OP, FYI there are also other threads on this same subject you may want to explore. Also, if you've not been there yet, check out
https://carplay2air.com/#home-faq as it has instructions how to perform updates, etc to the adapter -- be sure you're current.
For me, with a 2020 XC60 T8 and iPhone 11 Pro... I've had a CarPlay2air adapter since I took delivery 6+ months ago. Most of the time all works as it should... But occasionally I have the issue that you may be -- after a few moments, Sensus display indicates for things like phone that they are being driven by CarPlay and integrated Nav is operational (all that is good), but the area where media display would be becomes blank with no CarPlay info. In that situation, I've found a couple of things:
- The problem generally happens when I'm getting in the car, Sensus/CarPlay are initializing, and I believe something happens with the timing when I then turn on the car itself... I have not figured-out the exact sequence yet, but am convinced there is something to this... but if I let CarPlay completely initialize before turning on the car, or get the car turned-on before the adapter starts it's bluetooth then wireless connection thing, I don't have the issue.
- When I have the problem, I reach down and unplug/replug the CarPlay2air adapter from the USB port (be sure of course you're in the proper slot with the white mark -- the other one will NOT work, ever). Within a few seconds Sensus seems to recognize what I did and goes back through the initialization process. I'd say 90-95% of the time, all connects as it should after that.
- There are times when the unplug/replug trick still does not work. My impression is those failures are related to my iPhone itself having received a message or notification of some sort that is interfering with the way the CarPlay2air adapter is trying to hijack things... I don't fool with my phone while driving, so when I'm stuck with no CarPlay, I wait until I pull over, clear notifications, and magically all seems to connect as it should the next time I get going...
- I have also found a few times that if I keep my iPhone in my right pocket where it normally is while I'm driving, connections can become problematic -- I suspect there is something about low Bluetooth reception in that area due to the seat belt or other equipment. I don't have the same connection problems when the phone is out and on my wireless charger on top of the center console.
CarPlay2air is not perfect, but I still use it 100% of the time, even with the spurious failures. There has not been an update to the adapter firmware in quite a long time -- likely because developers are all in China. Hopefully some of my hints and tips help you -- otherwise, I'd suggest you return it while it's under warranty just in case you do have a hardware problem. I doubt very much though the issue is with Volvo -- after all, CarPlay2air and it's competitors are hacked devices that try to get around different car mfgr limitations... it's really up to the CarPlay2air developers to keep up with Apple and all the auto mfgr changes to keep their hack working -- unfortunately, COVID-19 seems to have slowed all they were doing in that regard. GOOD LUCK!