CarPlay CarPlay adapter to convert to wireless CarPlay?

[BarryDuffman]

I have now been in a mail dialogue with the support at carplay2air over some time now. This is really going nowhere. Only receiving standard replies.

In my first contact I told them about my issues as described above (in more detail of course)
All I got back was a standard reply telling me how to connect it. Of course it still didn't work.

I replied that it is not possible for me to follow their steps as the interface screen disappears so quickly. Also told them that I had tested it in a VW and found the dongle working and got it updated there, but that it still does not work in my Citroen.
The reply I got back: "please try to update your car software"

So I did, which made everything worse. Now the interface screen doesn't show at all. Furthermore now when I have tried to have the dongle connected to my car, the native cabled Carplay will stop working as well until the car has been powered off for some time.

Wrote them back about this, and now they want me to send the dongle back (to China), so they can send me a replacement.
My question to them of course was. Why? What would that help? Then dongle is working. Just not in a Citroen C3.

Haven't heard back yet.

Also now I am pretty sure that the "customer" reviews on their website most likely are fake. I received an email from them asking me to review it. So I did with 1 star review warning people about buying it if they have a Citroen.. It doesn't show on their website after some days. Go figure.

This almost exactly mirrors my situation. Mine worked flawlessly in a MK7 GTI but now doesn’t in either my 2020 Malibu or my wife’s 2019 Equinox with identical MyLink 8 inch displays. I no longer have the VW to try to update the adapter. Their CS is useless. Please keep us/me posted. Thanks !

An update from me.
After telling support for around the 5th time that the dongle is working with other car brands, they dropped the idea of having to replace it.
Instead they now wanted me to upload logs to them, but without any instructions on how to do this.
Their reply literally just said "Please upload the log on the firmware website along with details and bugs you're experiencing"

So I replied back requesting instruction on how to accomplish this, and their reply now just was instructions on how to reset the network settings on my iPhone, and then a request to try to follow the setup instructions again.
JEEZ! I have told them numerous times that this is not possible, since the dongle interface screen does not appear, so I cannot do anything.

So now a new mail to them, again telling them this for the 6th time, and again asking for instructions on how to collect and upload logs.

This is going nowhere except in circles.

 

[LarryJoe33]

I think you need to just cut your losses. I completely understand your frustration, but I think anyone who engaged early on in buying an untested product from China that virtually no one else makes, needs to go into it eyes wide open. Hell, I placed my order a few weeks ago and have all this knowledge (this thread) of successes and failures, and I am going into it eyes wide open. I mean, buyer beware is right in your face here. Chinese sellers NEVER give in to product failure, always use language barriers as leverage and reply with the same thing OVER and OVER.

The reality of this is, Apple can brick all of these devices anytime they want with an iOS update. We all know that, right? If that happens, who are we going to go after? Risk vs. reward.

Again, I feel for the frustrated folks who have been lied to, but that's what China does, they lie and make claims. They hack into hardware and software and the infringe on copyrights as a general practice. If I ever get my device that has "please expect delays because of coronavirus" (daily email reply) and if doesn't work, I was well informed of the risk.

 

[bookemdano]

An update from me.
After telling support for around the 5th time that the dongle is working with other car brands, they dropped the idea of having to replace it.
Instead they now wanted me to upload logs to them, but without any instructions on how to do this.
Their reply literally just said "Please upload the log on the firmware website along with details and bugs you're experiencing"

So I replied back requesting instruction on how to accomplish this, and their reply now just was instructions on how to reset the network settings on my iPhone, and then a request to try to follow the setup instructions again.
JEEZ! I have told them numerous times that this is not possible, since the dongle interface screen does not appear, so I cannot do anything.

So now a new mail to them, again telling them this for the 6th time, and again asking for instructions on how to collect and upload logs.

This is going nowhere except in circles.

What firmware are you on? Try flashing the 20200306 or 20200307 firmware files via USB (posted in this thread in the past couple of pages). As long as you have one of the more recent firmwares, uploading a log file should be just a matter of connecting your phone to the adapter's WiFi network, then using your phone's browser to go to 192.168.50.2. I can't remember exactly what it looks like, but there's a small button on that page to upload the log.

