USB Questions

[SarahB]

I have had a Tesla Model S since June 2015 and always use my USB flash drive for music. One time I had to reformat the USB drive to Fat 32 and did that.
Now my USB drive with music will not work, and since the last update Tidal seems to dominate. I am concerned that my USB drive may have been corrupted.
Can anyone tell me the best USB flash drive to use and how to format it now, in March 2023?

 

[vcor]

I'd first try and reformat it.

When buying a new drive, get a name-brand USB drive (not from eBay). Here's a lot more on USB drives: Recommended Drives for the Tesla Dashcam – TeslaTap

Tesla now accepts FAT32, exFAT, or Linux ext4 formats.

 

[DerbyDave]

If you have a computer, stick it in that and see if it works. Repair can be easier and faster on a laptop or desktop computer

 

[Mediocrates]

This is the USB drive I use (2019 Model S):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7P4SY4/

I also use these as general-purpose file transfer drives on a daily basis (I've owned several over the past few years). The price is good, the drives have decent performance (60MB/s write speeds), and the form factor makes them easy to tuck into a USB port. I have one in the car dedicated to camera recordings, and I've never had a problem with it for almost 2 years of usage. The size might make them easier to lose if you plan to be carrying them around on a regular basis, but for a drive that will probably spend most of its time in the car, that won't be a problem.

 

[SarahB]

If you have a computer, stick it in that and see if it works. Repair can be easier and faster on a laptop or desktop computer

I tried that on desktop and laptop and the disk does not show up.

 

[DerbyDave]

If the USB drive doesn't even show up when inserted into a computer, there is a USB problem. You can't reformat it because it cannot be accessed. I'd say you need a new drive. I would recommend an "endurance" or other high performance, long lasting drive designed for a dashcam and the extremes in a car (heat, cold, shocks). They are guaranteed for 10 years.

 

[SarahB]

This is the USB drive I use (2019 Model S):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D7P4SY4/

I also use these as general-purpose file transfer drives on a daily basis (I've owned several over the past few years). The price is good, the drives have decent performance (60MB/s write speeds), and the form factor makes them easy to tuck into a USB port. I have one in the car dedicated to camera recordings, and I've never had a problem with it for almost 2 years of usage. The size might make them easier to lose if you plan to be carrying them around on a regular basis, but for a drive that will probably spend most of its time in the car, that won't be a problem.

Thank you. Mine does live in the car so I will get one.

 

[SarahB]

I tried the Voice Command suggested: "Switch to USB" and it worked and my music loaded. Yeah!
Thank you everyone.