Quick Answer: TiviMate records to storage that you choose. On most Android TV and Fire TV devices you point recordings at internal storage or an attached USB drive, and you need enough free space and write access for the device to keep the file. Failed recordings are usually caused by insufficient space, an unavailable storage path, or a stream the provider blocks from recording.
Where TiviMate Recordings Go#
TiviMate does not have its own cloud storage. Recordings are written to a folder on the device or on storage attached to it. On Android TV and Fire TV, that is normally internal storage, and optionally a USB drive or microSD card if the device supports one. The recording path is set in TiviMate's recording settings, so check that the selected location actually exists and is writable.
How Much Space a Recording Needs#
Recording size follows the same logic as streaming data: it depends on the bitrate of the stream and how long you record.
| Stream bitrate | Approx. per hour | Approx. for 2-hour recording |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Mbps | ~0.9 GB | ~1.8 GB |
| 5 Mbps | ~2.25 GB | ~4.5 GB |
| 8 Mbps | ~3.6 GB | ~7.2 GB |
Plan for a margin. A device with only a little free space may record a few minutes and then fail silently once the storage fills.
Why Recordings Fail#
- No space left. The most common cause, especially on Fire TV sticks with small internal storage.
- Storage path unavailable. A USB drive that was removed or remounted can leave the saved path invalid.
- Write permission. Android restricts where apps may write. A location the app cannot access produces failed or empty files.
- Provider restrictions. Some streams or accounts do not permit recording, so the source refuses the recording stream.
- Connection or source instability. A stream that drops mid-recording can end the file early.
For the full troubleshooting flow, see recordings not working.
Best Practices for Recording Storage#
- Use external storage (USB or SD) for recordings if your device supports it, and leave internal storage for the system.
- Keep the output resolution and duration realistic for the space you have.
- Avoid recording multiple channels at once on a small device, since each stream adds to space and CPU load.
- Clean up old recordings regularly, or point recordings at a drive you can expand.
- Record to a location you can access from a PC or file manager so it is easy to move or delete files.
Recording vs Catch-Up#
If your goal is simply to watch a programme later, check whether your playlist supports catch-up. Catch-up replays past broadcasts that the provider already stored, which uses no local storage. Recording is for capturing live TV yourself when catch-up is not available or not offered for that channel.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Can I record to a network or cloud location?#
TiviMate records to local or attached storage the device can write to. It does not provide a cloud recording service of its own.
Why is my recording file empty or very short?#
That usually points to a storage write problem or a stream that stopped early. Check free space and the storage path, then confirm the source allows recording.
Do recordings count toward my data usage?#
Yes. Recording downloads the stream the same as watching, so it uses data at the stream's bitrate while it records.
Choosing the Right Storage Location#
The best location is the one with enough free space that the device can write to reliably. On small sticks, internal storage is scarce, so an attached USB drive is preferable when the device supports one. Confirm the drive is mounted and formatted in a way the device can write to, and that it stays connected while recordings you care about are scheduled.
Managing Space Over Time#
- Review old recordings and delete ones you have watched.
- Prefer catch-up for recent programmes when the provider supports it, since it uses no local storage.
- Keep a margin of free space so the system does not become sluggish.
- If you record often, plan for expansion rather than waiting for failures.
Diagnosing a Failed Recording#
- Check free space on the target storage.
- Confirm the storage path still exists and is writable.
- Verify the channel records on another device or that the provider permits recording.
- Test a short recording to isolate the problem before scheduling a long one.
If recordings consistently fail, see recordings not working for the full flow, and keep a backup so a storage change does not cost you your setup.
A Realistic Storage Plan#
Work backwards from what you record. If you record two-hour programmes at roughly 3 GB per hour, each recording is about 6 GB, so ten recordings need around 60 GB of free space. A device with 8 GB of internal storage simply cannot hold that, which is why external storage or a lighter recording habit matters. Decide the plan before a scheduled recording fails, not after.
External Drive Tips#
- Use a drive the device officially supports and keeps mounted reliably.
- Format it the way the device expects so it remains writable.
- Do not unplug a drive while a recording is in progress.
- Keep a spare folder structure so files are easy to find and delete.
Verifying a Recording Worked#
- Play back a short recording fully to confirm it is complete.
- Check its size against the expected figure.
- Confirm it is on the device you intended.
- Delete test recordings so they do not waste space.
Testing with a short recording first catches storage problems cheaply, before a long, important recording is at risk.
Sources#
See the TiviMate listing on Google Play for the app. For how DVR recording works in general, see digital video recorder on Wikipedia.
Related Guides#
See TiviMate recording, recordings not working, and backup & restore.