 

[unti20]

What firmware are you on? Try flashing the 20200306 or 20200307 firmware files via USB (posted in this thread in the past couple of pages). As long as you have one of the more recent firmwares, uploading a log file should be just a matter of connecting your phone to the adapter's WiFi network, then using your phone's browser to go to 192.168.50.2. I can't remember exactly what it looks like, but there's a small button on that page to upload the log.

Short update from me as well.

I updated from 20200306 to 20200307. No audio issues (like in previous ...06 FW) - everything is fine.
I noticed not more lagging CarPlay screen as in ...06 FW but i noticed (in my case and with my car model) a improvement of the mostly short delay in a call or when moving through a playlist or sth.
would say when it´s like 1 sec, it´s now the half.

But the "won´t autostart" problem is alway present ... I think it´s really a problem with the power surge of the usb ports... but hey, idc now it works really well.

@BarryDuffman
I understand your frustration dude! I agree with all of the statments you´re on but keep in mind it´s a chinese product which is working in a relative wide range of car models correctly - in your case and in mine - not 100% or 0%....
In my opinion this product is a early adopter "only for playing" device - when it work´s it works but you have to do most of research and trial and error on your on... unfortunately...
Apple could block this adapter in a glimpse - but why would they? Most users never searched for a product like this or even think about it...
Apple also will NEVER build a stick on their own. Because you can see what compatiblity problems there are... even for a company like apple it would be unpossible to support every car without a problem....

But I´m really glad I found this thread - I solved my problem now somehow^^

 

[2018 Denali]

Short update from me as well.

I updated from 20200306 to 20200307. No audio issues (like in previous ...06 FW) - everything is fine.
I noticed not more lagging CarPlay screen as in ...06 FW but i noticed (in my case and with my car model) a improvement of the mostly short delay in a call or when moving through a playlist or sth.
would say when it´s like 1 sec, it´s now the half.

But the "won´t autostart" problem is alway present ... I think it´s really a problem with the power surge of the usb ports... but hey, idc now it works really well.

@BarryDuffman
I understand your frustration dude! I agree with all of the statments you´re on but keep in mind it´s a chinese product which is working in a relative wide range of car models correctly - in your case and in mine - not 100% or 0%....
In my opinion this product is a early adopter "only for playing" device - when it work´s it works but you have to do most of research and trial and error on your on... unfortunately...
Apple could block this adapter in a glimpse - but why would they? Most users never searched for a product like this or even think about it...
Apple also will NEVER build a stick on their own. Because you can see what compatiblity problems there are... even for a company like apple it would be unpossible to support every car without a problem....

But I´m really glad I found this thread - I solved my problem now somehow^^

@unti20


Let’s do this again.

On my 2018 GMC Sierra like on a lot of other Cars/trucks the USB that I connect the Carplay2air adapter would power on every time I unlocked the doors, closed the door but the stereo/screen would not power on till the splash screen was loaded. This would cause the CarPlay2Air adapter not to be recognized every time.

First I checked and confirmed the cigarette light plug in my center Console only turns on with my key/ignition.

So what I did was make a little hack with a 10second power on delay Relay and a usb switch then hardwired it into my trucks power supply to the cigarette lighter wires in my center console. See diagram/pictures attached.

If you don’t want to tap into the cigarette lighter wires from behind you can use option 2 on the pictures and just insert it.

So what this does is the CarPlay to air powers on 10 seconds later allowing the stereo/screen to turn on before the Carplay2air powers up.

I no longer have to wait for the splash screen to boot up anymore and is working 100% of the time now.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0779LN14...B07T9BRNHW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0hJHEbXDP9E1W

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www.amazon.com

 

[BarryDuffman]

What firmware are you on? Try flashing the 20200306 or 20200307 firmware files via USB (posted in this thread in the past couple of pages). As long as you have one of the more recent firmwares, uploading a log file should be just a matter of connecting your phone to the adapter's WiFi network, then using your phone's browser to go to 192.168.50.2. I can't remember exactly what it looks like, but there's a small button on that page to upload the log.

I am not sure what firmware I am on, since I cannot connect to it. However when I tried it in a VW Tiguan I got it updated at the same time. As the owner didn't really have time for me to play around with his car, I only had a few moments, and forgot to chek the version. But it was on march 3rd, so I am either on 20200303 or the version before, depending on the time of day the 20200303 was released.

I will try to do a USB update as you recommend. atm there is nothing to lose here.

