if carplay or android auto is activated, the usb audio won't work. carplay/android auto takes it over.

have you tried deactivating carplay/android auto in the car system setting and then trying it?

 

I'll take a stab at this. Using a USB Stick with data should be fine, however the 2nd port may only be used for charging purposes.

 

Appreciate the prompt replies. My situation is clarified now.
In my experiment, I didn't "activate" the android auto app, so it didn't register on me that the mere connection to AA on the phone was blowing away the USB stick, which is what was happening.
So yes, a simple hub will indeed connect two devices for data through the one port, but you can't play music files from a stick and run AA at the same time.

 

I have a slightly different question along the same theme.

Is there a way to split the (1) data USB port (behind the dash) so that there can be TWO permanently installed data USB ports that both connect to the radio? I understand and am fine with the fact that a connected phone will void access to the other data USB port. However, I'd really like to have my music micro USB permanently connected and only disabled (but not physically removed) when I need Apple Carplay. A hub seems so messy, ESPECIALLY as the only data USB port is in the middle of everything.

In a perfect world, one of the two charging only USB ports in the center console would become my designated Apple Carplay port, then I can leave the music micro USB plugged into the current data port with the flap closed and have my phone (as needed) connected to the car & all the wires associated with it would be in the center console. It's clean and easy. Assuming, of course, it's possible to do this in any way.

Any thoughts?? TIA.