If I understand correctly, the round connector is an _audio_ connector. It cannot handle data from a flash drive. You could use the round connector to link the phone to speakers or headphones, but not to a USB device. The phone should have a USB port, probably either a USB type B or USB type C. There are adapters to connect your flash drive to a USB cable.
Steve McDonald
Steve.mcdonald_at_tufts.edu
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Code for Libraries <CODE4LIB_at_LISTS.CLIR.ORG> On Behalf Of charles
> meyer
> Sent: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 11:00 AM
> To: CODE4LIB_at_LISTS.CLIR.ORG
> Subject: [External] [CODE4LIB] A MacGyver Challenge
>
> My talented and esteemed colleagues...
>
> Here's the MacGyver challenge for the day ....
>
> I'm exploring the possibility of playing mps audio files on a flash drive via an
> old cell phone (e.g. 8 year old LG, 5 year old Samsung).
>
> They both have an outlet (round) for an earplug.
>
> Is there any way to buy an adapter where I could connect part of that adapter
> to the ear hole in the cell phone and plug the flash drive into a USB port in the
> adapter?
>
> Many patrons live on very modest fixed incomes so no disposable income for a
> new chromebook, tablet or pre-owned laptop.
>
> I was able to recharge one LG phone but don't see any audio player program
> on it - ala VLC Media PLayer or Audacity to open.play an MP3. It did play a
> song on the phone so there is a "speaker."
>
> Thank you!
>
> Charles.
>
> Charlotte County Public Library
>
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Received on Wed Apr 08 2026 - 11:16:44 EDT