In this article, IT Block will show you the easiest way to connect your Mac computer to a Synology NAS.
Either you have just bought a brand new Synology NAS, or you need to connect a Mac to a Synology NAS you already own. Whichever the case, we are here to help. And for those of you who also need help setting up your Synology NAS before connecting, please have a look at step two, three and four in this 'Easy way' article we wrote previously by clicking the link below:
For those of you who have a Synology NAS device already set up and ready to connect to; Follow the steps below for your Mac computer. Please note, you will need login credentials for your Synology NAS prepared before you can proceed. But before you proceed with the steps below, let's first explore the easiest way to connect to your Synology on your Mac computer. Launch 'Finder' and look at the left-hand column.
If you can see the name of your Synology on the left-sidebar under 'Shared', then you're in luck. All you would need to do is to click on the left side icon and click on 'connect as'. If you are unsure if that is your Synology NAS, please start from step 1. Otherwise, skip the fourth step of this tutorial.
Step 1: Download and Install Synology Assistant for Mac
Easy way to connect your Synology NAS to your Mac
The easiest way to connect to your Synology NAS device is by using software by Synology itself. We will use the software to determine the IP address of your Synology NAS, allowing us to Map the drive and paste shortcuts to them on your desktop too if you wish.
Once you have completed the download and installation of your Synology Assistant, launch the software immediately on your Mac computer.
Step 2: Get your Synology NAS IP address using Synology Assistant.
Easy way to connect your Synology NAS to your Mac
If you have ever used Synology Assistant on a Windows computer before, you notice the option to 'Map Drive' does not exist. Synology Assistant does allow you to connect to your Synology and if you click on 'Connect' it will open your browser and launch the web portal. Logging in here will give you access to your Synology Diskstation Manager, or DSM.
You can open the folders of your Synology here, but you can't easily copy and move folders around. What we need is to access the folder directly, like you would any file or folder on your Mac computer. Depending on the setup of your NAS in your local environment, you may see one or two IP addresses in your Synology Assistant. Two IP addresses mean you have connected both the Ethernet ports at the back of your Synology to your router. Write down or copy the first IP address somewhere and proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: Map your Synology Drive
Easy way to connect your Synology NAS to your Mac
Mapping a drive is a process where you help your computer to locate a shared drive in your local area network. Mapping requires specific information; in this case, the IP address of your Synology NAS. Your Mac will use the IP address as directions to locate your shared drives and folders.
To find your Synology NAS in the same local area network as your Mac computer, launch 'Finder'. And at the top bar, click 'Go' > 'Connect to Server...'.
A new window will open titled 'Connect to Server'. In the server address bar, type "afp://<your Synology IP Address>". Click on the plus '+' icon to save the IP address, should you need to reaccess it in the future. Now click 'Connect'.
Proceed on to Step 4 of this tutorial.
Step 4: Connect to your Synology NAS drive
Easy way to connect your Synology NAS to your Mac
This window will allow you to connect to your Synology securely. Connect as a Registered User, not 'Guest'.
Type in your credentials and check the box 'Remember this password in my keychain'. Now click 'Connect'. Now a window will open with all the folders in your Synology NAS drive you have the rights to access to. We would advise that you create shortcuts to these folders on your desktop for ease of access in the future. In some work environments, we notice that the NAS drive may not automatically appear in your left-hand finder column, even after mapping it. Which is most likely a result of security settings your administrator might be running in your local area network.
In most cases, you will be able to see your Synology NAS in your finder and clicking on it will immediately give you access to the folders without having to rekey in your credentials.
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