Sync file and photos from iOS and Mac with Synology Drive

In this article, you will learn how to sync file and photos from iOS and Mac with Synology Drive. here is how to How to Backup MacOS to Synology NAS via Time Machine, and how to Backup Mac with Veeam Agent for Mac to Synology DS923+ NAS. Syncing and backup are closely related, and it is important to understand why both are essential and how they differ. With the backup rule, “3-2-1,” I have decided to sync my iOS devices and MacBook with my Synology NAS. Please see how to Fix Microsoft Outlook Not Syncing Issue.

Additionally, I will deploy Snapshot Replication to a secondary Synology NAS for added data protection. Here is how to Achieve 3-2-1 rule with SOBR on Synology or OOTBI and Wasabi.

Why Synology Drive for iOS might not be Practical

Note: Synology Drive creates a  local folder on the iPhone which will be synced with my Synology NAS when using a “sync task” thereby ensuring access even when offline. For me, this is not practical due to local storage space it consumes. I will therefore recommend creating your sync job on iOS with a “Sync Task”.

That is, if you wish to avoid using up iPhone storage, you can disable the “sync task” which is beneficial when the device is not active. On Mac this is clear, enable “On-Demand Sync” to save disk space.

Alternatively, you can use Synology Photos, which offers smart and flexible features, making it easy for photographers and home users to manage their photos. While it didn’t fully meet my needs for something more robust and versatile that also handles documents, it’s still worth trying due to its powerful features.

What is backup without security in the present day and time. Kindly refer to the following guide on “Cybersecurity Tips to Secure Synology NAS against Ransomware“. Also, see DSM Security: How to Protect Synology DS923+ NAS.

Decide between Synology Drive and Synology Photos

It is worth pointing out that Synology Drive and Synology Photos serve different purposes. Therefore, the one to use depends on your specific needs. Below is a comparison of both:

Synology Photos

Great for managing, backing up, and sharing media files (photos and videos) with the following key Features:

• Automatically backs up all your photos and videos from your iPhone etc to the Synology NAS.
• Organizes your media into albums, allows facial recognition, and tags based on metadata (date, location, etc.).
• It provides a user-friendly interface optimized for photo browsing, with timeline views and smart filters.
• Enables easy sharing of photo albums or individual photos via share links.
• It automatically creates thumbnails and allows for quick searching through a large media library.
• You can view, download, or share your photos and videos from any device using the Synology Photos mobile app or browser interface.

When you wish to organize, back up, and browse photos/videos. Then use “Synology Photos”. It provides features such as automatic tagging, album creation, and facial recognition. Above all, it is a photo-focused app with specific features for handling a large collection of media.

Please see Create New Users and Join Synology NAS to Active Directory, and How to Sync Data in Cloud Drives to Synology NAS.

Synology Drive

Ideal for Syncing, sharing, and managing all types of files such as documents, photos, and videos etc., with the following key Features:

• It enables the syncing of the following types of files (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs, and media) across multiple devices.
• Provides real-time or scheduled backups for all files and folders and not just media.
• Supports file versioning. This means, you you can revert to older versions of documents.
• Allows multiple users can collaborate on shared files, making it ideal for both personal and business use.
• Allows for access and sync files across different devices (iPhone, Android, PC, Mac).
• Enables file sharing and access via a web browser or mobile app.

When you wish to back up and sync all file types, not just photos and videos. Then Synology Drive is the idea solution for you. It also provides document versioning and collaboration features.

By the way, you can use both apps if you want specialized media management for photos and a broader backup/sync solution for other files.

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Install Synology Drive Server on your NAS

To do this, log in to Synology NAS via your browser. Open Package Center and search for Synology Drive Server. Install the Synology Drive Server package.

For me, I already have it installed. I can either open the Synology Drive Admin Console from here or from the Main Menu.

Once installed, open Synology Drive Admin Console. Here you can configure user and folder permissions for file syncing.

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Set Up Synology Drive App on Your iPhone

Download and install Synology Drive from the App Store on your iPhone.

App is currently downloading

Connect iPhone to Synology Drive.

Open the Synology Drive app on your iPhone. Enter the NAS IP address, domain name or QuickConnect ID.

Enter Account name as shown below.

Here, we will enter the account password as well.

Accept Privacy Agreement

Allow Synology to find and connect to NAS in your local network. There will be other prompts, just allow them.

Click continue to proceed.

Sign in to NAS

Now enter your username, and password to log in to your NAS.

Once logged in, you’ll be connected to your Synology NAS. Click Allow to any Drive send you notifications.

The below are just information. Please scroll through.

Also, scroll through the below as they are informational.

You can now manually select Files to Sync or Upload. To do this from your iPhone, click the “+” button and selecting files to upload, such as documents, photos, videos, etc.

Select the action you wish to perform as you wish.

Synology Drive Settings

The below settings are needed which you wish to have a bidirectional mode of copy (sync). On the General Tab, below are some of the actions you can perform.

Enter a name for your sync profile and file you would like to sync as well.

As you can see, I only wanted a single user account applied to the sync profile. You can do this as well as you wish.

Sync profile configured

You are free to set the sharing option as you wish below.

If you wish, you can activate the Synology Drive Advanced Features for enahced security.

You will be redirected to accept the privacy statement

Please follow along the prompt if you wish to do this.

Please see how to Fix FileNotFoundError: [Errno 2] No such file or directory, and How to determine Active Directory Site Name.

Sync Specific Folders

To automatically sync files between your iPhone and NAS. Navigate to Settings within the Synology Drive app.

