Michael Gibbons
Level 1 (9 points)
Notebooks

Q: Airport Utility not finding Airport Express

I have an airport express model MB321LL/A, model A1264 supporting the faster 802.11 Draft-N draft specification.

I was using it to connect a printer to my network but it apparently stopped working since it only blinks yellow now. Does that mean the unit has stopped working and I need to replace it?  The airport utility can't find it either. I also have an airport extreme 802.11n 4th generation and another airport express 802.11n 1st generation model that works fine.  Any recommendations on knowing whether the unit is busted and needs to be replaced? If yes, with what should I replace it with?

Posted on Oct 28, 2015 7:48 PM

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Michael Gibbons

Q: Airport Utility not finding Airport Express

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  • by Tesserax,Helpful

    Tesserax Tesserax Oct 29, 2015 12:11 PM in response to Michael Gibbons
    Level 9 (54,563 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 29, 2015 12:11 PM in response to Michael Gibbons

    You have a first generation 802.11n AirPort Express base station which were introduced in 2008 and discontinued in 2012 ... so it is very possible that it has failed. I typically find networking electronics to last about 5 years when used continuously. I am assuming that you already tried resetting it.

     

    I would suggest that you consider replacing it with the second generation model (A1392) as it should support your printer as well.

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Oct 29, 2015 12:07 PM in response to Michael Gibbons
    Level 10 (105,118 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 29, 2015 12:07 PM in response to Michael Gibbons

    As a last resort, you might try a Factory Default Reset on the AirPort Express to see if that helps.

     

    If you decide to do that.....

     

    Power off the Express

    Hold in the reset button first, and keep holding it in for an additional 7 to 8 seconds while you simultaneously power up the Express

    Release the reset button after the 7-8 second hold, and allow a full minute for the Express to restart back to a slow, blinking amber light status

     

    AirPort Express Reset Button.png

     

    If the Express is functional, it is now back to its original new settings, so you can set it up again to see if it will hold the network settings. If the Express cannot be set up, or it cannot hold its settings, then it is defective and will need to be replaced.