This tip explains how to stream music from iTunes on your Mac or PC, or from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (iOS 5.1 or later) to your stereo or speakers using AirPort Express as a standalone Wi-Fi base station or as one of several Wi-Fi base stations.
Note: If you would also like to stream movies and photos to your television, consider adding an Apple TV to your existing Wi-Fi network.
Note: Music streaming from iTunes, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is done via AirPlay.
Things to consider before you begin
- Start with a plan for the physical layout. Depending on whether you have an existing Wi-Fi network, or if you are using your AirPort Express as a standalone Wi-Fi device, there are several options available for you to choose from.
- When using Ethernet, Cat6 cable is recommended.
- The layout you choose should take into account environmental factors such as physical access, location, range, radio frequency interference, etc.
- You will need to consider what AirPort Utility settings to adopt.
- You will need to know whether you are using an AirPort Express (802.11b/g) or an AirPort Express (802.11a/b/g/n).
Different usage scenarios for the AirPort Express, and how to set them up
| AirPort Express as a standalone simultaneous Wi-Fi base station, and iTunes music device |
 The AirPort Express is the only Wi-Fi base station. It provides simultaneous Wi-Fi access and AirPlay streaming.This configuration requires that the AirPort Express is in physical cable range of both the audio device and the DSL/Cable router at the same time. |
How to set it up
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| Connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network as part of a roaming network |
 The AirPort Express is connected to the primary Wi-Fi base station with Ethernet. It extends the range of an existing Roaming Wi-Fi network and provides AirPlay streaming. |
How to set it upAirPort Utility 6.1
AirPort Utility 5.6.1
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| Connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network, exclusively for iTunes music |
 AirPort Express used exclusively for AirPlay by setting it up in Client Mode.Choose this configuration if the computer containing your iTunes library may be out of direct range of the AirPort Express, but is within range of the Wi-Fi network. |
How to set it up
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| Connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network as part of a legacy WDS or Extended Network |
 AirPort Express extends Wi-Fi network range and streams iTunes music simultaneously using Extended Network for AirPort Express with 802.11n, or legacy WDS with AirPort Express 802.11g from another Wi-Fi base station.Due to the overhead required for this configuration, you may expect AirPlay drop-outs such as intermittent loss of audio. |
How to set it up
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Additional Information
Tips for using AirPort Express with AirPlay
- Use powered speakers with a stereo mini-jack connector.
- Do not connect USB speakers to AirPort Express.
- Do not connect AirPort Express to the phono jack on your stereo.
- You can stream iTunes music to more than one AirPort Express at a time by choosing Multiple Speakers from the speakers pop-up menu.
- Only one computer at a time can stream music to AirPort Express.
- You can connect your AirPort Express to your home stereo or powered speakers using a digital fiber optic cable, analog mini-stereo-to-dual-RCA cable, or mini-stereo to mini-stereo cable (depending on what type of connectors your stereo uses) connected to the Line Out port.
- Wireless computers within range of AirPort Express can wirelessly stream music to it using iTunes 4.6 or later.
- You may connect an optional power cord if you are setting up your AirPort Express away from a power outlet.
Mac101 