Enable Photo Backup and Sync Task as shown below.

I will select the parameters (rules) below for the sync. Choose whether the sync should happen only on Wi-Fi or cellular data as well.

For the Task creation, you can decide to employ the Download only sync rule. Or a Two-way sync rule as you wish.

As you can see, to change to a two-way sync rule is relatively very easy.

We have also created our sync task.

Configuring the Sync Task is optional. Please refer to my remarks above!

Backup and sync tasks are active now. This is necessary when the Synology Drive App is launched or resumed.

Note: Creating sync tasks or making files available offline generates a local copy of the file, ensuring access even when offline. When online with the Synology Drive mobile app, the system uses the latest file version from either the server or your device, except for Synology Office files. This minimizes network traffic and guarantees access to the most up-to-date file version.

You can manually enable the Sync Task as shown below.

You will also be prompted about the new feature “Focused backup and Sync”. Click on OK to enable it.

Back up or sync files when your device is inactive. This feature is especially useful for users with a large number of photos or files on their mobile device.

Allow access to all photos as shown in the image below.

As shown, backup and sync is in progress.

You are alerted with the number of files to backup/sync to the Synology NAS.

As you can see, the backup/sync is in progress.

Note: For sync to work, ensure you have enough battery or power cable is plugged in. You can navigate to file station and view the backup/sync job already.

Ensure that you enable the recycle bin to recover accidentally deleted files.

Now, we have our mobile client on the console.

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Synology Drive Client

The Synology Drive Client is a desktop application designed to synchronize files between your PC and your Synology NAS. This enables you to manage files across devices, allowing for real-time syncing, versioning, and backups.

To download Synology Drive Client, please head over to the Synology website download center. Select NAS as your Synology product and the model. Then search for the desktop utility of your choice as shown below.

Since I am using Mac, I will download the DMG file as shown below.

Double click on the downloaded DMG file. On the Synology Drive Client window. Double click on the icon as instructed below.

Follow through the installation steps.

On the “Read me” window, please click on continue.

Accept the license agreement

Click on Agree to proceed.

I am fine with the install location. Click install to proceed if you are okay or after changing the install location.

Enter your password in order to authorize the installation of synology Drive Client.

As you can see, the installation is successful.

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Connect the Synology Client to NAS

To do this, enter the Synology NAS IP Address, domain name or QuickConenct ID. Here is how to Create New Users and Join Synology NAS to Active Directory. Please see “Synology NAS Domain Join: The Importance of DNS Configuration“.

If you have MFA enabled, you will be prompted to enter the 6-digit code.

I do care only about the sync Task as I have a backup of the PC in place already.

On-demand Sync is an option for configuring Synology Drive sync tasks between a computer and your Synology NAS. When this option is enabled, files will be downloaded to your local computer only when you open, modify, or pin a local copy to your computer. Please take a look at this website for On-demand sync Status icon and descriptions.

Let’s enable the “On-demand Sync to save disk space on my PC”. Specify a task name in the box below.

Click through these wizards

And enable Synology Drive as prompted in the Finder below.

We have to connect to synology NAS and create a backup task

Create a backup Job

Select your source folders as you wish and click Next

I would like to manually create a backup when I wish.

On the backup summary window, click on Done.

On the prompt, click on OK to run the backup task right now.

When prompted, please grant access to the folders by clicking on OK.

Now, launch the Synology Drive Admin Console

We now also have the Desktop client on our console. With this, you have a very good understanding on how to Sync file and photos from iOS and Mac with Synology Drive.

Backup (Sync) in progress

Please see How to create a Tailscale VPN connection to Synology NAS, and Manage User Permission on Synology with Active Directory [Part 1].

Synology Drive SyncShare

As you can see in the Synology Drive Admin Console, we are missing the Synology drive SyncShare. This service enables shared folders on the NAS to be synchronized across multiple users and devices. Changes made by one user to the shared folder are synced and updated across all devices connected to that shared folder.

In conclusion, Synology Drive Client and Synology Drive Sync (Shared Folders) both serve as file synchronization and backup solution. Thereby enabling users to sync files between their devices and a Synology NAS. Though they have distinct purposes, they share several similarities in their functionality.

Both enable file synchronization across devices. thereby ensuring that users have access to the latest version of files whether on their local device or the NAS remotely as well.

Running Synology Drive SyncShare

To do this, head over to the Synology NAS, and click on the main menu. Then click on Synology Drive SyncShare.

You will be required to connected to your remote Synology NAS. As I said, I am not interested in this.

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Error Types

Since I have also encountered errors while settings this up and twicking to ensure it satisfies my need. Below are some of the errors icons i encountered.

Please take a look at the image below for more information.

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Summary on Sync file and photos from iOS and Mac with Synology Drive

While Synology Drive Client is mostly used for syncing files between a user PC(s) and the NAS. the SyncShare is best for syncing shared folders across multiple users. Both provide two-way synchronization, version control, remote access, cross-platform support, selective sync, and collaborative tools, making them valuable for keeping files updated and accessible across devices and teams.

The primary difference is the scope: Drive Client is focused on individual users, while Sync Share is designed for team or multi-user environments.

Also, see “Use iCloud for Windows: How to install and uninstall iCloud for Windows“, and how to Kill Containers and remove unused images from Docker Correctly. Here is How to sync your passwords across iOS and Mac devices.

FAQs

I hope you found this article very useful on how to Sync file and photos from iOS and Mac with Synology Drive. Please feel free to leave a comment below.