How to Fix a Car USB Flash Drive That Won't Read?
2 Answers
Car USB flash drives differ from regular USB drives only in appearance. Car USB drives are typically very compact to save space, while regular USB drives often come with a keyring attachment. You can download songs in MP3 format to ensure compatibility with the car's audio system. Refer to your vehicle's manual to locate the correct folder for storing music files. The issue might be due to incompatible audio formats that the car system can't recognize, or the audio files might be stored in the wrong location.
I encountered this situation last time and it took me a long time to resolve it. First, try switching between different USB ports—some cars have higher-power ports in the rear. Then, check the USB drive’s format; most car systems only recognize FAT32, so if it’s NTFS, you’ll need to reformat it. Avoid creating too many folders on the drive—keeping it to three levels or fewer is best. When plugging it in, check if the USB drive’s indicator light is on. If it is, the issue might be the song format—MP3 has the best compatibility. Remember to back up your data before reformatting, and using a toothpick to clean dust from the USB port can also help. If all else fails, try a new, smaller-capacity USB drive (under 64GB for more stable recognition). Waiting for the car’s system to fully boot before inserting the USB drive can also reduce issues.
