Photos, Camera, and Permissions

GardenBot uses the camera and photo library only when you choose to take or select photos for plant tracking, AI identification, AI chat attachments, or support feedback.

Camera Access

GardenBot asks for camera access when you take a new plant photo or capture a photo for AI identification or chat.

If camera access is blocked:

1. Open iOS Settings.
2. Find GardenBot.
3. Turn on Camera.
4. Return to GardenBot and try again.

Photo Library Access

GardenBot uses the photo picker when you choose an existing image. Depending on your iOS settings, you may allow full photo access, limited access, or selected-photo access.

If you cannot choose the photo you want:

1. Open iOS Settings.
2. Find GardenBot.
3. Open Photos.
4. Allow access to the relevant photos.

Plant Photos

Plant photos may be stored in Firebase Storage when uploaded to your GardenBot account. The app also caches some images locally to keep the experience fast and useful offline.

If a plant photo does not appear:

1. Check your internet connection.
2. Reopen the plant.
3. Wait for sync to finish.
4. Try replacing the photo.
5. Contact support if the image still does not appear.

AI Identification Photos

AI identification works best with clear photos of the plant. If GardenBot asks you to retry:

• move closer to the plant;
• improve lighting;
• include leaves and the whole plant shape if possible;
• avoid photos with multiple plants;
• retake the photo without heavy blur or glare.

Chat Images

AI chat supports optional image attachments. If a chat image fails:

1. Try selecting the image again.
2. Use a smaller or clearer image.
3. Check your internet connection.
4. Send the message without the image if the question does not require it.

Feedback Attachments

The in-app feedback form supports up to 3 optional images. Feedback images are useful for bug reports, incorrect AI results, and usability issues.

Do not attach images that contain:

• payment cards;
• passwords or recovery codes;
• government IDs;
• medical records;
• private messages;
• faces or personal documents unless they are necessary for the support request.

Contact Support

Use Contact GardenBot and include:

• which photo flow failed: plant photo, AI identification, chat image, or feedback attachment;
• whether the image came from the camera or photo library;
• the error message shown in the app;
• your device model, iOS version, and app version.