Airport utility can't find Airport Express

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Level 1

16 points

Airport utility can't find Airport Express

I reset my network today after getting a new Aiport Extreme AC. After setting up the Extreme, I wanted to add my Express stations (1 and 2 gen) back into the network. But neither of them are appearing in AirPort Utility under 'other wi-fi devices'. This picture shows the 1gen express several minutes after a hard reset. Same story with the 2nd gen express. Neither appear. I'm on a 2011 iMac, OS 10.9.5, Airport utility 6.3.2. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), 3.6GHz Intel Core i5, 8GB

Posted on Feb 20, 2015 1:42 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Bob Timmons

Community+ 2024

Level 10

159,368 points

Feb 20, 2015 2:00 PM in response to Jason Parker

Hold in the reset button for 8-10 seconds on the 2nd Gen AirPort Express, then release and allow a full minute for the Express to restart.

During that time, restart your Mac.

Click the WiFi icon at the top of the screen, then look for a listing of New AirPort Base Station.

Click on AirPort Express just below that listing

Mavericks (and Yosemite) are notorious for "lost" AirPorts so you may need to repeat the actions above a few times. If you are still having difficulty, we'll need to check some Network settings on your Mac in regards to IPv6.

On your Mac.....open System Preferences (gear icon on the dock)

Open Network

Click on WiFi on the left to highlight it

Click Advanced at the lower right

Click the TCP/IP tab

Check that the setting for Configure IPv6 is set to Link Local Only

Click OK

Click Apply

Then, perform the same steps as above except click on Ethernet to highlight it

Restart your Mac again and see if the AirPort Express appears when you click on the WiFi icon

If still no luck....and if you have an iPhone or iPad handy......

Tap Settings on the home screen

Tap WiFi

Look for a listing of Set Up a New Base Station

Tap on AirPort Express

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Answer 2

Feb 20, 2015 2:58 PM in response to Jason Parker

I was just about to post but Bob beat me..

What a great photo.. !!

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Answer 3

Feb 20, 2015 3:15 PM in response to LaPastenague

What a great photo.. !!

Except it does not indicate whether the amber light was "solid", or "blinking" at the time. 😉

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Answer 4

Jason Parker Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 20, 2015 3:49 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Thanks for your help.

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Answer 5

Feb 21, 2015 6:54 AM in response to Jason Parker

What item "helped"?

Did you need to change the IPv6 settings on your Mac?

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Answer 6

Jason Parker Author

Level 1

16 points

Feb 21, 2015 7:20 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Your response, highlighted in green above, "helped". Thank you. I did have to set the ipv6 to link-local only.

For the record, I guess I need to clarify that the amber light in the original photo was blinking. Otherwise I would not have posted the picture. The light blinks after a hard reset and startup to indicate trouble, which led to my post here. I apologize for causing confusion.

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Answer 7

Feb 21, 2015 7:33 AM in response to Jason Parker

Thanks for the update. It sounds like the IPv6 settings fixed the "bug", which is that the "auto" setting is not very reliable.

I was kidding about the "solid" or "blinking" light......since if the light was solid, and would not change, the AirPort Express would either be locked up defective, which would have required a different type of troubleshooting.

When you have a moment, it would be a good idea if you changed the IPv6 setting in AirPort Utility to to Link Local Only.

Open Up AirPort Utility on the Mac

Click on the AirPort Express, then click Edit

Click on the Internet tab at the top of the window

Click the Internet Options button

Change the setting for Configure IPv6 to Link Local Only

Click Save, then click Update

This will help keep the AirPort from getting "lost" on the network.

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