I'm setting up my Airport Express to extend my network. Everything goes find but the last step never completes, instead I get an 'unexpected error occurred try again later' message. (like there are errors they expect??)
If you are trying to set up the AirPort Express to "extend a wireless network" using only Wi-Fi, the "main" router must also be another Apple AirPort router......an AirPort Extreme, AirPort Time Capsule, or AirPort Express.
Is that the case?
If you are trying to set up the AirPort Express to "extend a wireless network" using only Wi-Fi, the "main" router must also be another Apple AirPort router......an AirPort Extreme, AirPort Time Capsule, or AirPort Express.
Is that the case?
This airport express device has been used for years on a standard telco router. I had to factory reset it today and that's when the trouble started. I use it to connect my iPhone to my 30 year old stereo receiver. This worked for years until today.
I’m unaware of any “standard telco router”, what with various DSL modems, ONTs, various third-party routers, and other assorted devices provided by the telco.
Here is how to use an AirPort as an extension, but AFAIK that only works with Apple gear:
Extend an existing Wi-Fi network in AirPort Utility on Mac - Apple Support
It’s possible to use an AirPort as an access point (AP), so long as it has a wired connection into the network.
I’ve encountered networks with other issues, including double-NAT, and incorrect subnetting. These can mostly work, or can mostly fail, depending on the details.
This airport express device has been used for years on a standard telco router. I had to factory reset it today and that's when the trouble started. I use it to connect my iPhone to my 30 year old stereo receiver. This worked for years until today.
The AirPort Express could only "extend" a network wirelessly if the Wi-Fi network was provided by another Apple AirPort router.
But.....the Express was able to "join" virtually any Wi-Fi network to provide an audio AirPlay signal to headphones or to the AUX input on an AV receiver. If the AV receiver supported a TosLink connection, the Express could connect using a TosLink cable.
The Express did not "extend" the Wi-Fi network at all when it was configured to "join" a network, although you might have thought that it was doing so.
So, let's see if we can get the Express to "join" your Wi-Fi network. To do that, we need to know whether you will be using AirPort Utility on a PC, a Mac or an iPhone / iPad.
I have run into situations where the "Unexpected Error" occurs when a computer is being used the set up the Express, but AirPort Utility on an iPhone or iPad configures the Express correctly. So, it may take a bit of experimentation to get things going again for you.......assuming that the Express does not have a hardware issue.....(which can also result in the Unexpected Error message.
Will you be using AirPort Utility on a PC, a Mac or an iPhone / iPad?
Does your AirPort Express have only 1 Ethernet port, or does it have 2 Ethernet ports?
Note.....I spent 16 years on the Apple AirPort router support site working daily, so we know what we are doing. Two AirPort Expresses are still working here providing audio connections.
What device......make and model number is providing your Wi-Fi network?
Note.....if you have a brand new router that has all the latest and greatest Wi-Fi, the Express may not be compatible with that device.
We'll see.
What sort of Wi-Fi network are you extending? All Apple Wi-Fi gear?
There is no such thing as a “standard telco router”.
Does the ISP-provided gear (also) provide Wi-Fi?
How is the AirPort connected to the ISP gear? Wired?
Unexpected error on Airport Express install
