3.1 USB Flash Drive Compatibility in 2018

[Capt Bob]

I have been using an older 8 gb thumb drive for my music with no problems in recognition and just purchased a 3.1 USB drive (128gb) but I can't seem to get the unit to recognize the device. I've tried each of the three ports but nothing. Anyone using a 3.1 (as opposed to a 2.0 or 3.0)? Drive is recognized on all my other devices. 

[Capt Bob]

Well after re-reading the manual and visual conformation, plus several threads on this Forum, it appears the drive (3.1) falls in the category of "not all iPods and USB drives are compatible with the USB port" which appears to be a 2.0. Oh well. 

[Bash74]

You might want to try a different drive. I use a 3.0 drive in my 2015 and it works fine. A 3.1 is the same specs as a 3.0 just an industry name change

[Wally Nussbaumer]

capt Bob, you may want to reformat the drive to FAT file system, worked for me but I had to do a "deep"format not the quick format!  Worked for a 2TB stick, but did not work for two Cruzer Glide USB 3 64GB sticks, still trying to get them to work.  It amazes me that GM would put outdated technology in their new vehicles!

[MikeNH]

18 minutes ago, Wally Nussbaumer said:

capt Bob, you may want to reformat the drive to FAT file system, worked for me but I had to do a "deep"format not the quick format!  Worked for a 2TB stick, but did not work for two Cruzer Glide USB 3 64GB sticks, still trying to get them to work.  It amazes me that GM would put outdated technology in their new vehicles!

I'd be shocked if any brand is bothering with 3.0/3.1- look at how basically every USB is low current too. The USB port might support a variety of things but it's there to plug a smartphone into since that's what the bulk of people will do with it. 

[Wally Nussbaumer]

Why would you say that?  I have a smart phone that connects via Bluetooth and can be charged using the rear USB ports since they are only used for power.  The front ports  have data capability, GM even states they will support .mp3 but not .wmv!