How to Find Your Synology NAS on Any Network

Ways to Locate Your Synology NAS on Any Network

Finding your Synology NAS can be simple on a home network, but it becomes more challenging when IP addresses change, networks are segmented, or the device is deployed remotely. Whether you are setting up a new NAS, troubleshooting access issues, or managing multiple locations, knowing how to reliably locate your system is essential.

This guide explains how to find your Synology NAS on any network, covering local discovery, router tools, and remote access methods.

Why You Might Lose Track of a Synology NAS

Common reasons users cannot find their NAS include:

• DHCP-assigned IP address changes

• Network segmentation or VLANs

• Router or firewall changes

• Moving the NAS to a new location

• Incorrect DNS or gateway settings

Understanding the network context is the first step to locating the device.

Method 1: Use Synology Assistant (Local Networks)

Synology Assistant is the fastest way to find a NAS on the same local network.

Steps:

1. Install Synology Assistant on your computer.

2. Run the application

3. Allow it to scan the local subnet.

4. Identify the NAS by hostname or MAC address

This method works best when your computer and NAS are on the same LAN.

Method 2: Check Your Router’s Connected Devices

Most routers maintain a list of connected devices.

How to check:

• Log in to your router’s admin interface.

• Open the DHCP or connected devices section.

• Look for a device labeled “Synology” or matching the NAS MAC address

This is useful when the NAS IP address has changed.

Method 3: Find the NAS Using the DSM Hostname

By default, Synology NAS devices advertise a hostname such as:

http://nas-name.local

If local DNS or mDNS is enabled, you may be able to access the NAS using its hostname instead of an IP address.

Method 4: Scan the Network for Active IPs

Advanced users can use network scanning tools.

Tools include:

• Advanced IP Scanner

• Angry IP Scanner

• nmap

Scan your subnet and look for open ports commonly used by DSM, such as 5000 or 5001.

Method 5: Locate the NAS on a Remote Network

When the NAS is on a different network or location, direct discovery tools will not work.

Options include:

• VPN access to the remote network

• DDNS hostname assigned to the NAS

• Router-based site-to-site VPN

Remote access requires prior configuration to avoid security risks.

Synology’s Built-In Discovery and Access Design

Synology designs its NAS platforms to support both local discovery and remote access through DiskStation Manager. Tools like Synology Assistant, configurable hostnames, and flexible network settings allow administrators to locate and manage systems across changing network environments. This flexibility is especially useful in homes, small offices, and multi-site deployments.

What to Do If the NAS Is Completely Unreachable

If none of the above methods work:

• Verify physical network connections and LEDs

• Connect the NAS directly to a computer with Ethernet.

• Reset network settings using the reset button.

• Check VLAN or firewall rules blocking discovery

These steps help rule out hardware and configuration issues.

Best Practices to Avoid Future Access Issues

• Assign a static IP or a DHCP reservation.

• Document IP addresses and hostnames

• Enable secure remote access methods in advance.

• Keep router and NAS firmware updated

Proactive planning prevents lost access later.

How Epis Technology Helps Locate and Manage NAS Systems

Epis Technology helps organizations design network layouts that make Synology NAS systems easy to locate and manage across any environment. The team configures static IPs, DNS, VPN access, and monitoring tools so systems remain accessible even after network changes. Epis Technology also assists with troubleshooting unreachable NAS devices and restoring secure access without data loss.

Finding your Synology NAS on any network depends on understanding whether the system is local or remote and choosing the right discovery method. From Synology Assistant and router tools to VPN-based remote access, there are reliable ways to regain access in almost every scenario.

With Synology’s flexible networking features and expert guidance from Epis Technology, you can ensure your NAS remains visible, accessible, and secure wherever it is deployed.

About Epis Technology

Epis Technology provides enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company specializes in NAS deployments, network design, hybrid cloud integration, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace backups, fully managed PC backups, and business continuity planning. Epis Technology helps organizations keep their data accessible, secure, and well-managed across all networks.