How to Play Music from a USB Drive in a Car?
3 Answers
If the car does not have a USB device, it is impossible to play songs from a USB drive. First, locate the USB port, then insert the USB drive containing music into the USB port. On the central control unit, switch the input medium to USB. Here are the detailed steps: First, locate the USB port. In some car models, the USB port is easy to find, usually located in the glove box or under the central console. You can refer to the manual to confirm the USB port's location. Next, find the car's central control panel, turn on the power switch, and follow the on-screen instructions. Different central consoles may have different operations, so you need to find the input menu and switch it to USB. Generally, the central control unit will automatically recognize the songs and start playing. First, locate the USB port. In some car models, the USB port is easy to find, usually located in the glove box or under the central console. You can refer to the manual to confirm the USB port's location. First, format the USB drive, create a new folder to save the music, then insert it into the USB port for use. Next, find the car's central control panel, turn on the power switch, and follow the on-screen instructions. Different central consoles may have different operations, so you need to find the input menu and switch it to USB. Generally, the central control unit will automatically recognize the songs and start playing. The USB drive must be in FAT32 format. If the USB drive is not in this format, format it to FAT32. The USB drive must be a single partition, meaning you cannot use a USB device with hidden partitions or one that has been made into a bootable drive.
As a new driver who just bought a car, I used to find Bluetooth music playback from my phone unstable. Later, I tried using a USB flash drive, and the results were much better. Prepare a properly formatted FAT32 USB drive and copy MP3 music files into it. It's recommended to right-click the USB drive in Windows Explorer on your computer and select 'Format'—it's very simple. Once in the car, locate the USB port, usually in the glove box or on the center console, and insert the USB drive. After starting the vehicle, tap the 'Media' option on the infotainment screen and select the USB source for automatic playback. The first time you use it, the system might take a few seconds to scan. Test it with some soft music to confirm it's working. This method is highly power-efficient, saves mobile data compared to using a phone, and delivers clear, uninterrupted sound quality. An 8GB USB drive is sufficient for storing around a hundred songs. Organize your playlist into folders before driving to avoid distractions, and use the song-switching button for quick access while driving safely. Remember to safely eject the USB drive from the infotainment system before turning off the car to protect your data—don’t just pull it out, as this could damage files. It’s a practical and convenient solution for daily commutes.
I've been driving long distances for over a decade, and using a USB drive for music is the wisdom of veteran drivers. The process is simple: first format the USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT, then copy MP3 or WAV files onto it from a computer—preferably standard quality to save space. Plug it into the USB port in the car (usually located below the center console), press the media button to switch to USB mode, and playback starts immediately. If issues arise, such as the USB not being recognized, it might be due to incorrect formatting or too many files causing lag—backup and recopy to resolve. While driving, avoid frequent plugging and unplugging to prevent distraction, and organize songs into folders for easy access. Using a USB for music is more convenient than CDs and more stable with less interference than Bluetooth, especially reliable in mountainous areas with poor signals. For maintenance, check and clean the USB port from dust every six months to ensure good contact and worry-free long-term use.
