How to use DFPlayer mini to play MP3 without Arduino

What is a DFPlayer?

The DFPlayer Mini MP3 Player For Arduino is a small and low-priced MP3 module with a simplified output directly to the speaker. The module can be used as a stand-alone module with an attached battery, speaker and push buttons or used in combination with an Arduino UNO or any other with RX/TX capabilities. Know More

This tutorial shows how to use the module without a microcontroller and looping one single song. We have another tutorial showing how to use this module with Arduino.

File handling

The mp3 file needs to be placed in a folder named mp3, and the file needs to be named as 0001.mp3.

MAC User Attention!
If you are using Mac OS X to copy the mp3, the file system will automatically add hidden files like: "._0001.mp3" for index, which this module will handle as valid mp3 files.

It is really annoying. To remove them, follow the steps below:

1. Finder - Go to your USB drive
2. Press Shift + Command + . to reveal all hidden files
3. Select all .XXXXXX files and directories and delete
4. Empty Bin
5. Eject your USB drive

Wiring

Wiring up the sensor is quite complex, the pins are not labelled, so you will have to refer to the pinout.

DFplayer Mini Wiring

1. VCC to Battery + (Power)
2. GND to Battery - (Power)
3. SPK_1 to Speaker(+) red wire
4. SPK_2 to Speaker(-) black wire
5. ADKEY_1 to GND

All done!