Apple Airport Extreme Model A1408 Troubleshooting

The router will not turn on after being plugged into the wall

Clean the power cord and look for any damage. Try plugging in the power cord making sure that the cord is correctly inserted into the outlet and the device. If this does not work, you may have a broken power cord and you will need to replace it.

You may be plugged into an outlet that is not working. Try either switching the outlet on and off or plugging the device into another outlet.

The network connection is visible, but offers limited or no access

The environment around the router can cause the router to not send a signal to your device. Keep the router away from metallic surfaces, large furniture, or walls. Also, make sure the router is at least 25 feet away from microwave ovens, phones, or any other source of interference. The router does not need to be level.

You may need additional routers if you need a signal to be transmitted in a large house or area.

If you still are getting little to no signal, you may need to replace an antenna.

To replace an antenna, see our Antenna Replacement Guide.

If you are still receiving little to no signal, you may have a bad WiFi internet card that needs replacement.

To replace the WiFi Card, see our WiFi Card Replacement Guide.

The router is on, but you cannot find the network to connect

Locate the reset button, which is the tiny button second from the right on the back of the device. Next, use a straightened paper clip to press this button for one second. (Note: pressing this button for longer than a second can delete network settings.)

Disconnect the router from the power source. Locate the reset button, which is the tiny button second from the right on the back of the device. Using a straightened paper clip, press this button for approximately five seconds while plugging the device back in. Wait until you see three status lights glow. Release the button and the device will go back to factory settings. The airport will receive a new IP address. The new network name will be Apple Network XXXXXX, where XXXXXX are the last six digits of the Airport ID. The router's password will be public.

If you still can not find the network, you may have a damaged logic board which needs replacement.

To replace the logic board, see our Logic Board Replacement Guide.

The password is lost and you can no longer log in

Resetting the router will allow you to reset the password. Locate the reset button which is the tiny button second from the right on the back of the device. Using a straightened paper clip, press the reset button for about one second (Note: If you hold the reset button for longer than one second, you may reset the network settings.) On your computer, select the Airport network and open the Airport utility. In the toolbar, click on Airport and then base station. Select your base station and click manual setup. Manual setup allows you to enter a new password. Click on wireless and choose the encryption method you would like to use for your network. Enter your new password. Click update to restart the router and load the new settings.

The router is unable to receive an internet signal

Unplug the Ethernet cable from the router and the modem. Try plugging the cable back in making sure that the ports are clear of any debris and the cable is correctly connected to the router and the modem. If this does not work, you may have a faulty Ethernet cable that will need to be replaced.

If unplugging the Ethernet cable does not work, the modem may not be providing internet signal. Disconnect the modem from the router and the wall to turn it off. Wait about five seconds and then reconnect the modem. If this does not work, then connect your computer directly to the modem using an Ethernet cable to see if you get an internet connection. If this does not work,you may have a faulty modem and you will need to either contact your local internet service provider or replace the modem.

Contact your local internet provider to see if the internet is out.