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Synology NAS Initial Setup: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

1. What is Synology NAS and why is it important?

A Synology NAS is a powerful storage server that can be used for both personal and business purposes. It lets you access data from one place, sync files, protect data, and back up data to the cloud, all of which are controlled by Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM).

Main benefits:

  • Managing files from one place on all devices.
  • Private cloud storage where you own all the data.
  • Advanced ways to back up and restore data.
  • Hosting for Docker, virtualization, and streaming multimedia.
  • Storage that can grow with RAID redundancy.

Why Your NAS Needs an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

An uninterruptible power supply, or UPS, is one important accessory that many people forget to get for their Synology NAS setup. But what does a UPS do, and why should you think about getting one for your NAS?

A UPS is basically a safety net that gives you backup power during outages or voltage changes. This extra layer of protection makes sure that your NAS keeps running smoothly, giving you time to safely shut it down or ride out short outages. For people who want to protect important files, photos, or business data, this can mean the difference between being able to relax and worrying about losing data or damaging hardware.

Here are some important reasons to add a UPS to your NAS setup:

  • Keeps data safe in case of a sudden power loss, which can cause file system errors or data loss.
  • Stops electrical surges and brownouts from damaging hardware.
  • Allows for a safe shutdown, which lets the NAS finish its tasks without getting corrupted.
  • Important for environments where uptime is always important and can’t be compromised.

When choosing a UPS, make sure it works with NAS-grade equipment. Brands like APC, CyberPower, and Eaton usually have models with features like USB connectivity for automatic, smooth shutdown. Adding a UPS to your network storage setup isn’t just a “nice to have”; it’s a smart, proactive way to protect your digital assets and keep your data ecosystem running smoothly.

2. Getting Ready for Installation

Before you start setting things up, make sure:

  • You picked the right Synology NAS model for what you need.
  • You have NAS-grade hard drives that work with it, like the Seagate IronWolf or WD Red.
  • Your router can handle DHCP and Gigabit Ethernet.

List of things to do:

  • Could you take your NAS and drives out of the box?
  • Connect to the router and the power.
  • Use Synology’s tool-less trays to put drives into bays.
  • Turn on the NAS.
  • Setting a Static IP Without DHCP Reservations: A Tip

If your router doesn’t let you reserve DHCP addresses for static IPs, there is still a way to do it that works. You could try limiting the range of IP addresses your DHCP server can give to devices. 

3. To get to the DiskStation Manager (DSM), turn it on and use a browser on the same network to go to:

http://find.synology.com
You can also download the Synology Assistant, which will automatically find your NAS.
Follow the instructions to:

  • Install the most recent version of DSM firmware.
  • Give the server a name, a username, and a password.
  • Turn on QuickConnect so you can access it from afar.
  • Set up notifications and updates to happen automatically.

4. Making File Systems and Storage Volumes

To set up your drives, open Storage Manager in DSM.
Step 1: Make a Storage Pool
Choose the type of RAID you want: Basic, RAID 1, SHR, RAID 5/6/10.
Give drives to the pool.
Use S.M.A.R.T. tests to check the health of your drive.
Step 2: Make Volumes
If you want snapshot support, choose Btrfs. If you want speed, choose EXT4.
Give the volume a name and a limit on how much space it can hold.
Set up and format.

5. How to Set Up Shared Folders and Permissions

Your NAS file system is built on shared folders.
To make:

  • Go to Control Panel, then Shared Folder, and then Create.
  • Choose a name for the folder and its volume.
  • If you are going to store sensitive data, set up encryption.
  • Give users permission to read, write, or do nothing.

6. Connecting Devices and File Types

Allow the network protocols that are needed for compatibility with multiple devices:

  • For Windows users, SMB and CIFS are available.
  • For macOS and Linux, AFP and NFS are available.
  • FTP and WebDAV let you access files from afar.

To allow:

  • Go to Control Panel and then File Services.
  • Turn on the protocol you want.
  • Set up advanced options like speed limits and maximum connections.

7. Setting Up User Accounts and Controlling Access

Make separate user accounts to better manage access.
Click on Control Panel, then User, and then Create.
Put them in groups, like “Admin,” “Staff,” or “Guest.”
Set limits on how much storage space and access rights applications can have.
Use Directory Server or LDAP integration to manage things on a large scale.

