Understanding Root Directory vs Limited Mode¶
When binding your RecDual Dongle to RecDual Link App, the folder you authorize determines which features are available. This article explains the difference between Root Directory access and Limited Mode.
What is Root Directory Access?¶
Root Directory access means you authorized the app to access the top-level folder of your RecDual Dongle’s storage - not any subfolder like “Videos” or “DCIM”.
How to identify root directory:
It’s the first level you see when opening the device storage
Contains folders like “Videos”, “System”, etc.
Shows the full device capacity
Features with Root Directory Access:
All video playback and download features
Full configuration management
One-click firmware upgrade (requires root access)
Storage health monitoring
All device settings
What is Limited Mode?¶
Limited Mode activates when you authorize only a subfolder (like “Videos”) instead of the root directory.
Why Limited Mode exists:
Some Android devices restrict root access to external storage
Google Pixel and certain Samsung models may not show root option
Security policies on some phones prevent full storage access
Features in Limited Mode:
Video playback and streaming: Yes
Video download and delete: Yes
Basic configuration: Yes
Firmware upgrade: No (blocked)
Some advanced features: Limited
Feature Comparison¶
Feature |
Root Directory |
Limited Mode |
|---|---|---|
Video playback |
Yes |
Yes |
Video download |
Yes |
Yes |
Delete videos |
Yes |
Yes |
View storage capacity |
Yes |
Yes |
Change settings |
Yes |
Yes |
Save configuration |
Yes |
Partial |
Firmware upgrade |
Yes |
No |
Access all folders |
Yes |
No |
Why Firmware Update Needs Root Access¶
Firmware update files must be written to the root directory of the TF card. The device reads firmware files from a specific location during startup:
App downloads firmware file
Writes file to TF card root directory
You restart the device
Device finds and installs firmware
If app only has subfolder access (Limited Mode), it cannot write to root and firmware update fails.
How to Check Your Current Mode¶
Open RecDual Link App
Go to Dashboard or Settings
Look for access mode indicator: - “Full Access” or no warning = Root Directory access - “Limited Mode” or warning message = Limited Mode
Switching from Limited to Root Mode¶
If you’re in Limited Mode but want full features:
Option 1: Reset and Rebind
Go to Settings > Reset Binding Permissions
When file picker appears, navigate to root directory
Select the device root (not any subfolder)
Tap “Use this folder”
Grant access
Option 2: Use Different Platform
If your Android phone doesn’t allow root access:
Use the Windows version of RecDual Link (full root access)
Perform firmware updates on Windows
Use Android for other features
Option 3: Try Different Method
On some phones, the following may help access root:
When file picker opens, look for “Internal Storage” or similar at top
Tap the hamburger menu (three lines) to see all storage locations
Find and select the USB device directly
Why Some Phones Restrict Root Access¶
Android 11+ Scoped Storage:
Google introduced stricter storage policies to improve security:
Apps can only access their own folders by default
External storage access requires explicit user permission
Some devices further restrict this for USB storage
Manufacturer Restrictions:
Some phone manufacturers add additional restrictions:
Google Pixel: Often limits external storage root access
Some Samsung: May restrict based on security settings
Work profiles: Corporate devices may block external storage
Workarounds for Restricted Phones¶
Use Windows for Firmware Updates
The most reliable solution:
Connect RecDual Dongle to Windows PC
Use Windows version of RecDual Link
Perform firmware update (always has root access)
Continue using Android for daily use
Manual Firmware Update
As a last resort, you can manually update firmware:
Download firmware file from official website
Copy to TF card root directory using computer
Insert TF card into RecDual Dongle
Restart device to install
Note
Manual firmware update is not recommended for most users. Use the Windows app method if possible.