Native Mobile / Components

Backup Library for Camera Attachments

Also referred to as: backup folder, failed upload attachment center, failed captured media uploads

Overview

  • Release version
    Zurich
  • Available sinceMadrid
  • A11Y WCAG 2.1 AA

Only compatible with screens that allow attachment upload using camera source

This component can be used in the following screens, only for camera source attachments:

The Backup Library is an optional capability that stores a local copy of photos or videos captured via the Camera source that failed to upload. It helps prevent data loss in case an upload fails due to poor connectivity, app closure, or interruptions during the upload process. Files are encrypted and only accessible through the ServiceNow Mobile app.

Figma link
Backup Library for Camera Attachments Figma component

Figma library with components for designing Native Mobile.

ServiceNow Docs link
Backup library documentation

Conceptual and configuration guidance

Figma link
Native Mobile Components and variables

Figma library with components for designing Native Mobile.

When to use

Use the Backup Library component to support recovery of failed attachments captured via the Camera source. It’s available in screens that support camera-based uploads, such as the Input form screen, Record screen, or any screen using an Attachment function.

When not to use

Don’t use the Backup Library outside of screens where users can upload attachments via the Camera source. It is designed specifically to support recovery for failed camera-based uploads and should not be added to screens that do not include the Camera as an attachment source.

Anatomy

iOS Backup Library

iOS

Android Backup Library

Android

  1. Top navigation bar: Displays the title ("Backup Library") along with two actions:
  • Cancel - Closes the screen without selecting or uploading any files.
  • Upload - Initiates the upload for selected attachments from the backup library.
  1. Attachment cards: A list of available attachments that were previously captured using the Camera source and failed to upload. Each attachment card includes:
  • Selector control - Allows users to select one or multiple attachments for upload.
  • Thumbnail preview - Tapping opens a full-screen view of the image or video.
  • File format tag - Indicates the file type (Image or Video).
  • File name and size - Helps users identify each attachment.

Usage

The backup library automatically saves a secure copy of any failed attachment captured using the Camera source, this ensures users can recover the file later without needing to retake it. When you tap the Camera icon from any screen, and a backup file is available, you'll see a menu with two options:

  • Take a Photo or Video (default)
  • Add from Backup Library

Behavior - when the backup library is enabled:

  • If an upload fails and the user exits the Upload Manager without resolving the failures, a copy of the failed files is saved locally in the backup library (only for media files that were captured using the camera directly into the app).
  • When the user taps the Camera icon (from any screen) to add a new attachment, and backup media files are available, instead of opening the camera directly - a menu will appear with two options:
    • Take a Photo or Video (default)
    • Add from Backup Library
  • If the user selects “Add from Backup Library”, a modal will open with all of the saved backup files. The user can select a single or multiple files (multi-select) and upload them.
  • Successfully uploaded backup files are removed from the backup library automatically.
Flow showing a user tapping the camera icon, menu opens with two options, usr

Configuration

Admins can enable the backup library for camera sources to allow a temporary local storage of photos and videos captured using the device's camera. This helps prevent data loss when uploads fail due to connectivity issues, app crashes, or user exit.

Admin-configurable options:

  1. Enable backup library: Off by default - must be enabled manually.
  2. Set retention period: Define how long (in hours) the files are stored locally before they are automatically deleted.

Important notes:

  • Camera-only: The backup library applies only to files captured using the Camera source. Files from gallery or file system are not backed up, as they already exist on the device or in the cloud.
  • Encrypted storage: Files are encrypted and not visible or accessible outside the app.
  • Security considerations: Before enabling this feature, admins should review their organization’s data protection policies. While the backup library is secure, it involves local storage of potentially sensitive content.

Responsive behaviors

The Backup Library stretches edge-to-edge and adjusts automatically to fit the width of the device. It supports both portrait and landscape orientations without affecting functionality or layout.

Landscape mode

This is what the Backup Library looks on Landscape mode:

iOS landscape orientation of the backup library

iOS

Android landscape orientation of the backup library

Android

iPad version

This is what the Backup Library looks on the iPad version:

Backup library in an iPad screen size, portrait orientation

Interactions

1. Failed upload triggers backup

User captures photo using Camera → Upload fails → Upload Manager is closed → File is backed up automatically in the backup library (if backup library is enabled).

2. Access backup library

If backup files are available - when a user taps the Camera icon on any screen, a menu will appear with an additional option to select the file from the backup library (instead of opening the camera directly).

Flow showing a tap on the Camera icon, a menu appears with an additional option to select the file from the backup library

3. Multi-select

Users can select multiple attachments from the Backup Library for upload. Each attachment can be selected by tapping the selection control located to the left of its thumbnail.

Multiple attachments selected in a backup library modal

4. Full-screen media view

When a user taps on an image/video thumbnail or details in the Backup Library, it opens in full-screen view in a modal to provide an expanded preview.

  • iOS supports full-screen view for both images and videos.
  • Android supports full-screen view only for images.
Tap on an video attachment card in the backup library modal, opens a modal with a full screen view of the video with the capability to watch it