Focus ST2 2018 aux / USB / mp3

[Wusss]

Can't believe that my proposed new (used) car has 2 USB ports and 12v chargers, but apparently (says the dealer, and I couldn't see one anywhere, not even in glove box) no 3.5mm aux input jack. Searching the net, however, this seems to be so.
Also a good possibility that the stereo won't even play mp3 format CDs.
Can't believe this!!! It's got the Sony upgraded speakers, but I can't connect in my mp3 player or a CD with a decent number of tracks on it??? Really???!!
Is there any way that I can listen to my own music? Apparently a USB to jack converter won't work, as one's digital and one's analogue.
Or am I also buying a new stereo unit or what??? Is there a work around?
(I don't have smart or blue whatevers, nor wi fi or 3+G on my phone, just CDs and a very good mp3 player...)
Cheers.

[Squishey]

You can buy a Bluetooth transmitter. It plugs into your headphones jack on your MP3 player and transmits a Bluetooth signal which you connect to your car.

[TallPaul]

Cant you just put mp3’s on a USB stick and plug it into the USB port? Definitely can on Sync 2 & Sync 3

[Wusss]

Thanks. I've heard of both the above options (can you recommend a BT transmitter - seem to be a lot, mostly super cheap online, so don't inspire me, some transmit only, some transmit and receive - all means nothing to me!)?
Also, someone's suggested just buy a cheap payg smartphone and put mp3 files onto it (or its micro SD card) and Bluetooth it to the car stereo?
Guess that it's going to be suck it and see. What a hassle!

What are you actually 'meant' to do to listen to your own music, then? Doesn't even seem to be a definitive answer to that one, depends on model, year, etc etc...

[sherman]

I just downloaded all the music I wanted on to a large usb stick (64gb). Plays fine on the sync3 stereo. Just stick it in the usb in the armrest.

[Wusss]

How do I know what version of Sync I have (whatever that is), and do only some work with USB direct, then? What about the other types?

[TallPaul]

If its got 2 USB ports you’ll definitely be able to plug in a memory stick, you can get some very small ones that hardly stick out. 64GB should hold over 2000 tracks, should be more than enough!

[sherman]

Wusss said:

How do I know what version of Sync I have (whatever that is), and do only some work with USB direct, then? What about the other types?

Does your car dash look like this?


If so you have sync 3. Its the name of the operating system for the stereo etc in the dash.

Format a usb to FAT32 or exFAT and download your music to the usb. Should work fine

[Wusss]

If this works (copied it from online search as I don't yet have the car):

[Wusss]

I'll load up a USM stick (my mp3 collection on computer is just under 8 GB so I have spare flash drives at home) and test when I get the car. I also have CDs of mp3 files to try, and someone's lending me an old smartphone to see if it'll connect and I can load up a few test tracks.
Something's gotta work!

[sherman]

That shpuld all work.

[Wusss]

Good news! Got the car today, both USB stick and CD with mp3 tracks on work. Yay!!!