Set-up problems with Airport Express

Hi,
I am trying to set up an Airport Express to allow me to wirelessly stream Spotify to my audio system via iPhone/iPad etc. As such, I believe I need to set the Airport Express to join my existing network.
However, getting a green light on the Airport Express has proved elusive. I have tried to set-up via the Airport Utility on my iPhone 5 and almost get there before receiving the "unexpected error" message. I have also tried to set-up via Airport Utility (v.5.6.1) on my iMac (running Mac OS X v.10.6.8). In this case the set-up seems to proceed but, ultimately, the system is unable to see the Airport Express and I am forced to do a hard re-set of the Airport Express.
If anyone could walk me through what I need to do or what is going wrong it would be much appreciated. I have to say that I am distinctly unimpressed with Apple for making this so difficult.

Apple assumes that your existing wireless is using modern industry standard wireless security settings and that you know the name and password of your wireless network.
We will assume that you know the name of the network and the password.
The setting for wireless security on the AirPort is set to WPA/WPA2 Personal since that will work with most modern wireless networks.
However, if your wireless network is using much older...and much less secure.....WEP security settings, the Express will not join your wireless network correctly.
So, the first troubleshooting step would be to check to see exactly what type of wireless security settings that your wireless network is using. Post back with that info when you can and we will continue.
If you do not know what type of wireless security settings your wireless router is using, you may need to consult the documentation for the device,or call your Internet Service Provider for that information.

Similar Messages

Problem with Airport express N (2nd gen)

Problem with Airport express N (2nd gen)
Firmware 7.6.4
ISP - 20 Mbps ethernet cable
I have MacBook Air 13 mid 2013 os x 10.9.5, ipad 4 ios 8.0.2, ipad4 ios 7.1.2 , iphone 5 ios 7.1.1
When i try to use speedtest.net from my Macbook i got good results of download speed and incredible upload http://www.speedtest.net/my-result/3801286946 (connection 300 Mbps) , both ipads got terrible speedtest download result and incredible uploadhttp://www.speedtest.net/my-result/i/981631804 (connection 150 Mbps), iphone 5 got bad download and great uploadhttp://www.speedtest.net/my-result/i/981695357.
All these tests were done near airport express with really good signal and 5ghz. I tried to choose different channels, 802.11 mode, guest ssid, 5ghz ssid ...
I think that something is wrong with my new airport express. Can anyone help me to solve this problem?
ps sorry for my bad english

As a last resort, try a factory default reset on the AirPort Express as follows:
Power off the AirPort Express
Wait a minute
Hold in the reset button first, and keep holding it in for another 8-10 seconds while you simultaneously plug the Express back in to power
Release the reset button after the hold period and allow a full minute for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status
On an iPhone or iPad home screen....
Tap Settings
Tap WiFi
Look for a heading of Setup a New AirPort Base Station. If it appears.....
Tap on AirPort Express just below the heading to start the configuration process on the Express again
If you try several factory default resets, and the AirPort Express does not appear under the heading of Setup a New AirPort Base Station, the Express most likely is defective and will need to be replaced.

WiFi problem with Airport Express

Several people visiting my apartment aren't able to navigate the Web or use Email over my WiFi Network. I'm guessing it's a DNS, IP or proxy issue as they're able to use Skype on their phones over my network, but nothing else. What could be causing this? I just recently set up this new Airport Express and I'm able to navigate, etc just fine with all of my devices (but I should note that I have specific DNS address set on all of them, since I use a DNS service).
I never had this problem before with my old Time Capsule. Started happened after I switched over to the Airport Express.
Thanks

Perform the Factory Default Reset one more time. Hold the reset button until the amber light has been blinking rapidly for 8-10 seconds before you release the reset button
Run the setup wizard, and wait for screen similar to this to appear, then click on Other Options:
Select the Add to an existing network option, then click Next and follow the prompts.
If you are still having difficulty, try running the setup utility on an iPhone or iPad, since Yosemite has a number of bugs in the setup process.

How do I set up iPad with airport express to stream music to stereo without internet connection?

how do i set up iPad and airport express to stream music to stereo without using internet connection.

