USB C Memory Stick For Music Questions

Mac Culver · Apr 25, 2024

I have several questions about using a console USB port for music. I have a 8 GB USB stick that I used successfully in my Bolt EUV. I bought a USB A to USB C adapter to test to see if it would work OK in the Blazer EV. It would play music but I have questions.

I am going to buy a new USB stick with a type C connector. What is the maximum GB size I can use?
When I plug it in I get the error: "This media source unavailable for browsing." I can play music but it does not generate a list I can quickly search. What is wrong?
In another thread a member suggested that the USB C port in the storage compartment under the arm rest was the best for music. Has this been confirmed?

Of course, the Owner's Manual is silent on these details.

My thanks in advance!

Mac

mepafford · Apr 26, 2024

Mac,
Let me give you my two cents, on how I've been using my 'USB Jukebox':
- I've been using it ever since I bought the car last October,
since I used it for years in my ICE Equinox.

In the Equinox, I used a USB 2/3 thumb drive.
When I got this EV Blazer, I Copied all my MP4s over to another thumb drive with dual USB 2/3 and USB C connections.
I play my Music Thumb Drive in the Arm Rest Console USB C connection-just because it's more out of the way there.
I'm pretty sure there is No Limit on how big the thumb drive can be.
I also get the same no browsing prompt.

If I tap the small square Now Playing window in the lower right of the screen,
it goes to full screen and I can do simple things like Shuffle, Play, Skip Forward, or Skip Backwards.
I can also use the buttons on either side of the steering wheel (left for next/last songs; and right for volume).
I can also toggle the Audio Mute button to mute/pause songs.
I really haven't 'formally' tested the front and console USB C plugs to find out if one is better than the other.
But, when my Dealer EV Technician told me, "Only the Arm Rest Console USB C Port will allow us to do the software updates", I figured it might be because it was a more powerful connection. and therefore might play thumb drive music better. I could be completely wrong about that.

Rocky · Apr 26, 2024

I agree with everything mepafford said.

My service department told me the same about the console USB port.

I use a Samsung USB-3.1 and a USB-C 90 degree adapter which keeps it even more out of the way.

I prefer the simplicity of using the USB but if you want more features, you can down load Audiowagon from the play store. It isn't shown on the list of available apps, but you can find it using the search function.

Rocky · Apr 26, 2024

Rocky said:
I agree with everything mepafford said.

My service department told me the same about the console USB port.

I use a Samsung USB-3.1 and a USB-C 90 degree adapter which keeps it even more out of the way.

I prefer the simplicity of using the USB, but if you want more features, you can download Audiowagon from the play store. It isn't shown on the list of available apps, but you can find it using the search function.

My computer is acting weird this morning. There's more I wanted to say.

Check out the Audiowagon website for instructions. Don't forget to format your drive to FAT-32

Rocky · Apr 28, 2024

Something I had forgotten about that I had just re-discovered today. If you're listening to your music on USB, there is a music note symbol that pops up on the infotainment screen just above and slightly to the left of the album art. Tap that and it will show all the music files on your USB.

Mac Culver · Apr 29, 2024

Thank you! That's what I've been looking for. Wow, that is not obvious.
Regards

BennyEV · Apr 29, 2024

It is quite sad that you have to format it to a FAT32 in order to read it. In this day and age NTFS is a far better choice IMHO.

Rocky · Apr 29, 2024

Tell that to the guy who did the programming and developed AudioWagon.

He doesn't charge a single cent for it. I'm sure that all the GM, Polestar, and Volvo customers that use it couldn't care less about what format he uses.

I used it for 3 years and am grateful for it.

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