Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
8/5/2026 3:37:28 PM EDT
This happens only on this site.  I hit the selct image button and a pop-up opens to select my photo.  It defaults to Google photos cloud and does not give me options for local files on my device.  This doesn't happen on any other site.
8/5/2026 5:02:51 PM EDT
[#1]
I'm honestly not sure if this is something with the site or your phone

@iDaniel any ideas?
"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend."
8/5/2026 5:11:32 PM EDT
[#2]
When I had a membership earlier this year, did not have that issue b/c I have a deGoogled Android phone and don't have a Google account.  So I bet it's your settings, OP.  If you sign out of Google, does the problem persist?
8/5/2026 5:34:47 PM EDT
[#3]
This is probably related to the way our older image uploader invokes Android's file picker.

  1. In the picker, tap the menu or Browse, then choose Files, Images, Internal storage, or the DCIM folder rather than Google Photos.
  2. If the photo exists only in Google Photos, download it to the device first.
  3. Try Chrome's latest version, another browser, or an incognito window.
  4. Check whether the image is HEIC/HEIF. The uploader may reject it; converting or saving it as JPG/PNG should work.
  5. If Files/Browse is completely absent, check that Android's Files/Documents provider is enabled and that Google Photos has not been set as the default handler.
  6. If Files is not offered at all, please let us know your Android version, browser, and device model so we can reproduce it.

8/5/2026 11:16:14 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Originally Posted By iDaniel:
This is probably related to the way our older image uploader invokes Android's file picker.

  1. In the picker, tap the menu or Browse, then choose Files, Images, Internal storage, or the DCIM folder rather than Google Photos.
  2. If the photo exists only in Google Photos, download it to the device first.
  3. Try Chrome's latest version, another browser, or an incognito window.
  4. Check whether the image is HEIC/HEIF. The uploader may reject it; converting or saving it as JPG/PNG should work.
  5. If Files/Browse is completely absent, check that Android's Files/Documents provider is enabled and that Google Photos has not been set as the default handler.
  6. If Files is not offered at all, please let us know your Android version, browser, and device model so we can reproduce it.

View Quote


The issue is the picker only gives me the google photos cloud option.  Browse used to show up.  I'm sure it's a phone issue as it only started with a recent update.  I have tried dozens of possible fixes and nothing seems to be working.  
8/5/2026 11:23:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Some clarification after trying again


The picker gives me two options, photos and collections.  When I go to collections there is an option for photos on this device.  When I click that nothing is there.
8/7/2026 3:09:06 AM EDT
[#6]
This sounds like an Android/Google Photos picker change rather than an issue with the forum. The fact that "Photos on this device" is empty means Android's picker is not exposing local media, even though Google Photos can access cloud photos.
Some more recommendations:
  • Open the phone's Files app directly and confirm the images exist under DCIM, Pictures, or Download.
  • Move or copy one test image into DCIM/Camera or Pictures, then restart the phone.
  • Check permissions for Google Photos, Files, and the browser: allow photo/media access.
  • In Google Photos, check Collections   On this device and confirm the folders are visible.
  • Update or reinstall updates for Google Photos, Files by Google, and the browser.
  • Try another browser or upload a test image from a file manager using Share   browser.
  • Avoid clearing Google Photos storage unless the photos are backed up; clearing its cache is safer.
The forum can only receive the file that Android hands to the browser; it cannot control which picker providers Android displays.


8/9/2026 12:04:21 PM EDT
[Last Edit: shaggy][Edited] [#7]
Having a similar issue, but from my PC. I've tried uploading and attaching pics from my PC to a post but (at least from my end) it looks like a black box.  Example...

Attached File
"Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem." - Ronald Reagan
"Everything I want to do is illegal." - Joel Salatin

Sign up to continue the discussion

Create a free account to share your thoughts, follow topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.

Already a member? Sign In