
Apple's AirPlay is a wireless streaming technology that allows users to play music and video across multiple devices. While the Airport Express can be used for AirPlay, the Airport Extreme cannot. This is because the Airport Extreme does not have any audio/video output. However, the Airport Extreme can be used in conjunction with the Airport Express to extend the wireless network and enable AirPlay functionality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you Airplay to Airport Extreme? | No, Airport Extreme does not support Airplay. |
| Devices that support Airplay | Airport Express, Apple TV, HomePod |
| Airplay 2 | Allows multiple playback options and can be used with Apple Airport Express |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Airplay with Airport Extreme is possible via Airport Express
Apple's Airport Extreme is a popular router choice, but it does not support AirPlay functionality. This is because the Airport Extreme does not have any audio/video outputs. However, Airplay with Airport Extreme is possible via Airport Express.
The Airport Express can be used to extend the wireless network of the Airport Extreme, and it does support AirPlay. This means that you can use the Airport Express to connect to your Airport Extreme and enable AirPlay on your network.
To set this up, you will need to connect your Airport Express to your Airport Extreme via Ethernet. You can then use the Airport Express to share AirPlay from your iPad to an Apple TV, for example. The Airport Express has a 1/8" audio jack that can be used for audio out.
It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with AirPlay and the Airport Express, such as occasional disconnections or difficulties getting the devices to appear on the network. However, overall, using the Airport Express is a viable way to enable AirPlay functionality with an Airport Extreme router.
Incheon Airport: Exploring Transit Tour Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Airplay 2 allows multiple playback options
Apple's AirPlay 2 is a long-awaited upgrade to its 2010-released streaming protocol. It allows users to play music from the Apple Music app and third-party apps, enabling music playback from anywhere in the house. AirPlay 2 adds the ability to stream music to multiple audio devices simultaneously. For instance, you can play music on multiple devices in multiple rooms, such as a HomePod in the kitchen and Apple TVs in the living room and bedroom, all at the same time.
AirPlay 2 also allows you to pair two HomePods and group speakers. You can set them up as a Stereo Pair, which makes them appear as a single speaker to your iPhone or other output device. The HomePods will automatically split the audio into left and right channels and play in stereo mode. You can also ask Siri, Apple's voice assistant, to play music in a specific room or throughout the house.
AirPlay 2 is backward compatible and works the same way as the original. You hit the AirPlay icon on your phone, iPad, or Mac to play your content on available speakers or video devices. However, older AirPlay devices won't be included in multiroom groups. It is important to note that the music source and control for AirPlay 2 must always be an Apple product, and it is not available on Android devices.
Travelers' Contact Solution: Buying at the Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Airplay 1 only allows music on the connected device
Airplay 1 only allows users to play music on the connected device. This is in contrast to Airplay 2, which offers multiple playback options. For example, Airplay 2 can be used to play music on a pair of HomePod speakers and any other Airplay 2-compatible device simultaneously.
Airplay 1 is compatible with the Apple Airport Express, which can be connected to speakers via Wi-Fi or a 1/8" jack. However, it is not compatible with the Apple Airport Extreme, which does not have any audio/video outputs. The Airport Extreme can, however, be used in conjunction with the Airport Express to extend the wireless network and enable Airplay functionality.
To use Airplay 1 with the Airport Express, users must first ensure that the device is connected to their Wi-Fi network. The Airport Express can then be added as a device in the Home app, after which Airplay 1 can be used to stream music to any connected speakers.
It is worth noting that some users have reported issues with Airplay 1, such as occasional disconnects or the need to restart their devices for the Airplay icon to appear. Additionally, Apple no longer manufactures the Airport Express or Airport Extreme, having discontinued the former in 2020 and the latter at an unspecified date.
Exploring the Possibility of Landing a 737 at Timmerman Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$24.99 $29.99

Airplay 2 is compatible with older AirPort Express units
Airplay 2 is not compatible with iOS devices. The only devices that are Airplay 2 compatible with iOS devices are the Apple TV4 and the new HomePod speaker. Airplay 2 requires different hardware and the hardware on an AirPort Express has not changed in over 5 years. However, Airplay 2 is compatible with older AirPort Express units when used as Airplay 2 adapters with a speaker system, without using its WiFi router capability.
To use an older AirPort Express unit as an Airplay 2 adapter, first plug your old AirPort Express into a wall outlet and wait for it to finish booting up. Then, connect to the newly created AirPort network by heading into the WiFi settings on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Next, launch the AirPort Utility app on your iOS device or Mac. If your AirPort Express has a yellow dot beside it, it likely has a software update pending. Select Update and update to the latest firmware 7.8, which adds Airplay 2 capability to the router. Once done, reset the AirPort Express by selecting the Restore Default Settings option from the AirPort Utility app.
Now, launch the Home app on iOS and add your AirPort Express as a new HomeKit accessory. You can now send any music to your AirPort Express-powered speaker just like you can to a HomePod via the Apple Music app, Control Center, or any other app systemwide.
Istanbul Airport Transit: Can I Leave?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Airplay 2 devices are more expensive than Airplay 1 devices
The additional features and functionality of AirPlay 2 come at a cost. AirPlay 2-enabled devices often include newer and more advanced technologies, such as support for 4K HDR video and improved audio quality. These enhancements require more sophisticated hardware and software, which inevitably drive up the production cost and, consequently, the selling price.
Moreover, AirPlay 2 is compatible with a broader range of devices, including newer iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. It requires iOS 11.4 or later, tvOS 11.4 or later, and macOS Catalina or later. This expanded compatibility means that AirPlay 2 devices can cater to a wider audience, justifying a higher price point.
In contrast, AirPlay 1 devices are typically older models that may not support the latest operating systems and features. As such, they are likely to be less expensive, catering to consumers who do not require the advanced capabilities of AirPlay 2.
It is worth noting that the cost difference between AirPlay 1 and AirPlay 2 devices may vary depending on the specific product category. For example, the price gap between AirPlay 1 and AirPlay 2 wireless speakers may be more significant than that of streaming amplifiers or networked hi-fi systems. Nonetheless, across various product categories, AirPlay 2 devices tend to carry a higher price tag due to their expanded capabilities and broader compatibility.
Arriving Early: Westchester Airport Flight Essentials
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Airport Extreme does not support Airplay. However, you can use Airplay with Airport Express.
It is believed that Apple intentionally chose not to add Airplay functionality to Airport Extreme as it is a more expensive router, and most people who purchase it are buying it as their main router.
Yes, Airport Express can be used for Airplay sharing from your iPad to an Apple TV. It can also be used as an Airplay 2 streaming target to stream music to speakers.
First, ensure that your Airport Express is connected to your Wi-Fi router. Then, launch the AirPort Utility on your Mac. Once your Airport Express shows up on the map, check that it has the latest firmware. If the dot next to the name is green, it is updated. Finally, add the Airport Express as a device in the Home app and you can use Airplay 2 with it.

































