How you can manage a Synology NAS with Android
Making your smart storage even smarter.
Setting up a Synology Network Attached Storage at home or in the office is a great way of creating a centralized location to store large amounts of data, be it important documents, media, or system backups. Since Android is used by millions worldwide, Synology has some form of support for the mobile OS in both the browser and in the form of an app collection on the Play Store. If you're considering a Synology NAS, here's all you need to know.
Related: Choosing the best Synology NAS for you
Manage a Synology NAS on the go
The NAS itself can be initially set up and managed through a browser on a PC or on your mobile. All you need is the internal IP address of the server (depending on how tech savvy you are with your router and LAN), external IP of your network or respective assistant apps. There's software available for major desktop operating systems, as well as a few apps on mobile too (more on the latter below). Once connected to the NAS on mobile, you're free to manage most functions of the unit.
For instance, I have the Synology DS1618+ configured on the internal IP address of 192.168.0.15, which I can access by entering that into the browser on my OnePlus 5 — so long as it's connected to the same network. Not only is it possible to quickly check the status of the Synology NAS, installed drives, and services running, you can easily update the DiskStation Manager (DSM) to a more recent version, manage users, and more.
Synology tries to make this process as simple as possible, which resulted in the creation of QuickConnect. This essentially requires you to create an account, which then ties itself to your NAS. Should your external IP address change (your ISP may have a habit of doing this on a regular basis), your NAS will notify Synology to change it on your account. There's also the added bonus for mobile by allowing you to remain connected if you hop between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Setting up QuickConnect
You can configure QuickConnect through the installation wizard when initially setting up your NAS, but if you fail to do so and wish to get started after it's already up and running, here's how:
- Enable QuickConnect on your NAS from the control panel.
- Head to https://account.synology.com/.
- Register an account.
- Complete necessary profile fields.
- Head to Devices.
- Choose Add Device.
- Enter your NAS serial number. (This can be located in the settings on the NAS or using the desktop assistant suite or mobile app.)
- Complete the wizard, creating a QuickConnect ID.
This QuickConnect ID URL (https://quickconnect.to/YourQuickConnectID) can be loaded in your browser (both on mobile and a PC) to quickly access to the NAS.
Using Synology apps
Synology has a bunch of apps available on the Play Store, some being more useful than others. DS Finder is a great app to start with to get the initial connection established.
- DS Cam - Check the feeds of connected cameras to your Synology NAS.
- DS Cloud - Allows you to configure the automated backing up of media from your phone to a connected NAS.
- DS Drive - For the office when productivity can be enhanced with connected storage.
- DS File - Check out everything stored on your Synology NAS and move files to and from a mobile device.
- DS Finder - Locate, connect to and manage your Synology NAS. A good place to start.
Whether or not you'll find any of these apps useful depends on what you want to do with the NAS as well as how technically minded you are. It's possible to only use Chrome on your Android device and get the most out of your NAS. Play around to get the setup that best matches your needs.
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