Connecting Pixel 3 via USB?

[Paddler]

Up until recently, I connected my ipod via usb and my Pixel 3 via Bluetooth. So, I used voice commands to play music from the ipod and make calls with the phone. However, my ipod was recently stolen just before a road trip. I loaded my music onto my phone, but cannot use voice commands to play music from the Pixel 3. It connects via BT, not through USB even though it's plugged in. It will play if you manually select the music, and will play with voice commands if one uses data. That seems silly given that the phone is connected. Anybody have similar problems or any ideas? Looks like I'll have to spend another $200 on another ipod.

 

[jking05]

I have a pixel 2 and always have it plugged into usb. It will randomly connect for a couple minutes through usb and then cut off.