Using the 2021 USB-C ports in center console for purposes other than charging?

[brannigan]

I’m trying to purchase a game pad for my 2021 model 3. I would like to use the USB-C ports in the center console rather than the standard USB port in the glove box (and needing to add a hub). Specifically I would like to plug the wireless adapter in here. Has anyone tried something like this and know if these ports are useful for anything other than charging?

 

[chrstna4]

I plug my son's gaming controller into those ports for easier game play.

 

[MarsOrBust]

I have the may flash FOB connected to it then you can use wireless controllers.
I have 2 and no cables is really nice.

 

[RaWPower]

I purchased these USB C to USB Adapter to plug into the two USB C ports. I use one to plug in my PS4 controller.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CVX3516/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[elptxjc]

My 2021 car has 2 USB-C ports inside the front center console (you need to open the lid), 2 on the rear, and one inside the glove box that is taken by a USB stick for the dashcam. I assume that's the only USB port, right? My question is can you connect a music USB stick on ANY of the 4 ports in order to play, or it has to be in one of the 2 front ports? And the rear ones are strictly for charging or not? Wish there was a second USB port inside the glove box to put the music USB there.

 

[Marius A]

My 2021 car has 2 USB-C ports inside the front center console (you need to open the lid), 2 on the rear, and one inside the glove box that is taken by a USB stick for the dashcam. I assume that's the only USB port, right? My question is can you connect a music USB stick on ANY of the 4 ports in order to play, or it has to be in one of the 2 front ports? And the rear ones are strictly for charging or not? Wish there was a second USB port inside the glove box to put the music USB there.

The 2 in the back is only for charging AFAIK.
You can partition a storage device into 2 drives, or use separate folders. If you have a portable SSD drive, like the very popular Samsung T5, you can create 1 partition for recording (remember to create a TeslaCam folder on it) and one partition for music.

See here:
Tesla Dashcam USB Drive Setup with Sentry Mode and Music - AutoPilot Review

 

[[email protected]]

I bought two USB-C adapters and plug in my Logitech F310 controllers. Makes it nice because I use that area for storage too, so everything is out of the way when you are done.

I like what others mentioned too about getting the wireless set up. I may have to look into that as well for the future. We don't do an excessive amount of gaming in the car so our setup works for us.

Basically, do what works for you. Each need is different. Enjoy the car!!!

 

[stopcrazypp]

My 2021 car has 2 USB-C ports inside the front center console (you need to open the lid), 2 on the rear, and one inside the glove box that is taken by a USB stick for the dashcam. I assume that's the only USB port, right? My question is can you connect a music USB stick on ANY of the 4 ports in order to play, or it has to be in one of the 2 front ports? And the rear ones are strictly for charging or not? Wish there was a second USB port inside the glove box to put the music USB there.

The two rear ports are for charging only from my own testing (those ports are also a bit weird and my Samsung tablet throws a warning when charging through the rear ports through my USB-C to A adapter).

For music, both the front USB-C ports can be used (just get an adapter or adapter cable to USB-A).

You can also likely use a USB hub (haven't tried myself however), for partition another partition on the same stick as others mentioned.

 

[elptxjc]

Thank you guys. Will remove the USB Tesla stick, and check size. If it's 128Gb, will try to dump my music there (only 4.34Gb), and see if it works. Supposedly, it should pick it up, but we'll see. Otherwise, would have to do a partition, which I obviously don't know how to do. Ha ha.
Hey gang, one question: When I click on the sentry icon, the red button in the middle turns on. However, if I go to 'safety and security', it's not turned on. What's the deal with that? Do I need to turn it on there? And if yes, can I turn it on and off from the screen, by touching the icon? I only want to use it when I click on the icon. Don't want it all the time, since it not only uses juice, but doesn't allow the car to sleep. We'd only use it in certain situations. Thx.

 

[Marius A]

Thank you guys. Will remove the USB Tesla stick, and check size. If it's 128Gb, will try to dump my music there (only 4.34Gb), and see if it works. Supposedly, it should pick it up, but we'll see. Otherwise, would have to do a partition, which I obviously don't know how to do. Ha ha.
Hey gang, one question: When I click on the sentry icon, the red button in the middle turns on. However, if I go to 'safety and security', it's not turned on. What's the deal with that? Do I need to turn it on there? And if yes, can I turn it on and off from the screen, by touching the icon? I only want to use it when I click on the icon. Don't want it all the time, since it not only uses juice, but doesn't allow the car to sleep. We'd only use it in certain situations. Thx.

First of all, memory sticks are notoriously bad for continuous write, like dashcam and sentry, and based on feedback on the USB stick it's not reliable (I've also experienced it, switched with a portable SSD).
As for sentry. Turning it ON in the menu means sentry will be on by default every time you park the park. So what you're doing (click the icon) is doing exactly what you want, which is turn it on "just this parking session".
Also, turning on sentry mode through the app is like clicking the icon, it will not affect the sentry mode settings. So if you forget to hit the icon you can go in there and activate it.

 

[elptxjc]

So what you're doing (click the icon) is doing exactly what you want, which is turn it on "just this parking session".

EXCELLENT! Thank you very much. The reason I was doubting that is because yesterday, when I activated it, I'm sure there were people near my car, and didn't record anything. But to make sure it's working, will give it a 'test drive' right now, and see what happens . Thank you for your great help .

 

[Marius A]

EXCELLENT! Thank you very much. The reason I was doubting that is because yesterday, when I activated it, I'm sure there were people near my car, and didn't record anything. But to make sure it's working, will give it a 'test drive' right now, and see what happens . Thank you for your great help .

Yeah, happened with the memory stick that was included with my 2021 as well. Memory sticks aren't made for continuous operation. They generally support something like 10-100k write cycles, while max durability SD cards can support up to 14 years (and maybe more) of continuous operation.