Resetting Airport Extreme: A Comprehensive Guide To Starting Over

Resetting your Airport Extreme base station is a way to restore it to a state that allows you to regain control of it when you've lost the base station password or the base station isn't responding as expected. Depending on the base station model, you can perform a soft reset, a hard reset, or a factory-default reset. A soft reset is helpful when you've forgotten your password, as it resets the base station password and disables security for 5 minutes so that you can join the network and make changes. A hard reset is useful when the base station is unresponsive, as it resets the base station to an unconfigured state while retaining the last saved configuration and any profiles. A factory-default reset is similar to a hard reset but removes any saved configurations and profiles, and is ideal if you're selling or giving away your base station.

Soft reset: Resetting the password and disabling security for 5 minutes

A soft reset is a good option if you've forgotten your AirPort base station password. This method resets the base station password and disables security for five minutes, allowing you to join the network and make changes. If no changes are made within the five-minute window, the base station will revert to its previous settings.

Here's a step-by-step guide to performing a soft reset on your AirPort Extreme:

• Ensure your AirPort Extreme is connected to a power source.
• Locate the reset button on the base station, usually found next to the ports.
• Using a pen, straightened paperclip, or similar tool, press and hold the reset button for one second, then release.
• The status light on the base station should flash amber.
• Choose the Wi-Fi network created by your base station from the Wi-Fi status menu in the menu bar.
• Open AirPort Utility, found in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
• Click on the icon for your base station in AirPort Utility, then select "Edit" from the pop-up menu.
• You can now change the password or make any necessary configuration changes.
• Once you've made your changes, click "Update" to finalise the process.

Note: Before performing a soft reset, it's recommended to ensure your AirPort Extreme's firmware is up to date.

Hard reset: Resetting to an unconfigured state, retaining profiles and settings

To perform a hard reset on your AirPort Extreme Base Station, follow these steps:

First, make sure that your AirPort Extreme is connected to a power source. Next, press and hold the reset button for about 5 seconds, until the status light on the base station flashes amber rapidly. Then, release the button. Wait about a minute for the base station to finish restarting. Now, on your Mac, go to the menu bar and click on the Wi-Fi icon. From the Wi-Fi status menu, choose the Wi-Fi network created by your base station. Then, open the AirPort Utility app, which can be found in the Utilities folder of your Applications folder. Click on the icon for your base station in AirPort Utility, then click 'Edit' from the pop-up menu. Click on the ''Other Options' button and then click on 'Restore previous settings'. Click 'Next' until you get to the final window. When AirPort Utility indicates that the setup is complete, click 'Done'.

A hard reset will restore your AirPort Extreme Base Station to its factory settings but will retain the last saved configuration and any profiles. This is useful if your base station is unresponsive or you are troubleshooting network issues that haven't been resolved by other means.

Please note that the above instructions are for the 802.11ac or 802.11n models of AirPort base stations. The steps may vary slightly for different models.

Factory-default reset: Similar to hard reset, but removing all saved profiles and configurations

To perform a factory-default reset on your Airport Extreme, follow these steps:

• Unplug the power cable from the back of the Airport Extreme.
• Locate the reset button. It is usually found next to the power port or the ports.
• Use a sharp-pointed object like a paper clip or pin to press and hold the reset button.
• While holding the reset button, reconnect the power plug. Ensure that you do not remove the sharp object from the reset button.
• Keep the reset button pressed for about 6 seconds or until you see a rapid flash of an amber light on the front of the Airport Extreme.
• Wait for about a minute for the Airport Extreme to finish restarting.
• Launch the Airport Utility to reconfigure your Airport Extreme.

Please note that performing a factory-default reset will set the base station password to "public", the base station name to "base station" followed by the last six digits of the MAC address, and the network name to "Apple Network" followed by the last six digits of the MAC address. Additionally, the router will be set to request an IP address by DHCP.

Before performing a factory-default reset, it is recommended to update the firmware of your Airport Extreme to the latest version if possible.

Finding the reset button: Located next to the power port

To reset your Airport Extreme, you will need to locate the reset button. This is found on the back of the device, next to the power port. The reset button is small, so you will need to use a sharp-pointed object such as a paperclip, pin, or pen to press it.

Once you have located the reset button, press and hold it while reconnecting the power plug into the socket. Ensure you do not release the button during this process. Continue to hold the reset button for about 6 seconds, or until you see an amber light flashing rapidly on the front of the Airport Extreme.

After releasing the reset button, wait for about a minute to allow the device to restart. You can then launch the Airport Utility to reconfigure your Airport Extreme.

Reconfiguring the Airport Extreme: Using the Airport Utility to reconfigure the device

Once you have reset your Airport Extreme, you can reconfigure it using the Airport Utility.

First, make sure you have installed the Airport Utility Software. You can do this using the CD provided with the device or by downloading it from the Apple website.

Next, launch the Airport Utility program. The Airport Express Base Station will be visible on the left. Click on it and select it.

Now, enter the name and password for the Airport Express. You will then need to select the connection type. Choose whether you want to connect the Airport Express to your existing Wi-Fi network or via an Ethernet cable.

If you are connecting to a wireless network, select the option: "I want Airport Express to wirelessly join my Current Network". Then, click "Continue". Choose your network from the list of available wireless networks, and the settings will be saved. The AirPort Express will restart, and you will be able to see it in the Airport Utility window with the new name you have given it.

You can also use the Airport Utility to set up wireless networking preferences and to reset the Airport Express password.

Frequently asked questions