Private Storage

Audio files are moving to private storage!

File storage in Audio Cues is changing to conform with Google's latest security requirements. Starting with release 2021.11.1, audio file storage is private to the app. The app's audio files aren't visible in file management apps, and now need to be managed with Audio Cues' own file management tools.

Here's what you'll see when using private storage:

  • Each show still has its own audio file collection. All of those file collections are now private to the app.

  • You have to import files from within the app. You're no longer able to copy files directly into the app's storage with file management apps or from a computer. Sorry, but this is how Google wants us to do it!

    • You're still able to import from Google Drive, Dropbox or Microsoft OneDrive. You must have the Android app for your selected service installed on your device. Amazon Fire tablets don't support Google Drive, but both Dropbox and OneDrive are available in the Amazon Appstore.

    • You're still able to copy files from a computer connected to the device with a USB cable or over a wireless connection. First, copy the files to the device's Download folder. Then import them in the Manage Audio Files screen. To copy files wirelessly, use a file transfer app such as Sweech or AirDroid.

  • When you delete a show, its audio files are deleted at the same time.

  • When you uninstall the app, all of its audio files are deleted.

Please back up your shows so you can restore them easily! Audio Cues now has enhanced backup and restore tools that work with .zip files containing show designs and files.

If you still have version 2021.09.2 installed, you can easily migrate your files to private storage. The wizard configures the app to use private storage and copies your audio files from public to private storage.

  • Select Migrate to private storage from the app's main menu. (This menu item only appears in version 2021.09.2.)

  • Confirm the migration. Your files will be copied from public to private storage. The original files will be left in public storage as a backup. When you're satisfied that everything is working, you can delete the originals with a file management app.

  • After migrating, you'll able to manage and run your shows just as before.

If you're still using an earlier release that doesn't have the migration wizard, you can upgrade to the latest release and then re-import your files from public storage. The migration wizard also isn't available in version 2021.11.1 or later, since those releases use private storage exclusively.

What happens if I didn't migrate?

Starting with version 2021.11.1, Audio Cues uses private storage exclusively. In this and later releases, public storage is only accessible for imports and backups. After upgrading, if you haven't migrated to private storage, Audio Cues won't be able to find and play your files. But you can re-import your files from public storage and be back up and running quickly.

Any questions, thoughts, or recommendations? Contact us!

Frequently asked questions


Why is this change happening?

Starting with Android 10, Google implemented a feature named Scoped Storage that changes how apps are allowed to store their files. Developers can read about the technical details here and here, but the gist is that Google wants Android apps to keep their files private to the app and only share them with other apps when the user requests it.

In versions 2021.09.2 and earlier, audio files are stored in a publicly visible directory that can be accessed by any app, including file management apps. These files stay on the device even after the app is uninstalled. Google doesn't want us to do that anymore. The new storage model is similar to how apps on iPhones and iPads have always managed their files. From Google's point of view, it's both more secure and less liable to leave clutter in a device's file storage.

Android apps could opt out of these changes until now, and Audio Cues has done so. But starting with version 2021.11.1, all app updates must use Scoped Storage and keep their files private. Audio Cues is getting with the plan.

Can I opt out of this change?

If you still have version 2021.09.2a or earlier, you can choose not to upgrade and continue using public storage. But starting with version 2021.11.1, you'll lose access to your existing files from within Audio Cues. The good news is that you'll still be able to import those files into the app's private storage and be back up and running quickly.

If I migrate to private storage now, can I change my mind?

No, migrating to private storage in version 2021.09.1 is a one-way, non-reversible operation. And starting with version 2021.11.1, Audio Cues only supports private storage. Google Play only lets developers distribute one release of an app at a time, so you can't easily install older versions.

Is this change happening if I got Audio Cues from Amazon?

Yes, the current Amazon release is version 2021.11.1, which uses private storage exclusively.