Loading and playing music downloaded to memory stick in my C8?

[JCWP]

Not sure this is the correct method to get my question answered? In any case, I downloaded music onto a memory stick hoping to listen to it when driving my C8 - just like I did in my C7. However, I cannot find anything on my infotainment system that allows for it? I've tried the internet with no success as well. Perhaps this is not possible in the C8?

 

[Murray20c8]

Not sure this is the correct method to get my question answered? In any case, I downloaded music onto a memory stick hoping to listen to it when driving my C8 - just like I did in my C7. However, I cannot find anything on my infotainment system that allows for it? I've tried the internet with no success as well. Perhaps this is not possible in the C8?

If it isn't listed then it's not reading your stick. Did you put it in your console glove box? Is it formatted with ExFat? It should say as you scroll through FM AM SiriusXM etc.

 

[JCWP]

If it isn't listed then it's not reading your stick. Did you put it in your console glove box? Is it formatted with ExFat? It should say as you scroll through FM AM SiriusXM etc.

Yes . Using same one I used in my C7. R U saying I need a different memory stick ExFat like the PDR card? Thanks for your reply.

 

[Murray20c8]

Yes . Using same one I used in my C7. R U saying I need a different memory stick ExFat like the PDR card? Thanks for your reply.

Sorry, the USB must be Fat32 NTFS or HFS+. The songs must also be a compressed format (I think)

"Playing from a USB A USB mass storage device can be connected to the USB port. Audio extensions supported by the USB may include: . FLAC . MP3 . AAC . OGG . 3GP"

 

[gone]

I had fun making a "memory stick" work with my C8 and after doing some Google sleuthing, figured it out. I'm not sure if this is needed or helpful for JCWP but here's a prior posting I did and it applies to someone using a Mac although it should give some helpful hints for someone with a Windows-based computer:

For those who are computer challenged like me, perhaps you'll find this helpful. Some of it can be found on the Forums but this gives you complete step-by-step instructions on how to format a flash drive for your 2020 (and likely 2021) C8, on a Mac (not Windows-based software):

1. I purchased a Samsung 128 GB USB not only for its ++ memory capacity but also due to its compactness. It slots into the middle USB port in the C8 glovebox and doesn't stick out much, so it allows more room for other things. Specifically it's the 3.1 Flash Drive Fit Plus. After 125 songs (about 8 hours worth) I'd only used 5.13 GB and still had 123.4 more left, according to my computer. They come in different size capacities and you can likely make do with a USB at most half the size, depending upon your planned song library. Other brands will no doubt work well too.

2. I initially downloaded all 125 songs w/o paying attention to formatting. Mistake. It turns out it was formatted for ExFAT and the C8 wouldn't recognize it, let alone play anything. So on the "Audio" section of the infotainment screen, nothing showed up for the USB.

3. To reformat it so it works (or to check its formatting to ensure it's correct from the get-go):

a) plug USB into Mac USB port;
b) click on "Finder" smilie-face blue/white icon;
c) go to "Applications";
d) expand "Utilities";
e) click on "Disc Utility";
f) in the pop-up smaller screen:
---click "Erase";
--if not already there, choose for format: "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)";
--then click "Erase". Whatever was on the USB (if anything) will be erased and the USB will be reformatted to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" which is the equivalent of HFS+. If you consult the C8 user manual you'll note it mentions HFS+ as one of the compatible systems for the C8.

4. Finally, go crazy downloading whatever songs you want, knowing your car will now recognize the USB and play from it.

Hope this helps for those with a Mac who are wanting a USB library and (like me) having fun making one work.

 

[JCWP]

Sorry, the USB must be Fat32 NTFS or HFS+. The songs must also be a compressed format (I think)

"Playing from a USB A USB mass storage device can be connected to the USB port. Audio extensions supported by the USB may include: . FLAC . MP3 . AAC . OGG . 3GP"

Thanks Murray: no idea what that means - LOL. I am definitely technology challenged. The memory stick works in my 2021.5 Mazda CX-5 no problem as well??

