Why does the USB drive sometimes not get recognized in the Envision?

[MacFernando]

The USB drive sometimes not being recognized in the Envision may be due to incorrect formatting of the USB drive, which prevents it from being read, or damage to the USB port or the USB drive itself. Precautions for using USB drives: 1. Some USB drives support hot-swapping, but do not unplug them while they are in use, as this may cause data loss. 2. Regularly scan USB drives for viruses to prevent virus infections. 3. When not in use, it is best to unplug the USB drive from the computer rather than leaving it plugged in continuously, as switching the computer from sleep mode to normal mode may cause data loss on the USB drive. 4. USB drives usually have an indicator light; if the light is flashing continuously, do not unplug the USB drive.

[StAyla]

I've driven many cars, and the issue of USB ports not recognizing flash drives is quite common in the Envision. Usually, the problem lies with the flash drive itself—such as unsupported formats. The infotainment system prefers FAT32 format, so if the flash drive is exFAT or NTFS, issues may arise. Alternatively, the flash drive might be faulty, overloaded with files causing slow response—try formatting it or testing with another flash drive to see if it works. Loose connections are another factor; dust buildup in the USB port can cause instability—gently clean it with a soft brush. System software updates are also crucial; outdated infotainment systems may lack compatibility, so visiting a dealership for a firmware update might resolve it. Temperature effects can’t be ignored either—flash drives can overheat and fail in hot summers; unplugging them to cool down before reinserting helps. In short, start simple by trying a different flash drive, then inspect the port if needed.

[DiZane]

I have an Envision and have also experienced intermittent issues with USB drives. Most of the time, it's because the USB drive isn't inserted tightly or is aging—the connection is too loose and disconnects when jolted. Try switching to another USB port and securing it properly. Another possibility is that the USB drive is too old, with worn-out storage chips causing read/write failures. Back up your data immediately and replace it with a new USB drive, but avoid overly large capacities—the car's system might struggle with drives over 2TB. Also, pay attention to the battery level; if the battery isn't fully charged, the car's unstable power supply might cause the USB drive to be rejected. Make sure to plug in the USB after starting the engine. When parking, be mindful of dust entering the port—just wipe it with a small cloth. These minor issues are easy to handle, so don’t rush to a repair shop—try troubleshooting at home first.