Mini-tutorial: Fixes for AirPort Express streaming issues -- Drops, skips and more
Streaming music through AirPort Express Base stations can sometimes result in drops, skips, static and other issues that impede audio quality. There are a few common fixes for these flaws.
Streaming music through AirPort Express Base stations can sometimes result in drops, skips, static and other issues that impede audio quality. There are a few common fixes for these flaws, as follows:
Change your IPv6 settings In order to change this setting, open System Preferences then the Network pane and click on your currently used interface (Ethernet, AirPort, etc.). Click on the TCP/IP settings for the interface -- at the bottom if you see a button which says 'Configure IPv6...' click it make the setting "Off." Press the Apply Now button.
Update firmware Make sure that you are using the latest AirPort Express -- currently version 6.3.
Switch between internal speakers and Express (remote speakers) Some users report an issue where putting a system to sleep then waking it up makes AirPort streaming problematic. The solution in this case (where the indicator goes to 'play' mode, but the time doesn't change) is to switch to the computer's internal speakers, then immediately switch back to the AirPort Express (remote speakers).
Going wired Some users have been able to solve this problem through an awkward and purpose-defeating workaround -- linking their AirPort Express directly to the Mac streaming audio.
Switch channels In some cases (especially when interference is at play) switching channels on AirPort Express can eliminate dropouts, skips, etc. In order to switch channels on AirPort Base stations, use this process:
- Open AirPort Admin Utility, located in /Applications/Utilities.
- Select the appropriate (afflicted) base station and click Configure.
- Enter the base station password if necessary.
- Click AirPort, and then choose a new channel from the Channel pop-up menu.
Watch for device interference Other wireless devices operating on the same spectrum can cause interference with your AirPort connection. In fact, 2.4 GHz wireless phones and even household microwaves can cause lapses in connection or drops in speed. For information on which devices can cause interference, see Knowledge Base article #58543.
For further AirPort troubleshooting reference, see our tutorial "Fixing Wireless connectivity (including AirPort) problems: Dropouts, slow speed, more."
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