USB MP3 directory tree 'folders'

2020LE · Oct 22, 2020

Hi,

I have a 2020LE Rav with a 16gb USB stick, base model.
I noticed that it takes a while for the head unit to read the 'directory tree'
on the USB stick so that I can then search by 'folder'. It will display the word
'folder' but when you select it, it just starts playing the first track on the USB stick.
The magnifying glass icon does not appear either at first, so you can't search.

There are approximately 100 folders on the USB stick, each with 10-50 mp3 files in each folder.

If I start the car and it is radio mode, then switch Source to USB, it can take
up to 20 minutes before the 'folder' choice yields the folders on the USB drive.

If I cut the car off and it is in USB mode, when I start it up again, it still has the
folder structure in place. Then you can easily select any folder or search for any tune/folder.

Is there anyway to get the head unit to read the directory tree more quickly?

Thanks,

Mark

JFox562 · Oct 22, 2020

I would recommend trying a different USB flash drives. There are some out there that are horrendously slow. I use a small 64GB Samsung with a ton of MP3's and there is no noticeable delay unless I take it out and update files on it. When I plug it back in, then it needs to read the structure but that takes only a minute or two. I did have to reformat the drive to FAT32 for it to be recognized by the RAV4.

The folder structure I use is this:

\ {root}
-- Music group name
|-{mp3 files}

2020LE · Oct 23, 2020

Thanks I'll check out a faster drive. I've been using the Sansdisk 'cruzer' drive, which is not really designed for speed. That is probably the issue.

Bote_Rav4 · Oct 22, 2020

Reason why it takes awhile to read the songs is you have to many folders.. I did that before and its frustrating. The quick fix is make a folder with 200 songs on it.. less folder and my radio reads the songs faster now. Hope this help.

2020LE · Oct 24, 2020

Thanks, will try that if the faster drive doesn't work out.

dansoftn · Apr 24, 2025

My thinking is that only folders and sub-folders with mp3's in them will show up. So if you have a directory with sub-folders or folders in root and they have an mp3 in them they will display. I have albums with mp3's in them and they show. The sub-folder with one mp3 will show with only one song. something to consider...

USB MP3 directory tree 'folders'

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