Q: Airport firmware update error

Reset the AirPort device that is having problems back to factory default settings, and then set it up again.  Once you have the AirPort back on the network and operating correctly, you can go ahead and download the firmware update again.

Similar error while attempting to update the Airport Extreme (model A1521) firmware to version 7.7.7.  After clicking "update" for the APE in AirPort Utility app on my MBP, it looked like it was downloading and then restarting, but then the "error occurred while updating the firmware" message popped up.

It then disappeared from the AirPort Utility app. Checking out the physical APE, it's got a fast flashing amber light on.

Perform a "soft" reset per directions on apple support.  No change in status in AirPort Utility or LED.

Perform a "hard" reset. No change.

Perform a "factory" reset.  Solid green LED for 1 second, off for 1 second, then solid amber LED for 5-10 seconds, then flashing amber LED forever.

Removed all connections to APE, repeated above steps with identical  outcome.

Attempted to connect ethernet cable to all ports, one at a time, to MBP and then into a port in another router.  No connection.

Removed rubber base from bottom of APE to inspect physical reset button connection with ohmmeter. Button contacts are open when not depressed, shorted when depressed.

APE does not show up at all in AirPort Utility (not in "Other WiFi devices" either).

Pushing reset button on APE does nothing, no matter how long or when it is pushed.

Once power cord is removed and inserted, the indications are always the same, regardless of what I do with the reset button. Solid green LED for 1 second, off for 1 second, solid amber for 5-10 seconds, then flashing amber forever.

The ONLY interaction with the device, which had up until this point was working flawlessly for years, was through the software AirPort Utility.  The only physical interaction came after the firmware update bricked it.  I simply do not understand how a botched firmware update could brick the APE.  The default firmware should still be able to be loaded with the reset sequence.

Please help.

Sorry, I cannot duplicate the error that you are reporting.......to try to find a cure.

Suggest that you start a new post for greater visibility.

I had this issue.  I looked at my Airport Extension and it had custom DNS entries, even though it was set to bridge mode.  I cleared these out and updated the settings.  Once it restarted I was able to then apply the firmware update without issue.

Hope this helps.

Here are some of the more common reasons that the status light may blink amber:

• The Wi-Fi base station has not yet been configured because it is new.
• The Wi-Fi base station has been reset.
• A new firmware update is available for the Wi-Fi base station.
• No IP address is available for the Wi-Fi base station.
• A Wi-Fi base station in Extended Mode is out-of-network Wi-Fi range of a primary Wi-Fi base station.
• The WAN Ethernet cable is unplugged from the Wi-Fi base station.
• The Wi-Fi base station lacks a path to the Internet (or local router).
• Internet access may be temporarily unavailable from your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• Your AirPort Time Capsule has detected that the internal hard drive has reported a SMART error, and is failing (This requires firmware 7.5.2, and AirPort Utility 5.5.2).

I had the same problem when the airport station was integrated in a bridged network (1 "Master" airport and 3 "Slaves")

The AirPort Extreme(1st get.) was configured as slave (bridged mode)

What helped me was:

Reset the airport

Configure as "Standalone"

Trigger the update

--> everything goes fine

Then reboot again and integrate back into the Master/Slave Configuration

Have fun! Cheers

Stefan