 

[JCWP]

I had fun making a "memory stick" work with my C8 and after doing some Google sleuthing, figured it out. I'm not sure if this is needed or helpful for JCWP but here's a prior posting I did and it applies to someone using a Mac although it should give some helpful hints for someone with a Windows-based computer:

For those who are computer challenged like me, perhaps you'll find this helpful. Some of it can be found on the Forums but this gives you complete step-by-step instructions on how to format a flash drive for your 2020 (and likely 2021) C8, on a Mac (not Windows-based software):

1. I purchased a Samsung 128 GB USB not only for its ++ memory capacity but also due to its compactness. It slots into the middle USB port in the C8 glovebox and doesn't stick out much, so it allows more room for other things. Specifically it's the 3.1 Flash Drive Fit Plus. After 125 songs (about 8 hours worth) I'd only used 5.13 GB and still had 123.4 more left, according to my computer. They come in different size capacities and you can likely make do with a USB at most half the size, depending upon your planned song library. Other brands will no doubt work well too.

2. I initially downloaded all 125 songs w/o paying attention to formatting. Mistake. It turns out it was formatted for ExFAT and the C8 wouldn't recognize it, let alone play anything. So on the "Audio" section of the infotainment screen, nothing showed up for the USB.

3. To reformat it so it works (or to check its formatting to ensure it's correct from the get-go):

a) plug USB into Mac USB port;
b) click on "Finder" smilie-face blue/white icon;
c) go to "Applications";
d) expand "Utilities";
e) click on "Disc Utility";
f) in the pop-up smaller screen:
---click "Erase";
--if not already there, choose for format: "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)";
--then click "Erase". Whatever was on the USB (if anything) will be erased and the USB will be reformatted to "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" which is the equivalent of HFS+. If you consult the C8 user manual you'll note it mentions HFS+ as one of the compatible systems for the C8.

4. Finally, go crazy downloading whatever songs you want, knowing your car will now recognize the USB and play from it.

Hope this helps for those with a Mac who are wanting a USB library and (like me) having fun making one work.

Thank you. I am a Microsoft guy. Familiar with and always used with no problems. Appreciate you taking the time to reply to my post. Have a great day - big time rain here again!!!!

 

[Thom]

I am a Mac user and any USB sticks I buy don't need erasing or formatting. I just unpack them, load them up with songs and plug them into my cars and they all work just fine.

 

[JCWP]

I am a Mac user and any USB sticks I buy don't need erasing or formatting. I just unpack them, load them up with songs and plug them into my cars and they all work just fine.

Yeah, I bought MS , loaded it and it worked great in my C7 and my new Mazda GS CX-5; but, not my 2022 C8?? Hey, where in Ting Ont.? I am from London Ont. and travelled a fair bit fishing when I lived there and never heard of your town.

 

[Murray20c8]

Tiny is a large town North of Barrie! lol
If you are a Microsoft guy. plug your USB stick into your computer and right click on the drive letter and select properties to see what format it is. Not sure why GM wouldn't support exfat, but it might be exfat. Otherwise, just buy a new new stick and leave it in the car. These ones use no space in the glove box Amazon product ASIN B07MDXBT87

 

[JCWP]

Tiny is a large town North of Barrie! lol
If you are a Microsoft guy. plug your USB stick into your computer and right click on the drive letter and select properties to see what format it is. Not sure why GM wouldn't support exfat, but it might be exfat. Otherwise, just buy a new new stick and leave it in the car. These ones use no space in the glove box Amazon product ASIN B07MDXBT87

My wife's sister lives up that way. I guess your car is in bed for along time - yuk. Yes, I was thinking - just buy a new memory stick - but, what format? I can't get any info from GM or my dealer - crazy. I will be buying one for my PDR - it is clear what to buy. What a pain. I will be driving mine once the heavy rain subsides. Thanks for all your help!!! Cheers

 

[Murray20c8]

My wife's sister lives up that way. I guess your car is in bed for along time - yuk. Yes, I was thinking - just buy a new memory stick - but, what format? I can't get any info from GM or my dealer - crazy. I will be buying one for my PDR - it is clear what to buy. What a pain. I will be driving mine once the heavy rain subsides. Thanks for all your help!!! Cheers

They come formatted if I recall correctly, but you can format the card from your computer either NTFS or Fat.

 

[Kanuck]

These ones use no space in the glove box Amazon product ASIN B07MDXBT87

Thanks for the Link, will definitely be nice in the Glove Box. Currently on Sale too !!

 

[Thom]

Tiny is a township in Simcoe county. I am near a little crossroads town called Lafontaine about 45 min north of Barrie.