8. Enabling Remote Access via QuickConnect or DDNS

Synology offers multiple remote access options:

Option 1: QuickConnect

  • Go to Control Panel → External Access → QuickConnect.
  • Register a Synology account.
  • Create a unique QuickConnect ID.

Access your NAS anywhere using:

https://QuickConnect.to/YourID

Option 2: Dynamic DNS (DDNS)

  • Configure DDNS under External Access → DDNS.
  • Link your NAS to a domain name for remote login.

With DDNS, your NAS gets a memorable internet address—even if your home IP changes—making it easy to access your files remotely. Pair DDNS with SSL certificates for an extra layer of security.

9. Installing Essential Synology Packages

Enhance functionality through Package Center.
Recommended packages:

  • Synology Drive Server – file sync and sharing.

Getting started:

  • Open Package Center on your NAS.
  • Search for “Synology Drive Server” and install it.
  • Follow the setup wizard to configure your sync folders and permissions.
  • Install Synology Drive Client on your computer to link your devices.

10. Photo Management and Automatic Media Backup

Preserve your memories and keep your photo library organized—all within your NAS.

With dedicated photo management apps built for Synology NAS, you can automatically upload, sort, and safeguard all your photos and videos from your mobile devices. Once installed, these apps let you:

  • Automatically back up new photos and videos from your iPhone or Android device directly to your NAS in real-time or on a schedule.
  • Browse and search your photo library by albums, date, or custom tags from any device, thanks to intuitive web or mobile interfaces.
  • Share albums or individual files privately with friends, family, or colleagues with just a secure link—no more relying on third-party cloud providers.
  • Organize your photos using facial recognition, geotagging, and customized folders for quick access.

10. Setting Up Media Servers for Seamless Streaming

Transform your Synology NAS into your home entertainment hub by installing a media server application. These allow you to stream movies, music, and photos directly from your NAS to a wide range of devices—smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, and more.

Here are the top choices for media server apps:

  • Plex: Renowned for its intuitive interface, Plex organizes your media collection and streams it to virtually any device. It automatically pulls in cover art, metadata, and supports remote streaming when you’re away from home.

  • Emby: Offering flexible library management and user control, Emby provides a similar experience with a host of customization options. With Emby, you can fine-tune access for family members and enjoy live TV if you connect a compatible tuner.

  • Jellyfin: An open-source alternative, Jellyfin delivers all the core features—media cataloging, device streaming, and user profiles—without subscription fees or cloud dependencies.

11. Security Best Practices

  • Enable 2-Step Verification for admin accounts.

Do I Need a Specific Authenticator App for Two-Factor Authentication?

No, you’re not tied to any particular authenticator app when securing your NAS with two-factor authentication (2FA). Synology’s DSM supports standard Time-based One-Time Passwords (TOTP), meaning you can use popular apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy.

How to set up 2-Step Verification:

  • In DSM, click the user icon (top right) and open Personal settings.
  • Choose “2-step Verification,” then follow the prompts.
  • When asked to scan a QR code, use your preferred TOTP app.
  • Complete the setup by verifying the code.

You’re free to pick whatever authenticator app fits your workflow—Google Authenticator, Authy, Microsoft Authenticator, or others. The QR code provided works universally.

12. Performance Optimization and Monitoring

Use Resource Monitor and Storage Analyzer to track:

  • CPU, RAM, and network load.
  • Disk I/O and temperature.
  • Storage efficiency.

Schedule SMART tests and set up email alerts for critical events.

13. Updating DSM and Packages

Keep your NAS secure and efficient by enabling:

  • Automatic DSM updates.
  • Package auto-updates via Package Center.

About Epis Technology

At Epis Technology, we specialize in Synology consulting, NAS deployment, and cloud data protection. Our experts design secure, scalable storage infrastructures for businesses, integrating Synology DSM, C2 Cloud, and Active Backup to ensure data integrity, compliance, and uptime. From architecture to ongoing support, we help you transform your NAS into a powerful enterprise-grade solution.

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