How to set up multiple Airport Express wireless routers for multi-zone AirPlay speakers

I've noticed posts on many Apple forums asking how to set up multiple speakers for AirPlay using multiple Airport Express wireless routers. This can be accomplished quickly if you have a Mac and an existing wireless network. Some important steps need to be followed to get this service working correctly, and here's a guide to explain what to do. We hope this tutorial helps you, send us a comment to tell us about your experience!

 

How to set up the Airport Express for Airplay (single or multiple speakers)

1. Connect an audio cable between your speakers and the Airport Express.

 

2. Plug the new Airport Express into an electrical outlet and wait a minute or so for the light to start flashing orange.

 

3. Type 'Airport Utility' into Spotlight on your Mac and then open Airport Utility.

 

4. The new Airport Express should show up on the left, click on it and click Continue to start configuring it.

 

5. If you are asked whether you want to switch wireless networks at this point, choose 'Switch'. This connects your Mac to the new Airport Express so you can start configuring it.

 

6. In the next screen, give your new Airport Express a name. This name will show up in iTunes and in the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch Remote app as the new AirPlay speaker destination, so be descriptive. 'Living Room Speakers' might be a better name than 'My New Airport Express'.

 

7. Choose a password, this protects the settings of this Airport Express.

 

8. In the next screen, select the option to join the new Airport Express to your current wireless network.

 

9. In the next screen, select whether you want to connect to this Airport Express wirelessly or over a wired ethernet connection.

 

10. In the next screen, select the name of your existing wireless router form the drop-down menu and enter your router's network password. I recommend not checking the 'Extend the range of this network' checkbox unless you have purchased the Airport Express to provide this service. Checking this box is one of the causes of network slowdowns that some owners complain of in various forum posts.

 

11. In the next screen select 'Update' and then 'Continue' when the connection warning message appears.

 

12. The new Airport Express should now reboot. When the operation is complete a 'Setup Complete' message should appear and the light on the Airport Express will turn green.

 

That's it! The new Airport Express should now be showing as an AirPlay destination in iTunes and in the iPhone/iPad/iPod touch Remote app. To add additional Airport Express units, simply follow exactly the same process to configure each additional Airport Express.

 

Troubleshooting: What do the Airport Express status lights mean?

Here are the different meanings of the Airport Express status light:

• Solid orange: Starting up
• Flashing orange: Looking for a network or awaiting configuration
• Solid green: Connected to a wireless network and ready to play your favorite tunes

Happy listening!