Your 4th gen iPad does have the necessary software to connect to the AirPort Express but not to administer it. To do the later, you would need to install the AirPort Utility applet.
You said that your iPad can "see" the AirPort's wireless network, but can't connect. What happens exactly when you attempt to do so? Do any of your other wireless devices have any trouble connecting to the Express? Did you configure the Express for a closed network ... that is, not to broadcast its Network Name?

Multiple Speaker Problem with Airport Express

I'm having an issue with my Airport Express in selecting Multiple Speakers. I have one Airport Express located in the Living Room, and have no problem playing music on that directly from iTunes. However I cannot play there and on the Mac at the same time. An error message comes up:
An error occurred while connecting to the remote speaker "Living Room". An unknown error occurred (-15000).
I can clear the error and then go back to listening either in the living room or on the computer, but not both.
I have tried reinstalling everything...iTunes, Airport, Mac OSX, you name it.
Any ideas anyone?

I may have a solution for you Shannon. My solution, found after a lengthly Apple Support call, applies to Tiger 10.4.11 however it likely applies to Leopard as well. The problem is with your Firewall settings which may be blocking UDP access and or have it operating under a Stealth Mode. It must be set to allow UDP Traffic.
In 10.4.11 under System preferences/Sharing/Firewall under the Advanced button there are three checkboxes "Block UDP Traffic" "Enable Firewall Logging" and "Enable Stealth Mode". Uncheck all three of these boxes and it should work.

Problems with Airport Express in Router mode

Hi all!
I have an Airport Express and a PC home network (WinXP, Win2k and one Powebook). I have Itunes turned off and updated the firmware to 6.3. My Test PC is updated with all the latest updates. All of the Computers have Wifi G cards and are switched to Windows XP zero config wireless.
I tried to configure the AP express both with the config wizard and the manual Airport admin utility on several computers. I have it configured to 128bit WEP security.
I have no proxies or anything of that kind. Also tried disabling all firewall software.
I have a DSL connection with Aztec DSL600E Modem which was previously configured as a fixed line router (its not wireless).
I spent days at it but could not get the AP to replace the modem as router. The modem is configured to use PPPOE/PPPOA (tried both).
When I configure the modem to stop being a router (I think this is done by selecting its "Server and Relay Off"
option (it has either Server on, Realy on, or the above) in the Modem's DHCP configuration screen.
Well when I do this, and configure the AP to distribute IP addresses (share a single IP) and "connect using PPPOE" connection, its light goes green but none of the computers can browse the internet, it just goes to "page not found" after a while. The PC's also then report a conflict in IP address.
On the other hand, if I restore the modem to act as router, configure the AP as a Wifi bridge-to use Ethernet and not to distribute IP's, internet does work but slower than normal. (Not bandwidth, its the DNS lookup that slows things down I think, whenever trying to go to a new web address it takes several seconds to look it up before it says "web page found" on the bottom of the IE browser). If I disconnect the Wifi and connect one of the clients directly to the DSL modem, the DNS lookup takes seconds.
I tried clearing the Cache, resetting the AP, doing IPconfig /release and /flushdns etc.
Internet speed tests like DSL Speed test report latencies of 800ms sometimes.
So i'm thinking that there is some conflict in the DNS or DHCP between the modem/router and the AP.
What is better? leave it as is or try to get the AP to act as router and the modem as only a modem?
All of my clients are set up to have automatic TCPIP configuration with DHCP.
Also I wanted to ask:
1) What does "domain name" and "DHCP client id" in the AP Admin utility / internet tab?
My modem config screen has a "Management IP" section with:
IP Address: 10.0.0.138
Netmask: 255.0.0.0
Default Gateway:xxxx
Hostname: xxxxx
Domain Name: xxxx
Are the last two the same as the AP refers to as domain name as DHCP client ID?
and why do I need a domain for just a home network?
and why are the last two fields full in the modem screen if I don't have a domain?
2) From what I remember of routers, they should have some place of configuring the peer to peer network name (workgroup) is that what they mean by "hostname" or "domain name"?
The problem is that this Aztec model has no online manual. And the other models Aztec manuals don't go to such advanced details. And my ISP doesn't give support for sharing with routers (it is allowed but not supported). They will just say buy our monthly plan with WIFI etc.
I would like to share files as well as internet access.
3) What does the "Enable default host" option mean in the AP config network tab?
4) What does the "Relay on" field mean in the Modem/router DHCPConfig screen?
5) How do I ensure there is no conflict between the AP and modem/router, and that they use the most efficient method for looking up DNS's?
Attached are links to screenshots of my configurations.
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/nebula3012/album/576460762403680970
(double click the pics to open them).
It seems so complicated, a few years ago I set a 3COM Wifi router in a PC environment (Cable Internet) and was working within hours.
by the way in the AP config summary it all looks normal except the "LAN MAC Address" which is empty.
Thank you for your help... ** really..

