airport utility not finding airport extreme

One of the top-selling residential gateways with the functions of a router, the Airport Extreme also works as a network switch, wireless access point, and a Network Attached Storage (NAS). However, to ensure smooth functioning of the device, you need to properly configure it using the Airport Utility. But, if Airport Utility not finding Airport Extreme, things can get difficult. While there could be multiple reasons for the occurrence of such issues, you can follow some simple troubleshooting steps to get rid of the issue and ensure seamless functioning of your Airport Extreme. Read on to explore why your Airport Utility can’t find Airport Express or Extreme and how you can fix the issue both effectively and quickly.

Setup Of Airport Extreme

The setup of your Airport Extreme is critical towards the smooth functioning of your network. If it is neglected, issues like Airport Express not showing up in Airport Utility, airport utility can’t find airport express, airport express not showing up in airport utility flashing amber, etc. could emerge. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to do the Airport Extreme setup:

  1. Remove the Airport Extreme base station from its package and keep it on a flat surface.
  2. Power on the device by plugging the power adapter to an electrical socket.
  3. Now, open the Airport Utility app on your computer.
  4. Click on Other Airport base stations or Other Wi-Fi Devices in the upper-left section of the Airport Utility dialog box.
  5. Click on the listed Airport Extreme and then on Next.

Adhering to the above-mentioned steps will help you eliminate the risk of encountering issues like Airport Utility can’t find Airport Express, airport utility not finding airport express, airport utility cannot find time capsule, etc. Once you are done with the steps, you need to restart your computer and start surfing the internet wirelessly.

Airport Utility Not Finding Airport Express? Here’s The Fix!

Instances might occur when you have an Airport Extreme and it goes missing from your network or that the Airport Utility not finding Airport Extreme. In such cases, follow the below-mentioned troubleshooting steps to get rid of the issue:

  1. Launch Airport Utility on your computer and disconnect your Airport Extreme.
  2. Wait for about 10 seconds and then connect the Airport Extreme.
  3. Try connecting to the Wi-Fi network immediately and then open Airport Utility.
  4. Check if you are able to see the Apple Airport and if it is manageable using the Airport Utility.
  5. Click on your Airport and then select Edit; clear out any Apple IDs in the “Back to My Mac” section.

How To Fix Airport Utility Windows 10 Not Detecting Issues? 

If you have a Windows 10 OS and notice that the Airport Utility can’t find Airport Express, there are numerous ways to resolve this. First, open the Network Troubleshooter by pressing the Windows+X key and then selecting Control Panel. Next, click on the “troubleshooting” option and then on “View All.” The next steps towards fixing the issue, no configured Airport Base Stations have been found, click on the “Network Adapter” option and follow the on-screen options to run the Network Troubleshooter. Lastly, restart your computer and check if issues like Airport Utility not finding Airport Express, Airport Utility not finding Airport Extreme, Airport Express not showing up, etc. are resolved. Once the above-mentioned steps are executed, check whether the Airport Utility Windows is detecting the Airport Express.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Apple Airport Extreme

  • How do I make my AirPort Extreme discoverable?

Making an Airport Extreme discoverable requires you to first unplug the power adapter of the base station from the electrical power outlet. Next, hold down the reset button and connect the base station to power. Lastly, hold the reset button continuously for about 6 seconds and see if the status light on the device flashes amber.

  • What to do if I can’t find AirPort Express in AirPort Utility?

If you can’t find Airport Express in Airport Utility, press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds on the Airport Express, then release the button. Once the device restarts, restart your Mac as well and check if the Airport Base Station not found issue is resolved.

  • Is AirPort Extreme discontinued?

Apple has discontinued the Airport Extreme devices of which the hardware updates were not done since 2014.

  • How do I reset my AirPort Utility?

You can’t directly reset the Airport Utility; however, you can reset the Apple Airport Extreme by pressing and holding the reset button for about 10 seconds. You will notice that the status lights start flickering and the device will restart.

  • How do I connect my AirPort Extreme to an existing wireless network?

You can follow the below-mentioned steps to connect an Airport Extreme to an existing wireless network:

  1. Plug the power adapter of your base station to an electrical socket and turn on the device.
  2. Launch the Airport utility on your Mac and then click on Other Wi-Fi Devices.
  3. Now, click on Other Options after the Airport Utility gathers information about your network.
  4. Select the “Add to an existing network” option.
  • Where is the reset button on AirPort Extreme?

You can locate the reset button on Airport Extreme next to the ports. If you need to reset the device, simply press the button for about 10 seconds.

Airport Utility plays a crucial role in the setup of devices like Airport Extreme and Airport Express. Eliminating the risks of encountering issues like Airport Utility device not found, Airport Utility not installed, Airport Utility cannot find base station, etc. requires you to ensure the appropriate setup of the device. However, to resolve issues like Airport Utility Windows 10 not detecting, you need to run the Network Troubleshooter via Control Panel. Alternatively, you can configure Airport Extreme in bridge mode and check if the issue persists.

Follow the various ways by which you can resolve similar issues with Airport Utility and ensure a smooth experience with some of the most popular Apple devices.

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