How to Find Your Synology NAS IP Address on a Network

Synology

Knowing the IP address of your Synology NAS is essential when accessing DSM, configuring backups, mapping network drives, troubleshooting connectivity, or managing storage services. However, the address can sometimes be difficult to locate, especially after installing a new NAS, replacing a router, or changing network settings.

In most environments, a router automatically assigns the NAS an IP address through DHCP. That address might also change later unless you configure a DHCP reservation or static addressing strategy.

Fortunately, there are several practical ways to find your Synology NAS IP address. You can use Synology discovery tools, check your router’s connected-device list, use Synology Assistant, or inspect network information directly within DSM.

What Is a Synology NAS IP Address?

An IP address identifies your NAS on the local network.

A typical private IPv4 address might look similar to:

192.168.1.25

Devices connected to the same network use this address to communicate with the NAS.

You may need it when:

Opening DSM
Mapping shared folders
Configuring backup software
Connecting network applications
Troubleshooting a disconnected NAS
Setting firewall rules
Configuring other business infrastructure

The exact address depends on how your network is configured.

Method 1: Use Synology Web Assistant

One of the easiest approaches for a newly installed NAS is Synology’s browser-based discovery method.

Make sure the computer and NAS are connected to the same local network. Then use Synology’s discovery service to search for available Synology devices.

When the NAS is detected, you can identify the device and continue to DSM setup or administration.

This method is particularly useful when you know the NAS is running but do not know which IP address the router assigned to it.

Method 2: Use Synology Assistant

Synology Assistant is another useful discovery tool for locating compatible Synology devices on a local network.

After installing and opening the utility, allow it to scan the network.

The results can provide information that helps identify available Synology systems, including their network addresses.

This approach can be useful for IT administrators who manage several Synology devices and need a straightforward way to identify them.

Method 3: Check Your Router

Your router normally maintains information about devices that have received addresses through DHCP.

Connected Devices
Client List
DHCP Clients
Network Map
LAN Devices

Find the Synology NAS in the list.

The router may identify it using its hostname, device name, MAC address, or manufacturer information.

The associated IP address is the address currently assigned to the NAS.

Method 4: Check the IP Address Inside DSM

If you can already access DSM but need to confirm the NAS address for another configuration task, check the network settings inside DSM.

Open the appropriate network interface settings in Control Panel and review the active LAN interface.

Depending on your DSM version and configuration, you can see information such as:

IP address
Subnet mask
Gateway
DNS configuration
Network interface
Connection status

This is also a good opportunity to verify whether the interface receives its address automatically or uses a manually configured address.

Method 5: Use Windows Network Tools

Windows users can also inspect devices on their local network.

For example, administrators can use network commands to examine IP and MAC address information for devices their computer has recently communicated with.

The Windows ARP table can be useful when troubleshooting, although it may not clearly identify every device by name.

This method becomes more useful when you already know the Synology NAS’s MAC address.

Match the NAS by MAC Address

When several devices appear on the network, the MAC address can help identify the correct NAS interface.

A MAC address is a hardware identifier associated with a network interface.

You may find relevant identifying information through:

Synology Assistant
DSM
Router client lists
Device documentation or labels

Matching the MAC address prevents you from accidentally connecting to another server or network device with a similar hostname.

Why Did My Synology NAS IP Address Change?

Many networks use DHCP.

When the NAS starts, the DHCP server, commonly the router, assigns it an available address.

For example, your NAS might initially receive:

192.168.1.25

After network changes, lease changes, router replacement, or another configuration event, it might receive:

192.168.1.42

Bookmarks, mapped resources, backup jobs, or applications configured using the previous IP address may then stop working as expected.

Use a DHCP Reservation

For many small business networks, a DHCP reservation provides a convenient way to keep the NAS address consistent.

A DHCP reservation tells the router to assign the same IP address to the NAS based on its network interface information.

This provides predictable addressing while allowing the router or DHCP server to centrally manage the network configuration.

Administrators should select an address that fits the existing network design and does not conflict with another device.

Static IP vs. DHCP Reservation

A manually configured static IP can also provide a consistent address.

However, it needs to be configured carefully.

Incorrect settings involving the IP address, subnet, gateway, or DNS server can make the NAS difficult to reach.

There is also a risk of assigning an address already used by another network device.

For smaller environments, a DHCP reservation may simplify address management. More complex business networks may use centrally planned static addressing for servers and infrastructure.

What If Synology Assistant Cannot Find the NAS?

If discovery tools cannot locate your Synology system, start with basic connectivity.

Check:

NAS power
Ethernet cables
Router or switch connections
Network interface indicators
Computer network connectivity
VLAN configuration
Firewall settings

Also confirm that your computer and NAS are on networks that permit communication between them.

Business environments using multiple VLANs or segmented networks may intentionally prevent discovery traffic from crossing network boundaries.

Avoid Exposing DSM Just to Make Access Easier

Knowing your NAS IP address does not mean its DSM administration interface should be exposed directly to the public internet.

Local IP addresses are primarily used inside private networks.

For remote administration, organizations should consider secure approaches such as VPN access, private networking, properly configured firewalls, multi-factor authentication, and other appropriate access controls.

Reducing unnecessary public exposure can help protect the NAS against scanning, credential attacks, and exploitation attempts.

Document Your NAS Network Configuration

Businesses should maintain basic documentation for important storage infrastructure.

Useful information includes:

NAS hostname
Local IP address
MAC address
VLAN
Network interface
DHCP reservation
Gateway information
Administrator responsibility

Do not store passwords or sensitive recovery credentials in unsecured documentation.

Keeping network information organized can make future troubleshooting considerably faster.

When Professional Synology Support Helps

Finding an IP address is usually straightforward. However, recurring connectivity problems may indicate a larger network configuration issue involving DHCP, DNS, VLANs, firewalls, switches, VPNs, or multiple network interfaces.

Professional Synology support can help businesses diagnose these issues and properly configure the NAS as part of a reliable network architecture. Resolve NAS connectivity issues with expert Synology support.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology helps organizations configure, secure, troubleshoot, and optimize Synology NAS environments. Services include Synology NAS setup, network configuration, storage architecture, IP and connectivity troubleshooting, VLAN planning, secure remote access, backup implementation, cybersecurity assessments, and ongoing managed support. Epis Technology’s Synology expertise helps businesses build reliable storage environments that remain accessible to authorized users while protecting critical infrastructure and business data.