nebula3012, Welcome to the discussion area!
1) What does "domain name" and "DHCP client id" in the AP Admin utility / internet tab?
If those items are needed, your ISP will provide them to you.
2) From what I remember of routers, they should have some place of configuring the peer to peer network name (workgroup) is that what they mean by "hostname" or "domain name"?
No
3) What does the "Enable default host" option mean in the AP config network tab?
It allows you to configure a device as a server. All of the ports of that device will be directly addressable from the internet.
5) How do I ensure there is no conflict between the AP and modem/router, and that they use the most efficient method for looking up DNS's?
You worry too much. There is nothing special to do.

CONSTANT problems with Airport Express in two rooms, dropped connection with gateway, no AirPlay

I have 3 Airport Express in my apartment, one is connected (named Living Room) to my ISP provided gateway (router) and acts as the main wireless hub, the other two (named Kitchen and Bedroom) and are set up to provide AirPlay audio only.
The ones set up for AirPlay have had constant issues since we moved to our new place 4 months ago, this is very strange because we were with the same ISP in the old place and used the same gateway (router) without any problems which leads me to think that there is something in the walls in the new place which is blocking an effective signal.
Even as I type this, I have Airport Utility open on my Mac and a message just popped up from AU saying that 'Living Room is unavailable'.
Attached is a screenshot which shows the current status of the Airport network. Basically it is a mess, and I have tried everything, from resetting the ISP router and all the AXPs, to changing the Network Modes to experimenting with repositioning the units to points in rooms where the reception might be better.
NOTHING has made any difference.

Sorry, have been away for work so only just had a chance to look again at this:
I'lll try again: right now using WiFI Explorer I can see 9 other networks, 3 of those are using channel 11, the same as my Airport Express network. (Set to Automatic in Airport Utility)
What I tried to explain earlier was that the one in the kitchen will not stay connected long enough for me to get a reading on WiFi Explorer, but I can tell you that I powered up the one in the bedroom at 19:56, it is currently connected in Extend Wireless Network mode (the one in the kitchen is disconnected from the power) and has an average SNR of 59dB (and shows as 'Excellent' in Airport Utility) and so far it has not dropped the connection, but I am 99% certain that it will be back to blinking amber by tomorrow.
So there is one Airport Express in the living room which is the one that has created the wireless network, within the living room the Average SNR is around 60% (as you would expect as that is the unit that is wired to the ISP provided router).
Since I connected the one in the bedroom earlier this evening it has managed to stay connected and appears to still be extending the network, I checked it just now by standing next to it with WiFi Explorer open on my MacBook Pro and it showed an average SNR of 55%.
I ordered a 10 metre ethernet cable yesterday and I will try relocating the unit that is set to create the wireless network to a place in the living room that is closer to the bedroom and kitchen. It is currently on a shelf on the TV bank which is about two metres away from the wall closest to the kitchen.
I will report back here once I have moved it and set up the kitchen and bedroom boxes again. Hopefully this will allow the kitchen one to stay connected long enough for me to get a reading on WiFi Explorer.

