AirPort Time Capsule as Time Machine, not router: How to add/setup?

[Eldiablojoe]

I have an airport time capsule that used to function as my router and remote Time Machine backup. I have since updated to a new router, but I would still like to use the AirPort Time Capsule (2TB) to back up my MacBook over the wi-fi via Time Machine.

I'm not sure how to add it to the network without it trying to function as the router.

How might I do this?

Thank you

 

[barbu]

You can set its WAN port (the one with the special circle icon I believe) to get an IP via DHCP (or set it manually to an internal address if you know what you're doing). Then it will just be a client on the network. You can set it to bridge mode to operate as a switch and plug other wired devices in as well. Your disk should be accessible with this arrangement.

 

[Pimmp]

I use mine as access point as described above. You can also turn off wifi and use it as a network switch. Time machine should still be accessable

 

[Eldiablojoe]

Current configuration is a cable-company provided modem and router. The modem has one ethernet connection, it goes to the router.

I plugged the ATC into the router's #2 Ethernet Port. I've tried plugging into both the WAN and LAN ports on the ATC. The ATC gives me a flashing amber. I cannot get it (via AirPort Utility) to want to do anything except create a new network. I already have a network with the non-Apple modem and router. I simply want the ATC to act as a Time Machine on the network, with no router functioning enabled. I can try to add it to an existing network via the AirPort Utility, but it doesn't want to be added.

What am I doing wrong?

 

[Arran]

In Airport utility:

• Wireless Tab --> Network Mode --> Off
• Network Tab --> Router Mode -- Off (Bridge Mode)
• Internet Tab --> Connect Using --> DHCP

I have three old time capsules on my network in this config. All they do is back up macs in the house. Been doing that for years.

A fourth time capsule and a Airport Extreme create the actual wireless network.

 

[Eldiablojoe]

I don't have those tabs or options I can't get the ATC to stop blinking amber on the status light. I've moved the ethernet cable to different ports, I've pressed the reset button, but I still get the blinking amber. AirPort Utility will try to set it up to create a new network, but it does not give me those other tabs as options (Wireless, Network, internet, etc).

 

[Arran]

Open airport utility, click on the picture of the time capsule, click on the "edit" button and what do you see?

 

[Eldiablojoe]

Hi Arran, thanks for your help. When I open AirPort Utility, I see only a green dot on a connection called "Internet." It does not show the ATC. In the upper left corner is a little "Other wi-fi devices" button. Clicking on that opens up an ATC. Clicking on that ATC brings a popup that is "gathering information on your network." Then it brings up a wifi network login window, but it is not my wifi network, and I cannot get it to seek any other.

 

[Arran]

Plug your ATC into your mac's ethernet port with an ethernet cable, wait a few minutes and try that again. You should be able to get into the ATC's settings then.

 

[Eldiablojoe]

No ethernet ports on my MacBook Pro (2017 15-inch), only USB-C. Might have to pick up a USB-C to Ethernet adaptor from Apple, but that's another $30 I'm trying not to spend.

 

[Arran]

Okay, if you don't mind resetting your ATC to factory settings (and losing any current settings you have) try this: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201945 Your backup data on the time capsule will be preserved, it's just the settings you'll lose (and, by the sounds of it, they're not doing very much for you right now!)

That should get the ATC broadcasting it's own 'temporary' Wifi network. You can connect to the temporary wifi network via your MacBook, load airport utility, change all the ATC settings above, reboot it and then connect your MacBook to your proper wifi again.

 

[Eldiablojoe]

Ahhhhhh, Looks like a success!!! All things appear to be working well and a Time Machine backup is preparing to begin (first one in 294 days, this will take awhile, hahaha!)

Thank you barbu, pimmp, and especially Arran!

 

[NoviceGirl]

I registered just so I could reply and say a big thank you for these instructions - I have used them multiple times to help set up my Time Capsules (I have memory loss and as a consequence forget lots of handy stuff often), so its been a lifesaver! Thank you OP Eldiablojoe, and barbu, Pimmp, and Arran!

 

[Black Grape]

Saying 'thank you' in 2024, after successfully following the tips to get a 4th Gen Time Capsule working again.

 

[Arran]

Saying 'thank you' in 2024, after successfully following the tips to get a 4th Gen Time Capsule working again.

Good to hear.

Just FYI, I demoted my fourth time capsule to onlyhosting time machine backups last year when I switched my home wifi to a non-Apple mesh system.

All four of the old time capsules are still backing up all my macs without a hitch. The oldest TC is a 2008 ‘pancake’ model still going strong. Admittedly it’s had two hard drive replacements and I removed the rubber base a decade ago to improve ventilation.