A Wi-Fi base station product from Apple Inc., the AirPort Express is more compact and simpler than other Apple base stations. Moreover, this was the first AirPlay device that can receive streamed audio from a computer running iTunes. Its innovative design and durability make it among the leading choices of many internet users worldwide. Once you connect AirPort Express to the wireless network, you can access the internet on any of your wireless-enabled devices. Read on to explore the process of connecting the AirPort Express to Wi-Fi and give rise to a whole-new internet surfing experience.
Setting Up Apple AirPort Express
Before you connect the AirPort Express to WiFi, you should complete the setup of the device. Here’s the series of steps involved in the AirPort Express setup:
- Open AirPort Utility on your computer.
- Locate the name of your AirPort base station in the left pane and single-click on it to select.
- Under the AirPort Utility window, fill in the required details on the right. These include the AirPort Express Name, AirPort Express Password, and Verify Password.
- Click on Continue to choose the AirPort Express connection type.
- You need to select if you want to connect to an existing wireless network, replace a router, or connect via Ethernet. Click on Continue.
- Save the settings you have made and you will notice that the device restarts. You can now start using the AirPort Express.
How To Connect AirPort Express To WiFi?
Now that you are aware of how to set up the Apple AirPort Express, read on to explore how to connect the device to WiFi. To start with, connect the power adapter of the AirPort Express to an electrical socket and turn on the device. You must wait until the device boots up. The next step requires you to tap on the Wi-Fi settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to join the new AirPort network. You can tap on the “Other Options” button to select “Add to an existing network”, select your existing wireless network name, and provide the Wi-Fi password to connect AirPort Express to WiFi.
Tips To Resolve If You Can’t Connect To AirPort Express
Instances might occur when you cannot connect to AirPort Express. Numerous factors can be responsible for such occurrences; however, you can follow some simple troubleshooting methods to get rid of the issue and ensure continued access to the internet. To start with the troubleshooting, unplug the device’s power adapter from the electrical socket and disable the WiFi on Mini. Next, go to Network Preferences and set the Ethernet as the default connection using DHCP. Lastly, you can connect the Mini to the AirPort Express’s LAN port.
Updating AirPort Express Firmware
Performing the AirPort Express firmware update is an important step towards improving the performance, security, and functionality of the device. Besides, this adds new features to the AirPort Express which further eliminates the risk of encountering any device-related issues. You can follow the below-mentioned steps to update the AirPort Express firmware; however, before you do this, ensure two things. First, ensure that the base station and your iOS device or Mac are connected to the internet. Second, if the base station is performing a Time Machine backup, ensure that any of the devices aren’t using that drive.
- Open the AirPort Utility and enter the base station password, if prompted.
- If you are using a Mac, select Base Station > Restart from the menu bar.
- On iOS devices, select the base station on AirPort Utility, tap on Edit > Advanced > Restart Base Station.
- Once the base station restarts, tap the base station on AirPort Utility to look into its details. For multiple base stations, select the one which is farthest from the primary base station.
- If an update is available, click on the “Update” button to install the update.
- If you are using an iPhone or iPad, you need to tap on the “Version” tab to download and install the update.
- Now, your base station will restart which ensures that the firmware update process is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Apple Airport Express
- How do I set up AirPort Express as an Extender?
Setting up the AirPot Express as an Extender requires you to go to Manual Setup > AirPort > Wireless. Next, you need to select “Extend a Wireless Network” in the “Wireless Mode” menu. You can lastly select the SSID and enter the password followed by a click on “Update”.
- How do I connect my Apple AirPort Express Base Station?
To connect Apple AirPort Express Base Station, connect your modem to the Airport Express using an Ethernet cable. Next, you need to launch the AirPort Utility on your Mac and click on Other Wi-Fi devices in the upper-right corner.
- How can I connect AirPort Express to a non-Apple router?
If you want to connect AirPort Express to a non-Apple Router, first, open the AirPort Utility and under the “Wireless” tab, select “Join a wireless network” option. You can add your existing Wi-Fi network and provide the password to connect AirPort Express to the router.
- How do I reset my first AirPort Express?
Resetting an AirPort Express requires you to press and hold the device’s reset button for about 10 seconds, while the device is on. You will notice that a green light flashes for a second and the device will restart. After resetting the device, you can configure it again using AirPort Utility.
- Where is the reset button on AirPort Express?
You can locate the reset button on AirPort Express near to the USB port. To reset the device, you can press and hold the button for about 10 seconds, while keeping the device on.
Connecting the Apple AirPort Express to Wi-Fi gives you an excellent opportunity to access the internet wirelessly. You can follow the steps the exact way as mentioned here and connect multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices to your wireless network.