Problem with airport express extending wifi from extreme

My setup is an airport extreme wired to the internet with two iMacs connected by wire and an airport express to extend wifi from the extreme to the further parts of my house. When originally installed about a year ago this arrangement worked perfectly, but I noticed a few weeks ago that neither my iphone, ipad, nor my MBP 13" is connecting to the aitport express anymore and the network extension is not working as intended.
Last night I investigated the isue and found that the express is connected wirelessly to my extreme because when I wired my MBP to the express and turned off the wireless connection it could still reach the internet. But, even with the express sitting plugged in next to my iPhone I could not get it to connect to the express - it always uses the extreme and while I'm in range there is no problem. The problem is that my house is old and the wals tend to cause problems with reception and I can't get wifi in the garden and some parts of the house.
I have the express and the extreme configured to allow access only by the client macs that I have provided and it looks like the two devices share this information when they are in extend mode (but not sure about that). When I set up the system I added the aitports mac addresses to the approved list in the access control screen, which seemed to be necessary then though I removed them (the airport mac addresses) fromt he list last night to see what effect this had and biefly the airport did connect to my MBP. But after returning it to its location where it usually is I have not been able to reconnect to it.
In brief; I have an airport express extending an airport extreme wifi, it used to work, but now all wifi clients will only connect to the master. I have a suspicion that a recent airport update has caused this (both airports are up-to-date) but can't be sure. I have the express correctly configured to extend the wifi of the extreme as it was originally working.
One thing I have noticed - I had the express set to use a fixed IP by setting 'static' in the internet screen - this is not the current setting (it's reverted to DHCP) and I cannot force it to update to and remain set to static.
Does anyone know how I can restore the correct functioning of the express as an extension of the wifi network?
Thanks
Damon

Perform the Factory Default Reset one more time. Hold the reset button until the amber light has been blinking rapidly for 8-10 seconds before you release the reset button
Run the setup wizard, and wait for screen similar to this to appear, then click on Other Options:
Select the Add to an existing network option, then click Next and follow the prompts.
If you are still having difficulty, try running the setup utility on an iPhone or iPad, since Yosemite has a number of bugs in the setup process.

Problem with Airport Express and Ethernet Clients

Hello All, I'm stumped so I hope you can help me out!
I've got a aiport express wirelessly extending an aebs which is creating a network from my isp's router. Everything's working fine. I'm trying to add a Sonos Play5 to the airport express via the ethernet port ( I can't get the Play5 to connect wirelessly). Problems is when I plug the Sonos into the ethernet port the Sonos works fine, but everything else on the network gets booted off. I can't recconnect any of my macs or i-devices. When I uplug the ethernet cable from the Sonos everything reconnects and works as it did before.
I've got the airport express set to "Extend a wireless network" in the aiport utility.
Any ideas as to what I'm doing wrong?

So my connectivity issues are only when I connect the Play 5 to the AX ethernet port.
That would be the Ethernet port on the AirPort Express then, correct?
If yes, I don't understand why other devices would work when connected to the AX and the Sonos 5 does not. All that I can think of is that the Sonos 5 might require more bandwidth than the wireless "hop" between the AEBS and AX can provide.
In effect, the Sonos is really connecting using wireless. You are just changing the wireless to an Ethernet connection at the AX to connect to the Sonos product.
If that is the case, then you are going to have to pull an Ethernet cable so that the Sonos 5 connects directly to the AEBS. You can run Ethernet 300+ feet or 100 meters with virtually no loss.
I would recommend that you check with Sonos Support to report your findings during your "tests" and ask them if there is some reason why the connection won't work over wireless.
Please report on your findings.

Set up wireless with Airport Express and PC

i have ditched my cable/internet provider and use a service that brings the internet right to my apartment . I can access it with an ethernet cord. Airport Express was recommended even after I said I had a PC. I downloaded the airport utility. This where I am confused. I used one cord to plug the airport device to the wall where th internet comes in from. I used another ethernet cord between the AE device and my computer. i then went through the set up without a problem. When I unplug the cord between my computer and AE device my computer does not connect wirelessly. It does see other networks. When everything was plugged in i walked through the set up without any problems. Did I do something wrong with the cord set up?
Previously the computer had no problem with wireless access.

