Lois Larson
Apple periodically offers firmware updates for its AirPort base stations, including the AirPort Extreme, to improve performance, security, and functionality. The AirPort router line was discontinued in April 2018, with the last security update released in June 2019. Updating an AirPort base station is a simple process and can be done by opening the AirPort Utility on a Mac, iPhone or iPad, and selecting the base station. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to update an AirPort Extreme base station, ensuring optimal performance and security.
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What You'll Learn
Using AirPort Utility
To update an AirPort Extreme base station, you can use the AirPort Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, make sure that your AirPort Extreme base station and your Mac or iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch) are connected to the internet. If your base station is performing a Time Machine backup or sharing a hard drive on your network, ensure that none of your devices are currently using that drive. It's important to note that updating your base station will make it and its network services temporarily unavailable.
Open the AirPort Utility app on your device. On a Mac, you can find it in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. Once the app is open, select your base station. If you have more than one base station, start with the one farthest from your primary base station.
On a Mac, a details pop-up will appear when an update is available. Click the "Update" button to install the update. On an iPhone or iPad, look for a numbered badge next to "Version" in the details screen. Tap "Version," then tap "Download and Install."
Your base station will automatically restart after the update is installed. Repeat these steps for any other base stations you have, and remember to update your primary base station last.
Additionally, you can set up AirPort Utility to automatically check for updates. On your Mac, open the AirPort Utility app and select "Check for updates when opening AirPort Utility" or "Check for updates automatically." Choose a time interval, such as weekly, and the app will automatically check for updates in the background.
It's worth noting that some older versions of AirPort Utility may not be compatible with newer operating systems. If you encounter any issues, you may need to download a launcher to trick your computer into thinking you have an older version of the operating system, allowing you to run the older AirPort Utility software.
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Updating from an iPhone or iPad
Updating your AirPort Extreme from an iPhone or iPad is a straightforward process. Firstly, ensure that your iPhone or iPad is connected to the internet. You will also need to make sure that your base station is not performing a Time Machine backup or sharing a hard drive on your network. If it is, check that none of your devices are currently using that drive.
Next, open the AirPort Utility app on your iPhone or iPad. You can download this from the App Store if you don't already have it. Once the app is open, select your base station. If you have multiple base stations, start with the one farthest from your primary base station.
After selecting your base station, you will be able to see details about it. If an update is available, you will see a numbered badge next to 'Version' in the details screen. Tap this to install the update.
Before updating your AirPort Extreme, you may need to restart your base station. To do this, tap the base station in the AirPort Utility app, then tap 'Edit', 'Advanced', and 'Restart Base Station'. If you are unable to restart the base station using the AirPort Utility app, you can simply unplug the base station for a few seconds and then plug it back in.
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Updating from a Mac
To update an Apple AirPort Extreme base station from a Mac, you will need to use AirPort Utility.
First, make sure that your base station and Mac are connected to the internet. If your base station is performing a Time Machine backup or sharing a hard drive on your network, ensure that none of your devices are currently using that drive. Updating an AirPort base station will cause it and its network services to be temporarily unavailable.
Next, open the AirPort Utility app on your Mac. You can find it in the Utilities folder in the Applications folder. In the graphical overview, select your base station. You may need to enter a password for the base station. If there is an Update button next to the version number, click it to update the firmware.
On Mac computers with OS X Mountain Lion or Lion, use AirPort Utility 6.3.1. On computers with Snow Leopard or Leopard, use Airport Utility 5.6.1, which supports 802.11n models and the original AirPort Express.
If you are using an older version of AirPort Utility, you may encounter some issues. For example, if you try to launch it on any OS X newer than Mavericks, you will get an error saying, "You can't use this version of the application AirPort Utility 5.6.1 with this version of Mac OS." To fix this, you can download a launcher that tricks your computer into thinking you have an older version of OS X, allowing you to run the older version of AirPort Utility.
Another issue you may encounter is an error message saying, "No such file or directory." To fix this, copy the script and the app to your computer, open the script in Script Editor, and make the necessary changes. Then, run the modified script from Script Editor. Specifically, change line 10 from:
> ...currentDir & "AirPort\\ Utility\\ 5.6.1.app/Contents...
To:
> currentDir & "/AirPort\\ Utility\\ 5.6.1.app/Contents"
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully update your Apple AirPort Extreme base station from your Mac.
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Checking for updates
On a Mac, the process is slightly different. After opening AirPort Utility, select your AirPort Extreme and click "Manual Setup". Then, click on the word "Version" on the summary page. If your device is connected to the internet, you will be able to see the available updates and can select the update button to install it.
It is important to regularly check for updates to ensure your AirPort Extreme is functioning optimally and securely. Apple periodically offers firmware updates that improve performance, security, and functionality. While major updates may be less frequent, it is beneficial to stay up-to-date with the latest patches and improvements.
Additionally, you can check for updates on a Windows PC. However, the process may vary slightly depending on the specific software version you are using. In some cases, you may need to select "Manual Setup" and then choose the firmware version from your hard drive. It is recommended to refer to Apple Support or community forums for detailed instructions on updating AirPort Extreme with a Windows PC.
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Selecting the correct firmware
When selecting the correct firmware for your AirPort Extreme, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that your AirPort Extreme is set up and functioning correctly. This is important because firmware updates are intended to improve performance, security, and functionality, and you want to make sure that your device is in a stable state before proceeding with any updates.
Next, open the AirPort Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. This utility software will allow you to manage and update your AirPort Extreme. Once you have opened AirPort Utility, select your AirPort Extreme and click on "Manual Setup." From there, navigate to the summary page and click directly on the word "Version."
At this point, you should see options to update the firmware. It is important to choose the correct firmware version that is compatible with your device. Check the current version installed on your AirPort Extreme and compare it to the available updates. Select the latest version that is compatible with your device. For example, firmware updates for AirPort Express, AirPort Extreme, and AirPort Time Capsule have been named 7.6.7 and 7.7.7.
Additionally, pay attention to the specific model of your AirPort Extreme. Different models may require different firmware versions. For instance, if you are using an older AirPort Extreme, you may need to use AirPort Utility 5.5.x or 5.6.1 for the update, as newer versions may not be compatible. Always refer to official Apple support pages or documentation to verify the correct firmware version for your specific AirPort Extreme model.
By following these steps and selecting the appropriate firmware version, you can ensure that your AirPort Extreme is updated correctly, maintaining optimal performance, security, and functionality. Remember to check for updates periodically, as Apple releases firmware updates to address performance improvements, security enhancements, and bug fixes.
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Frequently asked questions
First, make sure your base station and Mac or iOS device are connected to the internet. If your base station is performing a Time Machine backup or sharing a hard drive on your network, ensure that none of your devices are currently using that drive. Next, open Airport Utility on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad, then select your base station. If you have more than one base station, start with the one farthest from your primary base station. Finally, click on the base station in Airport Utility to see details about it. If an update is available, you will see an Update button on a Mac, or a numbered badge next to "Version" on an iPhone or iPad. Click or tap this, then follow any further installation instructions.
No, you should not need to log in to the base station to see if there is an update. The Airport Utility should inform you of any pending updates.
Open Airport Utility and click on the Airport Extreme. Then, click on Manual Setup and click directly on the word "Version" on the summary page. If you have an active internet connection, you should be able to choose from options to update the firmware.
