How to grant storage permissions on Android?

RecDual Link App requires storage access permissions on Android to communicate with your RecDual Dongle. This guide shows you how to grant the necessary permissions.

Why Storage Permission is Needed

Storage permission allows RecDual Link to:

  • Read and write configuration files

  • Access recorded videos for playback

  • Write firmware files for updates

  • Manage files on the TF card

Without proper permissions, the app cannot fully function.

Granting Permission During Setup

When you first try to bind your device, the app will request storage access:

Step 1: Start Binding

  1. Connect your RecDual Dongle

  2. Open RecDual Link App

  3. Tap Bind Device

Step 2: System File Picker

  1. A file browser will appear

  2. Navigate to find your RecDual Dongle storage

  3. It may appear as “USB drive”, “External storage”, or with a volume name

Step 3: Select Root Directory (Recommended)

  1. Don’t enter any subfolders - stay at the root level

  2. Tap Use this folder at the bottom

  3. A confirmation dialog appears

Step 4: Confirm Authorization

  1. Tap Allow to grant access

  2. Wait for the app to complete binding

  3. You’ll be taken to the Dashboard

Manual Permission Setup

If you accidentally denied permission or need to re-grant access:

Method 1: Through Android Settings

  1. Go to Settings > Apps (or Applications)

  2. Find and tap RecDual Link

  3. Tap Permissions

  4. Tap Storage or Files and media

  5. Select Allow or Allow all the time

Method 2: Through App Settings

  1. Open RecDual Link App

  2. Go to Settings

  3. Tap Reset Binding Permissions

  4. Follow the file picker process again

  5. Grant access when prompted

Android Version Differences

Android 10 and earlier:

  • Simple storage permission model

  • Grant “Storage” permission in app settings

  • Root directory access typically available

Android 11 and later (Scoped Storage):

  • More restrictive storage access

  • Uses Storage Access Framework (SAF)

  • Must select folder through file picker

  • Some devices may limit root directory access

Root Directory vs Subfolder Access

Root Directory Access (Full Features):

  • Select the drive/device root when prompted

  • Unlocks all features including firmware updates

  • Recommended for best experience

Subfolder Access (Limited Mode):

  • If root access isn’t available, select Videos folder

  • Basic features work (playback, download)

  • Cannot perform firmware updates

For more details, see Understanding Root Directory vs Limited Mode.

Troubleshooting Permission Issues

“Permission denied” errors

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RecDual Link > Permissions

  2. Ensure Storage permission is granted

  3. Try “Reset Binding Permissions” in app

  4. Rebind the device

Can’t see RecDual Dongle in file picker

  1. Check OTG is enabled

  2. Verify device is connected

  3. Try disconnecting and reconnecting

  4. Restart the app

Permission keeps getting revoked

Some phones have aggressive permission management:

  1. Go to Settings > Apps > RecDual Link

  2. Look for “Remove permissions if app isn’t used”

  3. Disable this option

  4. Re-grant permissions

File picker shows empty or wrong location

  1. Make sure RecDual Dongle is recognized by system

  2. Check Settings > Storage for external devices

  3. Try switching USB modes if prompted

  4. Restart phone and try again

Specific Phone Instructions

Samsung Galaxy:

Settings > Apps > RecDual Link > Permissions > Storage > Allow

Google Pixel:

Settings > Apps > RecDual Link > Permissions > Files and media > Allow all files

Xiaomi/Redmi:

Settings > Apps > Manage apps > RecDual Link > App permissions > Storage > Allow

OnePlus:

Settings > Apps & notifications > RecDual Link > Permissions > Storage > Allow

Tip

If you can’t find the exact settings path, search “RecDual” in your phone’s settings search bar.