I am not able to get connected with WiFi as I cannot set up the dongle. Or is it possible to connect it to a computer and get the WiFi going there?

 

[Mike DeQuardo]

The WiFi connection you need is the one that’s setup initially via BT while in the car.

 

[Sarjent]

I just got this in the mail yesterday and I am underwhelmed by how it works. I have only gotten it to connect one time.
I have a 2020 Silverado and it appears to connect to the Bluetooth, then it drops as expected, finally nothing following.
I have updated the firmware OTA right away after receiving it.

-What is the wifi connection ssid?
-Is there a way to factory reset it so that it forgets my phone and car?
-What else can I do?

 

[MrMister111]

I only plugged it in and that was all I´ve done.
No, after 2020-03-06 update everything was fine. Only the startup problem after locking the car is present but i think it´s a problem with the usb voltage supply of the car :/

I attached you serveral photos of the headunit and the setup. Hope it helps


@TOPIC
I got a error downloading the files too, it´s not working for me.
And downgrading FW - working or not? Maybe someone tried it^^?

I only plugged it in and that was all I´ve done.
No, after 2020-03-06 update everything was fine. Only the startup problem after locking the car is present but i think it´s a problem with the usb voltage supply of the car :/

I attached you serveral photos of the headunit and the setup. Hope it helps


@TOPIC
I got a error downloading the files too, it´s not working for me.
And downgrading FW - working or not? Maybe someone tried it^^?

Checked mine and shows the below, so am behind you if the figures are sequential, but this may not be it. It may be different in different territories etc, unsure what the latest is in UK here. I’ve tried to ask a few times to others, for one answer and was same version as mine.

 

[2018 Denali]

I just got this in the mail yesterday and I am underwhelmed by how it works. I have only gotten it to connect one time.
I have a 2020 Silverado and it appears to connect to the Bluetooth, then it drops as expected, finally nothing following.
I have updated the firmware OTA right away after receiving it.

-What is the wifi connection ssid?
-Is there a way to factory reset it so that it forgets my phone and car?
-What else can I do?

Do this in order.

1. On the truck If your phone was connected to its Bluetooth and WiFi erase/forget the setting on the truck.

2. On your iPhone go to Settings/General/Reset/reset network settings.

3. Now start the process over again. Connect to the Bluetooth names that is shown on the screen. It should do everything else automatically.

Hope this helps.

 

[JAG87]

Could someone post instructions on how to manually flash the U2W file through USB?

I have a C2P adapter on 2.0 software but haven't updated it in a couple of months and now the adapter basically doesn't even boot up when I connect it to my VW Golf USB port, the LED just stays blue, so OTA update isn't possible for me. I would like to try to flash the latest firmware and I put the file on a FAT 32 4kb allocation USB drive, but the dongle doesn't want to read it. This worked fine when i flashed to 2.0 with the Autobox img file back in January, but now I'm not having any luck...

 

[inkahauts]

I just got this in the mail yesterday and I am underwhelmed by how it works. I have only gotten it to connect one time.
I have a 2020 Silverado and it appears to connect to the Bluetooth, then it drops as expected, finally nothing following.
I have updated the firmware OTA right away after receiving it.

-What is the wifi connection ssid?
-Is there a way to factory reset it so that it forgets my phone and car?
-What else can I do?

Make sure you also wait till the car is started and running before plugging in the usb to the car.

 

[neo4567]

I really wanted this Carplay2air to work but unfortunately it does not in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Although it initially connects perfectly after I start my Jeep, any music I'm playing breaks up after about 3-4 minutes and then the device disconnects completely. I have turned off everything I can think of that might be causing interference (i.e. Uconnect connection to phone, hands free Siri access, other wifi connections). No updates are available in the app at the 192.168.50.2 site so I have no idea what could be going wrong. Anybody else had this problem?

 

[2018 Denali]

I really wanted this Carplay2air to work but unfortunately it does not in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Although it initially connects perfectly after I start my Jeep, any music I'm playing breaks up after about 3-4 minutes and then the device disconnects completely. I have turned off everything I can think of that might be causing interference (i.e. Uconnect connection to phone, hands free Siri access, other wifi connections). No updates are available in the app at the 192.168.50.2 site so I have no idea what could be going wrong. Anybody else had this problem?

