User profile for user: GerbenD
GerbenD Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Airport Express 2013 - Unexpected Error during set up

Hello,


I have been using an Airport Express 2013 and it stopped working a few weeks ago.

It was set up with ethernet cable to a Wifi router.


I tried everything (see below) and based on some internet research it was probably a hardware issue, and I decided to buy a new one from eBay (new in box, not refurbished).


The problem stays the same:

  • Airport selected in Other Devices
  • Window with "Gathering information about your network" appears.
  • Then it goes through the following: Preparing, Joining Airport Express, Examining the base station
  • Final message: An unexpected error occurred. Try again.


I have done multiple factory resets and hard resets to no avail on the old and the new one but to no avail. Ethernet cable looks fine, but I will replace it. I will also try on someone else's Wifi router.

If anyone has a clue, please do let me know.


Thanks,


Gerben


MacBook Pro M1 , Sequoia 15.5

AirPort

Posted on Jun 29, 2025 7:05 PM

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User profile for user: Bob Timmons
Bob Timmons
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
179,678 points

Jun 29, 2025 8:02 PM in response to GerbenD

I have been using an Airport Express 2013


The version of the Express that you have has two Ethernet ports, correct? This model is known as a 2nd Generation AirPort Express and was first introduced in the summer of 2012.


It was set up with ethernet cable to a Wifi router.


Does this mean you were using an Ethernet connection to only set up the AirPort Express, or was your old Express permanently connected to the Wi-Fi router's network using an Ethernet cable?


Was the Express being used to create another separate Wi-Fi network? Or, were you using the AirPort Express for AirPlay or a USB printer?


Another way to ask the same question......what do you want the AirPort Express to do on your Wi-Fi router's network?


Surprisingly, sometimes using an iPhone or iPad to set up an AirPort will work when the setup is failing using a Mac. Do you have an iPhone or iPad that you could use to try the setup that way?

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User profile for user: GerbenD
GerbenD Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jun 29, 2025 9:52 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Hi Bob, thanks for you quick reply.


It is the 2nd generation indeed (A1392), with two ethernet ports.


My old Airport was permanently connected to the Wifi router.

My primary use was for Airplay (jackplug cable connecting to stereo amp).

I also created a separate Wifi network which I used for my iPhone, to have better connection in my house.


I tried using Airport Utility on my iPhone but the Airport Express (new one) can't be found.


What I would like to do is pretty much the same: stream music from my iPhone via the Airport Express to my stereo.

It would be nice if I had this extra Wifi network as well. Normally, I would have this automatically after setting up the Airport Express, by creating the name for the Airport Express station. That name would then appear in the list of Wifi routers.



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User profile for user: Bob Timmons
Bob Timmons
Community+ 2025
User level: Level 10
179,678 points

Jun 30, 2025 10:51 AM in response to GerbenD

I tried using Airport Utility on my iPhone but the Airport Express (new one) can't be found.


Did you.....


Power up the Express and let it run for a minute, then hold in the reset button for 8-10 seconds and release? Then, allow a full minute for the Express to restart.


Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN <--> Ethernet ports on your main router to the WAN "O" port on the AirPort Express


On your iPhone......Tap Settings > Wi-Fi

Tap on Set Up New AirPort Base Station


This should open up AirPort Utility with a suggested set up for the AirPort Express. Follow the prompts.






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User profile for user: GerbenD
GerbenD Author
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jul 12, 2025 11:25 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Hi Bob,


I got entangled in work and I just kept postponing. The above method works! I might have been to impatient with the reset button before, and using Airport Utility via my Macbook didn't work well either.


Many thanks, I can stream music again! I actually did enjoy listening to my old CD collection, but these days we are spoiled for unlimited music.

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Airport Express 2013 - Unexpected Error during set up

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