Help My MP3 player not recognized
 

My 2014 es 350 will not recognize my SanDisk mp3 player. When I plug it in to the use port, it says "no files found". I've set up sandisk mp3 players in other cars and it worked just fine.

On my 2017 ES350 the USB port recognizes a simple flash drive with MP3s in folders. I do NOT know if the 2014 system reads MP3s. This lets the "next" steering wheel button work. I make folders for artists or genre and put whatever I like in them. The system isn't great for using voice to find artists or songs perhaps because the MP3s were mostly individually converted to MP3 with the Exact Audio Copy software instead of being purchased (pre coded) through Apple or a similar service.
With a MP3 player, you may need to use the audio in jack instead of the USB port in the ES350 - or transfer the folders and files to a flash drive.
Either way 16GB flashdrive (size of a fingernail) of MP3s at a 256 bitrate should let you drive across the country without hearing the same song twice.

The only portable player that I'm aware of working in the gen 6 ES, is an iPod. As the previous poster mentioned, just copy all your files to a flash drive and use that. I had a 256GB drive in my 2013 and it worked fine. It just has a limitation on the number of files it will access. I had over 1,100 CD's on my drive, but if you have less than 500, it should be able to access them all.

I have an old Walkman ipod connected through the Aux input. Unfortunately you have to turn it on manually and then all the infotainment can do is select or deselect it. Any audio output will play through the Aux input though since it just a “speaker” type signal. That’s on a ‘14 with Nav.

Are you using a Windows/DOS computer to burn the files? The Lexus system will not recognize files made with an Apple PC.

If you are inputting through BlueTooth or the AUX input the music file format isn't important. AFAIK, the only time that you must use a DOS formatted file is when inputting via a thumb drive.

I have an HP

The audio in jack works just fine (no information about the song displayed). But when using the Sandisk MP3 with the usb it doesn't recognize the music files. I have tried the same in 2 different peoples cars and it worked perfectly with labels and everything. I can't believe I can watch a DVD in the same 2014 car but can't use a simple Sandisk mp3 player with every song I have on it. I even purchased a newer Sandisk MP3 player, same results. I have tried the flash drive also, I just don't want to make all those file folders. I just want to be able to use my small Sandisk MP3 player!!

Aux does not recognize music files with the Sandisk MP3 player. This so frustrating!! This is a Lexus for goodness sake!!

I'm not sure about to DOS format. At this point I'm willing to try anything. I am not a computer wiz though

You can only play a DVD while in Park with the parking brake engaged, so there's that. :)

Where did your MP3's originate? You really don't need to create separate folders for each album, but it's easier to organize that way. I would also be surprised if they weren't already in folders on your player.

The AUX function won't allow you to do anything other than open or close the input from the AUX device you are connecting. It is simply no different than a set of dumb earphones (ie, not having any forward/stop/repeat function). You either turn the input ON or turn it OFF. (The player will continue to play until you manually shut it off...you just won't hear anything).

Don't know anything about Sandisc players. You may have to go to iPod to carry the music with you. Have you tried Bluetooth connection (Does Sandisc even support Bluetooth?).

Do you have the manuals for the car? If not, you need to download them from Lexus.com Once you've done that, look up Page 260 in the "Lexus Navigation System"; if your car has NAV, the instructions for operating playing with iPod are there. If you don't have NAV, then you want to see Page 532 of the "Lexus Detailed Manual".
The reference to formatting a thumb drive is only if you are using media preloaded on a USB stick and there are several caveats regarding setting up folders and the volume and file type of music that can be loaded and recognized by Lexus. That info is buried somewhere in those manuals (can't find it right now). I do know that if you've formatted and/or loaded files onto a thumb drive (memory stick) in any OTHER than what is specified, Lexus will return a "No Files Found" response. It is very particular about USB input; if even a single file has the wrong file type or if even one folder has too many songs in it (I believe 249 is the limit per folder0 then you are SOL. Yes, it's frustrating as **** to set up properly. It may very well be that the Sandisc needs to be loaded with music in the same folder/file structure as is required by a memory stick if you are playing it through the USB port.

EDIT: Hmm...seems Lexus have removed the guides at least for the 2014 models. :egads:

Thanks for the info. I will check the manual to see if my MP3 player needs to be formatted. My brother has a truck, 2012 Ford something. I bought him a Sandisk MP3 player loaded all my music on it. I put it in the USB and low and behold all my songs with tags and everything. I'm like, I can't be the only Lexus owner who's tried to use an MP3 player. I even took it to the dealership and they didn't have a clue why it did not recognize my MP3 player. I will continue to check the thread because I just can't believe that a luxury car like Lexus has this issue. I'm old fashioned and pissed!!

Do they even still make MP3 players? It went from iPods to flash drives. Especially, since everyone now has smart phones that do the same job.

Oh, and Toyota/Lexus has never been known to be at the top of the technology game. LOL