Typically when you get Internet from a wall socket there is either a modem or modem/router combination upstream of it that is providing the Internet service. In this case you will want to configure your AirPort Express as a bridge. Is this what you did?

Problems with Airport Express & Airplay

Hi Guys, I'm having a lot of problems using my Airport Express as a bridge, and Airplay.
I have a wireless network set up with various repeaters through our (large) house, and wanted to set the Airport Express to extend the wireless range into the kitchen, and to work as an Airplay port for the stereo which is next door.
The main network is a cable modem into a wireless router, which is then repeated with 85M PLC Adapters throughout the house.
Had alot of trouble setting up the express unit - have re-set it to default settings numerous times. Managed to get it set up to repeat the signal and act as an airplay once, but the performance was very poor - i.e. sound dropping out, losing connection. It also wouldn't connect using iphone or ipod, again even when it had 4 bars wi fi reception.
I then tried setting it up purely to join the existing network, not to repeat it. and act as an airplay port; and it connected, said it worked, but then I couldn't play any music through it, and it went back to flashing orange.
The Airport Express is in the same room where I'm typing this and has 5 bars of wi-fi signal strength.
I've tried the few things I know - anyone got any bright ideas?
Makro

Network
Plug the AE next to the PLC and connect it to the Ethernet port of the PLC. Configure the AE to operate in bridge mode. If your PLC doesn't offer an Ethernet port, use one like the Netgear XAVN2001. If it's already taken, you will need a 4 port switch. You will also need a long 3.5mm audio cable if the amp is not in the proximity of the PLC, available from Amazon for under $5. Finally, create a separate wireless network on the AE.
Client
Connect the client to the AE's wireless network, not your existing network. The client in this case is an iPxd or other computer with iTunes or Airplay/similar PC.
The above basic configuration works flawlessly in my experience. If the Client is to distant from the AE's wireless, you can, as a second step, connect it to your existing network, but be forewarned that in this scenario dropouts abound and the AE frequently disappears from view.

Advised to get an "extender" to be able to stream netflix, etc. through new digital tv. Apple store told me to buy Airport Express and set up WDS. Upon reading about WDS it stated cannot set up WDS with Airport Express 802.11n,

I was advised I needed an "extender" to stream Netflix, etc. through my newly purchased digital TV. Apple store advised me to buy Airport Express and choose WDS setting. When reading instructions on how to set up WDS it states cannot set up WDS with an 802.11n airport express, which is what they told me to purchase. How do I set up this Airport Express to extend my internet signal from my modem & airport to be able to stream internet capability to my TV?

I was advised I needed an "extender" to stream Netflix, etc. through my newly purchased digital TV. Apple store advised me to buy Airport Express and choose WDS setting. When reading instructions on how to set up WDS it states cannot set up WDS with an 802.11n airport express, which is what they told me to purchase. How do I set up this Airport Express to extend my internet signal from my modem & airport to be able to stream internet capability to my TV?

Itunes 7.7 - problem with airport express remote speakers

I upgraded to 7.7 and when I try to connect to my remote speakers, itunes either does not play or the sound cuts in and out. Anyone have any suggestions?
Duq

Having the same problem have 2 Airport Expresses and have problems with one of them locking up and not appearing on itunes or in the airport utility anymore.
Switching it to ethernet usage to see if that helps or will try factory reseting it next.
Have already tried hard and soft resets.

Numerous problems with Airport Express 802.11n with DSL and extending WLAN

Hi all,
I have the following hardware:
802.11b/g Airport Express with firmware 6.3
802.11n Airport Express with firmware 7.3.2
MacBook Pro
iBook G4
Mac Pro PowerMac 2x450 G4
Up until now I had been using the old Airport Express as the base station connecting to my PPPoE DSL line, and it worked fine. I wanted to extend the range of this network, and got another newer Airport Express, the 802.11n model.
First I tried to use the 802.11n to connect to the Internet and the old one to extend the network. Turns out the old one can't be used to extend a network, which is bad enough, but the 802.11n one refuses to connect via DSL for more than a couple minutes, then drops the Internet connection.
So I tried downgrading the firmware to 7.3.0 and 7.3.1, but it didn't help. Did a hard reset, factory default reset, soft reset, nothing worked.
Next I tried swapping the two, putting the old Express back on the DSL line and the new one as the bridge to extend the network (using WPA2). But the 802.11n complains that it can't access the network and flashes amber.
Again, tried upgrading to 7.3.2, downgrading to 7.3.1 and 7.3.0, hard reset, soft reset. Nothing works.
Any ideas?
Cheers,
Fairfax71

