message that appears when the system asks the user to grant camera access.

What is NSCameraUsageDescription?

The NSCameraUsageDescription key stands for “Camera Usage Description.” Its value is a string that explains the reason your app needs to use the camera. This string is shown in the permission alert that iOS displays the first time your app tries to access the camera.

Without this key, the app will crash if it attempts to open the camera because iOS will refuse access and flag the app for missing the required usage description.

How to Add Camera Permission in Info.plist

Here is a step-by-step guide to adding camera permission in your app's Info.plist:

1. Open your project in Xcode.
2. Locate the Info.plist file in your project navigator. It is usually named Info.plist or YourAppName-Info.plist.
3. Click on the Info.plist file to open it.
4. Add a new key by clicking the + button.
5. Select or type Privacy - Camera Usage Description. This is the readable name for NSCameraUsageDescription.
6. Enter a user-friendly message in the value field. For example, “This app requires camera access to take photos.”
7. Save the file.

This message must be clear and explain why your app needs the camera so that users can make an informed decision when prompted.

What Happens After Adding NSCameraUsageDescription?

After adding the NSCameraUsageDescription key, when your app tries to use the camera for the first time, iOS automatically shows a prompt with your message. The user sees something like:

"[Your message here]" Would Like to Access the Camera

The user can choose Allow or Don’t Allow. If the user allows access, your app can use the camera. If the user denies access, your app must handle the lack of camera permission gracefully.

Handling Camera Permission in Your Code

The permission prompt is triggered when your app attempts to open the camera through APIs like AVCaptureSession or UIImagePickerController. It is a good practice to check the current camera authorization status before trying to use it.

You can check the status using the AVCaptureDevice.authorizationStatus(for:) method with .video as the media type. Depending on the status:

• If .authorized, you can open the camera.
• If .notDetermined, you can request permission.
• If .denied or .restricted, you should inform the user that camera access is denied and possibly provide steps to enable it in settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing NSCameraUsageDescription: The app will crash if this key is not set before accessing the camera.
• Empty or unclear message: The system uses your message in the permission alert, so make sure it is clear and reassuring.
• Assuming permission is granted: Always check the permission status and handle denial properly.

To allow camera access in your iOS app, setting the NSCameraUsageDescription key in the Info.plist file is required. This key provides a message that explains why your app wants to use the camera. Without it, the app cannot access the camera and may crash.

Make sure to write a clear and polite usage description so users feel comfortable granting access. After adding this key, iOS will take care of asking for permission automatically. Your app should check the permission status and handle cases where access is denied.

This small step is important for privacy and user trust when building apps that use the camera.