Why can't my husband see Airport base stations on the Airport Utility app?

Since your husband can connect to the network but can’t see the base stations in the AirPort Utility app, it’s usually not a network connectivity issue—it’s more likely about AirPort Utility’s scanning permissions or network discovery limitations.

Try the following:

1. Ensure Local Network Access is Enabled for AirPort Utility

• Starting with iOS 14, apps need explicit permission to access devices on your local network.
• On his iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network
• Make sure AirPort Utility is toggled ON. If it’s already on, toggle it off and back on again, just to refresh things.

2. Enable Bonjour Scanning (if using iOS AirPort Utility version 1.3.6 or later)

• Open the Settings app
• Scroll down and tap on AirPort Utility
• Enable Wi-Fi Scanner if you see that option. (Though this is mostly for diagnostics, toggling it may refresh its permissions.)
• Finally, disable the Wi-Fi Scanner as this is not needed for normal operation.

3. Both Devices Must Be on the Same Subnet:

• Make sure his phone is connected to the same SSID and same frequency band (2.4GHz or 5GHz) if possible
• Try toggling Wi-Fi off and back on again

4. Check VPNs or Private Relay

• These services can block Bonjour/mDNS discovery required by the AirPort Utility to locate a base station.
• Turn off Private Relay under Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Private Relay (if enabled)
• Disable any VPN or content filter temporarily (including 1.1.1.1 apps, AdGuard, etc.)

5. Finally, Restart Everything (Including Base Stations)

• Power off all AirPort devices (base and expresses)
• Restart the iPhones
• Power on the base stations again, one at a time

If none of the above helps, your next step would be to contact Apple Support directly. To do so, simply select the "Support" link on the lower left-hand side of this forum's web page.