I don't see any option in the Airport Admin Utility for the old Express for creating a WDS network, only to participate in one...?
That is the option you want to choose.
You could use the newer AirPort Utility to configure the older AX.
Sorry, forgot to ask something else: The 802.11n Express is able to join the WLAN created by the 802.11b/g Express as a client, but not extend it, is that what you're saying?
No. If you join the network the AX is simply acting as another wireless client and is not extending the network. The "extend" option is not available since the older AX is not 802.11n capable. You must use WDS.
Use AirPort Utiity and follow these steps for both AX's. To set up the main AX:
Click the AirPort status menu in the menu bar and choose the wireless network created by the base station you want to set up as the main base station.
Open AirPort Utility (located in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder on a Mac, or in Start > All Programs > AirPort on a Windows computer). Select the main base station, and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu, or double-click the base station to open the configuration in a separate window. Enter the base station password if necessary. If the base station is using the default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
Click the Wireless button, and then choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu.
Click WDS and then choose “WDS main” from the WDS Mode pop-up menu.
Select the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox if you want client computers to connect to this base station.
Click the Add button and enter the MAC address of the base stations you want to connect to this base station. If there is a base station listed that you’d like to remove from the list, select the base station and click the Delete (–) button.
Click Update to send the new settings to the base stations in the WDS. By default, the “Allow wireless clients” checkbox is selected. If you deselect the checkbox, and later want to change the settings on the base station, you must connect to the base station’s LAN port with an Ethernet cable. You will not be able to connect to the base station wirelessly.
To set up the second AX to connect to the main AX:
Open AirPort Utility. Select the AX, and choose Manual Setup from the Base Station menu. Enter the base station password, if necessary. If the base station is using the default password of public, you will not be prompted for a password.
Enter the same network password as the main base station, if necessary.
Click the AirPort button, and then click Wireless. Choose “Participate in a WDS network” from the Wireless Mode pop-up menu, and choose the same channel as the main base station from the Channel pop-up menu.
Click WDS and choose “WDS remote” from the pop-up menu.
Enter the MAC address of the main base station in the WDS Main field. The MAC address is also referred to as the AirPort ID and is printed on the label on the bottom of the base station.
Click Update to transfer the settings to the base station.
This can be found on page 42 of "Designing AirPort Networks Using AirPort Utility" (direct PDF download).

Problem with Airport Express joining WiFi as Client

I have an Airport Express 2nd generation that I've been using since November 2014 in client mode to airplay music through my stereo system. I decided a couple of days ago to see if I could also use it to extend my WiFi network (the router is an old Actiontec DSL modem/router provided by Verizon and running WEP). I must have messed up one of the parameters because the Airport disappeared from the network during the setup procedure. I've done the factory reset (remove power, push reset button while powering up until the indicator light flashes rapidly) on the Airport several times, and I can set up a separate WiFi network with it, but every time I try to have it join the existing WiFi network, it somehow knocks the controlling device (MacBook Pro Retina 15" mid 2012 running Mac OS X Yosemite or iPhone 5 with IOS 8.1.2) off the network so the controlling device ends up with a self-assigned IP address and is unable to connect to the network until I make the device forget the network and re-affiliate. Anybody got any idea how I can get it back into client mode?

Perform the Factory Default Reset one more time. Hold the reset button until the amber light has been blinking rapidly for 8-10 seconds before you release the reset button
Run the setup wizard, and wait for screen similar to this to appear, then click on Other Options:
Select the Add to an existing network option, then click Next and follow the prompts.
If you are still having difficulty, try running the setup utility on an iPhone or iPad, since Yosemite has a number of bugs in the setup process.

Set-up problems with Airport Express

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