Manually update to firmware 3-6-20 this fixed mine on my 2018 GMC Sierra.


1. Re-formatted a 8gb usb thumb drive as fat32.

2. Downloaded The firmware for this install the 3-6-20 firmware.

3. Moved the firmware to the usb thumb drive. Make sure it’s the only item on that thumb drive.

4. Connect the thumb drive to the back of the carplay2air air dongle.

5. Connect the CarPlay2air dongle to a iPhone/iPad wall charger. NOT THE CAR!!

6. The lights will flash red and blue. Once both red and blue lights are steady on it’s complete.

7. Disconnect the CarPlay2air from the wall charger and remove USB thumb drive.

8. Start the car then connect CarPlay2air to USB connection on the car.

9. Follow screen directions.

10. Should be all done after this.

Attached are links to 3-6-20 firmware and the last OTA official firmware 1-22-20 if needed to revert back for some reason. I recommend downloading both to keep on your PC/Mac.

http://112.74.112.110/download/2020-03-06/U2W_Update.img

http://112.74.112.110/download/2020-01-22/U2W_Update.img

 

[neo4567]

Thanks Denali ... it seems to have made a big difference so far.

 

[unti20]

@2018 Denali

Thanks for the How-To!!! I hope I can follow all your instructions. I hope I have time next week to look for it - but I don´t know if my cars 12V cigarrete plug goes to off when i lock my car. Have to test it first^^.


@Thread
I got a mail yesterday from the support:
Kindly check for updates in the next few days.

Here are the complete steps to update the firmware, reconnect and set it up.
Setup
1. Turn on the Bluetooth and WiFi networks on your phone.
2. Make sure your phone is not connected to any other WiFi or Bluetooth networks and remove the hands-free connection from your phone and car system settings.
3. Plug the adapter into the CarPlay USB port.
4. Wait for the interface to appear on the screen.
5. Click the search button.
6. Select the phone you want to pair the adapter with (or connect via the Bluetooth displayed on the screen).
7. Select "Pair" on your phone when the notification appears.
8. Update your firmware (see firmware update instructions).
Firmware update instructions
1. Connect your phone to the adapter and wait until CarPlay appears on the screen.
2. Enter 192.168.50.2 in your browser and click “Go.”
3. If you see an update available, click it.
4. Wait until the update bar reaches 100%.
5. When CarPlay reappears on the screen, you’re done!
Reconnect the adapter
1. Start your car and select "Cancel" when the connection appears so it doesn’t connect with your phone.
2. Select and hold on the desired device name.
3. Click “Remove.”
4. On your phone's Bluetooth connections list, select CPLAY2air or AutoKit (depending on the model) and select "Forget the device."
5. Plug the adapter back in and follow the setup instructions from the beginning.



Sorry for the long text.

Maybe there is sth. coming via OTA or a new FW on the FTP.

Maybe - idk. We will see.

 

[hardlock75]

My iPhone XR has a silicone back cover and is also in a mobile phone leather case. All this in a shoulder bag on the back seat. I have no problems with the GPS of the navigation apps.
Alpine iLX-F903D, Mitsubishi ASX.

I got and installed the Carplay2air adapter. Works perfectly with my Alpine iLX-702D (iPhone XR, iOS 13.3, Mitsubishi ASX).

2 Alpine Radio and no problem for you. what firmware Carplay2air you use?. I have Alpine ILX-702D and iphone XS Max, with IOS 13.4. My Carplay2air is on firmware 2020-03-06

The problem is the music starting bug laggy and screen apple carplay disconnect. Lost connexion. Do you do something special to work???

thank you and have nice day

 

[LarryJoe33]

Just a heads-up, it appears CarPlay2Air created a label three weeks ago but has not actually shipped and is giving me the "due to coronavirus" run-around. They may not even have the product. Cut my losses and ordered a Carlinkit from Amazon Prime. I really wasn't in a hurry and I don't know if it will even work, but I didn't expect them not to ship it and say they did. For anyone considering ordering one from them from China, I would advise against it.