 

[gdb069]

However, I cannot find anything on my infotainment system that allows for it? I've tried the internet with no success as well. Perhaps this is not possible in the C8?

Here are some suggestions:
1. The USB port is in the centre console not the glove compartment.
2. Your USB device is likely formatted correctly if you could download and play music on your computer.
3. There are two USB ports so try both.
4. The infotainment centre does not show USB devices until the USB is plugged in.
5. Audio just shows last 3 devices (AM/FM etc) so you need to touch MORE and you will see the USB
6. PDR uses an SD card rather than a USB device. I bought this one:

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/samsung-evo-plus-128gb-100-mb-s-microsdxc-memory-card/14746042

and get more than 1000 hours PDR it comes with the holder and you just push it in the slot in the glove compartment.
PS I am still waiting for my touch up paint pen for the gas cap lid chip and its been a month !!!

 

[JCWP]

Here are some suggestions:
1. The USB port is in the centre console not the glove compartment.
2. Your USB device is likely formatted correctly if you could download and play music on your computer.
3. There are two USB ports so try both.
4. The infotainment centre does not show USB devices until the USB is plugged in.
5. Audio just shows last 3 devices (AM/FM etc) so you need to touch MORE and you will see the USB
6. PDR uses an SD card rather than a USB device. I bought this one:

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/samsung-evo-plus-128gb-100-mb-s-microsdxc-memory-card/14746042

and get more than 1000 hours PDR it comes with the holder and you just push it in the slot in the glove compartment.
PS I am still waiting for my touch up paint pen for the gas cap lid chip and its been a month !!!

Thank you. Know all of this except - will check for MORE - do not recall seeing this anywhere - will try again. They can't fix my little mishap at their body shop for a couple of months - not driiving it right now in pouring rain; but, will when it settle down - the weather! Really appreciate your help - than

Here are some suggestions:
1. The USB port is in the centre console not the glove compartment.
2. Your USB device is likely formatted correctly if you could download and play music on your computer.
3. There are two USB ports so try both.
4. The infotainment centre does not show USB devices until the USB is plugged in.
5. Audio just shows last 3 devices (AM/FM etc) so you need to touch MORE and you will see the USB
6. PDR uses an SD card rather than a USB device. I bought this one:

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/samsung-evo-plus-128gb-100-mb-s-microsdxc-memory-card/14746042

and get more than 1000 hours PDR it comes with the holder and you just push it in the slot in the glove compartment.
PS I am still waiting for my touch up paint pen for the gas cap lid chip and its been a month !!!

Thanks for the recommend on the SD which I will buy.
ks.

 

[JCWP]

Thank you. Know all of this except - will check for MORE - do not recall seeing this anywhere - will try again. They can't fix my little mishap at their body shop for a couple of months - not driiving it right now in pouring rain; but, will when it settle down - the weather! Really appreciate your help - than

Thanks for the recommend on the SD which I will buy.
ks.

How much did you pay? They say $224.99 but when I go to order they are charging

Thank you. Know all of this except - will check for MORE - do not recall seeing this anywhere - will try again. They can't fix my little mishap at their body shop for a couple of months - not driiving it right now in pouring rain; but, will when it settle down - the weather! Really appreciate your help - than

Thanks for the recommend on the SD which I will buy.
ks.

I just ordered. Good discount but I paid for delivery as there is not a store near me and I did not want to drive downtown - still ahead of the game with the discount - LOL. Thanks again.

 

[Murray20c8]

How much did you pay? They say $224.99 but when I go to order they are charging

I just ordered. Good discount but I paid for delivery as there is not a store near me and I did not want to drive downtown - still ahead of the game with the discount - LOL. Thanks again.

Should have gone with the sandisk from Amazon. Free delivery to your local post office if you don't have prime Amazon product ASIN B07YFGS6LJ

 

[larryd]

When buying any brand of flash, always do a quick format with windows( not an apple fan). This will remove any software that mfg adds to the stick.
Also, never pull out the stick while music is playing or car (or PC)in `on` as the stick may add a `lost directory ` file which you would have to delete to play music.
Avoid using large memory devices to less than 32g.

 

[gdb069]

either Sandisk or Samsung are good and I have both. The one good thing about Samsung is :"can withstand up to 72 hours in seawater" and with the amount of rain we have had we may need that feature.!!