458 - HDD audio? | FerrariChat

458 HDD audio?

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by chatfer, Oct 5, 2025 at 7:16 AM.

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  1. chatfer

    chatfer Rookie

    Nov 24, 2024
    35
    UK
    Hi All,

    Sorry for all the questions.
    've got most things to work, such as the DVD which is a cool retro feel.
    Any tips on getting the HDD audio to work - I've uploaded music from USB onto the HDD, but when I select to play it is blank.
    Is there a how-to?

    Cheers.
     
  2. Kent Adams

    Kent Adams F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 11, 2020
    3,498
    Option 1: USB Drive (most reliable)
    1. Locate the USB port
      Usually found in the glove compartment, center console, or beneath the armrest (depends on trim).

    2. Format your USB drive
      • Use FAT32 format.

      • Store music files as MP3, WMA, or AAC (check your owner’s manual—FLAC and WAV often won’t read).
    3. Load your music
      • Keep file names simple (avoid special characters).

      • You can organize in folders, but keep the folder depth shallow (1–2 levels).
    4. Insert the USB
      • Turn on the car’s ignition.

      • Press the MEDIA button on the infotainment system.

      • Choose USB as the source.

      • Browse and play your tracks.
    Option 2: Bluetooth (only on later 458s or with optional module)
    1. Go to Settings → Bluetooth on the infotainment screen.

    2. On your phone, enable Bluetooth and pair with “Ferrari 458.”

    3. Once paired, select Media → Bluetooth Audio.

    4. Play music from your phone’s app (Spotify, Apple Music, etc.).
    ⚠️ Earlier 458s (2010–2013) did not include Bluetooth audio streaming — only phone call support. If yours doesn’t show a “Bluetooth Audio” option, you’ll need to use AUX or USB.

    Option 3: AUX Input
    1. Plug a 3.5mm AUX cable into the AUX port (often next to the USB).

    2. Set the infotainment source to AUX.

    3. Play audio from your phone or media player.
    Option 4: SD Card (if equipped)
    Some 458s with the premium navigation/audio unit include an SD card slot:

    1. Insert an SD card (≤32GB) with MP3 files.

    2. Select MEDIA → SD Card on the display.
     
  3. chatfer

    chatfer Rookie

    Nov 24, 2024
    35
    UK
    Thanks - this is the bit I get stuck:
    1. Insert the USB
      • Turn on the car’s ignition.

      • Press the MEDIA button on the infotainment system.

      • Choose USB as the source.

      • Browse and play your tracks.
    There's nothing to browse - maybe I need to look at the folder structure:confused:
     
  4. Kent Adams

    Kent Adams F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 11, 2020
    3,498
    #4 Kent Adams, Oct 5, 2025 at 10:14 AM
    Last edited: Oct 5, 2025 at 10:22 AM
    It's not reading your files for some reason. Its a finicky system and a bit of a joke to be honest. Ferrari could have simply bought a system from Sony or someone else like Sony and had a workable system. I gave up on it and now use an FM transmitter which works with no problem but the sound isn't very good.

    If I remember correctly, the one time I was successful was leaving the car's ignition on for a long time. Don't forget too that your files have to be non-DRM protected. I used CD's I owned from the 1980's and 1990's to make the transferrable files.
     
    chatfer likes this.

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