GoogleSignInAccount getPhotoUrl() Returns Null: Troubleshooting Guide
Understanding the Issue
The getPhotoUrl() method in Google Sign-In’s GoogleSignInAccount object is designed to retrieve the user’s profile picture URL. When it returns null, it indicates that the user either:
- Has not provided a profile picture.
- Has set their profile picture to private.
- Has an outdated Google account with missing profile information.
Steps to Diagnose and Resolve
1. Verify User’s Profile Picture Settings
* **Encourage the user to check their Google account settings:** Guide them to their Google profile, where they can manage their photo settings.
* **Ensure the photo is publicly accessible:** The user should ensure that their profile picture is set to “Public” or “Anyone.”
2. Check the GoogleSignInAccount Object
* **Inspect the GoogleSignInAccount object:** Review the other fields of the account object, such as getDisplayName() and getEmail(). If these are also missing or invalid, it suggests a broader issue with account information.
3. Verify Google Sign-In Configuration
* **Double-check the scope requests:** Ensure your Google Sign-In configuration includes the “profile” scope:
“`pre
GoogleSignInOptions gso = new GoogleSignInOptions.Builder(GoogleSignInOptions.DEFAULT_SIGN_IN)
.requestEmail()
.requestProfile()
.build();
“`
* **Review your code for potential errors:** Ensure you are correctly retrieving and using the GoogleSignInAccount object, avoiding potential null pointer exceptions.
4. Account Consistency
* **Confirm the account is linked to Google Sign-In:** Ensure that the account being used for sign-in is associated with a Google profile, not just an email address.
* **Re-request sign-in:** In some cases, a fresh sign-in request might help resolve issues with outdated account information.
5. Alternative Approaches
* **Fetch the profile picture after login:** Instead of directly using getPhotoUrl(), you can make an API call to Google’s People API to retrieve the user’s profile picture after successful sign-in.
* **Use a placeholder image:** If the user’s profile picture is unavailable, provide a placeholder image instead of displaying a blank space.
Example Code
“`pre
GoogleSignInAccount account = GoogleSignIn.getLastSignedInAccount(this);
if (account != null) {
Uri photoUrl = account.getPhotoUrl();
if (photoUrl != null) {
// Set the user’s profile picture
profileImageView.setImageURI(photoUrl);
} else {
// Display placeholder image or handle the null case
profileImageView.setImageResource(R.drawable.placeholder);
}
}
“`
Troubleshooting Table
| Issue | Solution |
|—|—|
| User has not provided a profile picture. | Encourage the user to set a profile picture in their Google account. |
| Profile picture is set to private. | Encourage the user to make their profile picture public. |
| Outdated Google account | Re-request sign-in or use the Google People API. |
| Incorrect Google Sign-In scope | Include “profile” scope in the GoogleSignInOptions. |
| Null pointer exception in code | Review code for correct retrieval and handling of the GoogleSignInAccount object. |
Additional Tips
* **Consider caching the profile picture:** After successful retrieval, store the profile picture URL in local storage for efficient display later.
* **Handle errors gracefully:** Use try-catch blocks to prevent app crashes due to unexpected errors.
* **Provide clear error messages:** If the profile picture is unavailable, notify the user with a concise and helpful message.