Having trouble configuring my AirPort Express to my Time Capsule in Airport Utility.

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Having trouble configuring my AirPort Express to my Time Capsule in Airport Utility.

Seeking assistance! I currently own a Mac Mini running Mac OS High Sierra and a MacBook Air Sonoma. I purchased the Apple Express (model A1264) with the expectation that it would function as a Wi-Fi extender/Airplay for my Time Capsule (model A1470). Unfortunately, the Airport Utility consistently states that the base station is not supported. I attempted manual configuration by entering the IP address, connecting the AE to TC via ethernet, and resetting it during the wizard page. Initially, it displays a reading message, but ultimately, it reverts to the same unsupported error.

The AE is accompanied by its original packaging, manuals, and CD. It simply requires setup, whether through wired or wireless connection, and the addition of a password for security purposes.

Do you have any suggestions or alternative methods to make this setup work? Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

Mac mini, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jan 29, 2024 4:11 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Bob Timmons

Level 10

186,458 points

Jan 29, 2024 5:46 PM in response to BroxieFirecracker

Your description of things indicates that the firmware on the A1264 Airport Express was never updated from the original version, so it does not support the firmware requirements for AirPort Utility on your Mac Mini or MacBook Air.

You would need an ancient version of AirPort Utility to be able to update the AirPort Express.....like the AirPort Utility version found on really old operating systems like Leopard and Snow Leopard. Unfortunately, the older AirPort Utility versions will not run on newer Macs.

Kind of a classic Catch 22.

Ironically, you might be able to update the firmware on the old AirPort Express using a PC since this is an older version of AirPort Utility. Maybe a friend has a laptop that you could use for 30 minutes or so to try to update the firmware on the Express so it would be able to run on your newer Macs.

Any chance that you could return the A1264 Express in trade for the newer A1392 version of the AirPort Express? This version of the Express would be a much better match for the Time Capsule that you have....because it is dual band Wi-Fi...unlike the much older single band A1264 Express.

The newer A1392 version of the AirPort Express will also have a much better chance of compatibility with your Macs.

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Answer 2

Jan 30, 2024 12:54 AM in response to BroxieFirecracker

Update:

I tried my Windows laptop to install using the disc that came with it for the initial setup, configuration, and updates and now it works perfectly. Thanks for giving me the ideas, Bob. Very grateful.

Have a great day!

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Answer 3

Jan 29, 2024 10:25 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Hi Bob,

Thanks for your immediate response.

You are right, there's a possibility that the firmware was never updated because it looks brand new and never used. I bought it from a garage sale and no option to replace it with an A1392.

Just to clarify, when you say PC do you mean like a Windows PC (I have a laptop running Windows 10)? Can I use the CD that came with it to get the needed firmware for my AE or a website to download?

Any suggestions, links, and steps are really appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Answer 4

Bob Timmons

Level 10

186,458 points

Jan 30, 2024 5:21 AM in response to BroxieFirecracker

Nice work, glad that you were able to overcome what was a tricky issue. Your firmware is now about 14 years ahead of what was originally installed on the AirPort Express.

Now when you open AirPort Utility on the Macs, both the Time Capsule and AirPort Express should be displayed.

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Answer 5

Jan 30, 2024 5:54 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Wow 14 years 🤯

Yes it shows the icon for the A1264 but no green logo and its fine with me as long as its doing its job.

Just curious, is it normal that the A1264 network is not showing on my WiFi network lists because I chose join network? As I’ve mentioned its icon is visible on the AU, works in Airplay, its just the network name that won’t show. Thanks in advance for your resonse!

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Having trouble configuring my AirPort Express to my Time Capsule in Airport Utility.

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