 

[WPoly]

2 Alpine Radio and no problem for you. what firmware Carplay2air you use?. I have Alpine ILX-702D and iphone XS Max, with IOS 13.4. My Carplay2air is on firmware 2020-03-06

The problem is the music starting bug laggy and screen apple carplay disconnect. Lost connexion. Do you do something special to work???

thank you and have nice day

Since the beginning of March I have installed the Alpine iLX-F903D in my car. I had written the word "perfect" back in December in the first enthusiasm about the adapter. But I only use the navigation apps and they work very well. I don't really use music or telephone. There is a small time offset when changing music titles. Very rarely I had connection problems in January. Not anymore.
The only problem is the activation of the rear view camera. Sometimes there is a black screen after finishing the reverse gear. The adapter does not automatically return to the CarPlay screen. I have to reactivate it manually on the screen. But this problem does not occur often.
But I can live with that. I am now on software version 2020-03-06.
Greetings from Austria.

 

[arman4s4]

www.carplay2air.com website with Supported Brands and Year's for Honda is updated with

Honda 2016-2020 (CR-V, Civic, HR-V, Clarity only)

It means no support for Accords and Pilots in the near future.

 

[unti20]

@2018 Denali
Today I found a few minutes too look at my 12V cigarrete plug. How it seems it stays active when locking the car. Even 1 hour later it powered my phone. I think this is because of the changes which was made by my company (I work in customer service - field service and we have to work a lot with our notebook. So I think these sort of workload is the reason for the changes).

I got a on/off switch for the fuse but that would pointless because it´s the same workaround as my on/off usb-cable extension adapter.

What other option do I have?

Today I ordered this: Y-Cable USB-A

May it be possible to stay the carplay adapter constant under power?

I never tested it but it could be possible that the following will happen:
- Car goes off and adapter is switching to non working mode (blue light goes off and only red stays on)
-- Bluetooth/Wifi shuts off on Carplay2Air and the phone is disconnnected proberly
- Restarting the car forces the adapter to a normal state and will be recognized

Only thing I would have to do is turning off the fuse switch so the battery is not empty the next day (I don´t know if it auto shuts off after serveral hours).

Maybe a powerbank solution would work (assuming the Y-cable is working proberly at all).
Unfortunately a active usb hub ist working because iOS doesn´t support usb hubs...

 

[InpureD]

Checked mine and shows the below, so am behind you if the figures are sequential, but this may not be it. It may be different in different territories etc, unsure what the latest is in UK here. I’ve tried to ask a few times to others, for one answer and was same version as mine.

Hey there... Just registered to answer to your posts.

I got an Opel Astra K SportsTourer which is the same as your Vauxhall and got pretty the same behaviour as your carlinkit. Also try to get it working, but already tried a lot. Do you got any further ideas?

I thought about updating my Intellilink 900, but don’t know if there is a new version available...

 

[JTravers]

Do this in order.

1. On the truck If your phone was connected to its Bluetooth and WiFi erase/forget the setting on the truck.

2. On your iPhone go to Settings/General/Reset/reset network settings.

3. Now start the process over again. Connect to the Bluetooth names that is shown on the screen. It should do everything else automatically.

Hope this helps.

Don’t forget to delete your car Bluetooth connection from your phone, as well.

 

[phantom25]

Hey there... Just registered to answer to your posts.

I got an Opel Astra K SportsTourer which is the same as your Vauxhall and got pretty the same behaviour as your carlinkit. Also try to get it working, but already tried a lot. Do you got any further ideas?

I thought about updating my Intellilink 900, but don’t know if there is a new version available...

@MrMister111 and @InpureD

I'm just guessing here, but maybe the issue has something to do with the OnStar Module? maybe it has some protocol that is preventing wireless carplay to proceed?

that eventhough the headunit detects a second wifi device [carlinkit/carplay2air], it disregards it and proceeds to use the builtIN wifi module [OnStar]?


cheers!

 

[InpureD]

@MrMister111 and @InpureD

I'm just guessing here, but maybe the issue has something to do with the OnStar Module? maybe it has some protocol that is preventing wireless carplay to proceed?

that eventhough the headunit detects a second wifi device [carlinkit/carplay2air], it disregards it and proceeds to use the builtIN wifi module [OnStar]?


cheers!

I don’t think so, because the OnStar WiFi is just a Hotspot and there is no feature regarding anything other. So it would be very unlikely that the WiFi module is the reason. The whole onStar thing could be a point, but then it has to be some other reason.
I wrote with the support and they said that tomorrow they will release a new update. I will see if that can help me, but I really don’t have much hope.