Configuring an Airport Express for audio only?

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433 points

Configuring an Airport Express for audio only?

Hi,

I’m trying to set up my airport express as an airplay2 device and can’t seem to get the configuration right. I’d appreciate any pointers.

I have an existing (non-airport) network which I would like the Airport Express to connect to as a client (ideally as a wired client), and then I would like it to show up in the list of available airplay speakers that my apple devices have the option to send music to. (I then have speakers connected to the Express’s optical audio jack. I do not want the Express to create or extend my wireless network.

What are the right settings to use to do this?

For example: in order to appear as an airplay device, must the Express be connected to WIFI (or can I have it connect to the network via wired Ethernet only)? (I.e., does the airplay2 protocol somehow require wireless for proximity even if the computers themselves are both connected to the same (faster) wired network — like airdrop does?) If WiFi is required, what settings do I use to have it connect to the network without trying to extend it? If no WiFi is required, what settings do I use to turn off the radio altogether?

So far I’ve either ended up with the Express becoming a rogue WiFi access point and fighting with real routers, or disappearing from the network altogether (despite still showing a green light)?

(Note: I’ve been using the “airport utility” app on my iPhone to do the configuration. Please let me know if there’s a better way.)

Thank you!

Posted on Dec 28, 2020 6:25 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

168,644 points

Dec 28, 2020 8:32 AM in response to Mike G.

AirPlay works the same with an Ethernet connection on the Express no matter whether the WiFi is turned "Off" or "On" at the AirPort Express.

The question for you is really whether you want the Express to also "extend" your existing WiFi network by providing more signal coverage in the area where the Express is located.

I have two AirPort Expresses here, both connected back to the main router using Ethernet cable connections. I don't need the extra WiFi coverage that the Expresses can provide, so the WiFi is turned off on the Expresses and they act only as AirPlay devices.

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Answer 2

Dec 28, 2020 7:11 AM in response to Mike G.

Power off the Express and disconnect the Ethernet cable

Wait a minute

Connect the Ethernet cable from your network to the WAN "O" port on the Express if the Express has two Ethernet ports. Otherwise, connect the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the Express

Power up the Express and let it run for a minute

Hold in the reset button on the Express for 7-8 seconds, release and allow a full minute for the Express to restart to a slow, blinking amber light status

On your iPhone.......

Tap Settings on the Home Screen

Tap WiFi

Tap on AirPort Express under the heading of Set Up New AirPort Base Station

When you tap on AirPort Express, that will start up the AirPort Utility setup "wizard". The wizard will assume that you want to extend your existing WiFi network to provide more coverage in the area where the Express will be located.

Edit the name of the wireless network to make it exactly the same name as your "main" WiFi network

Edit the Base Station name to call the device whatever you want. Keep the name short and simple like Express for example

Enter the exact same WiFi password that your "main" WiFi network is using

Enter the same WiFi password again to confirm

Tap Next and the setup wizard will automatically set up the Express to provide more WiFi coverage for your main network and function as a normal AirPlay device on the network

If you don't want the Express to extend the WiFi network to provide more coverage, you can use AirPort Utility on your iPhone to go back into the settings for the Express and turn off the WiFi function on the Express, so that it will act only as a wired device on your network.

Tap on AirPort Utility to start up the application on the iPhone

Tap on the picture of the AirPort Express

Tap Edit in next window that appears

Tap on Network

Tap on Wi-Fi Mode

Tap Off

Tap Done

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