Using OpenVPN Client on a Mac for Synology NAS

Why you should use OpenVPN with Synology NAS on a Mac

Businesses and professionals who need to connect to their Synology NAS from outside the local network need secure remote access. QuickConnect and other similar services are convenient, but a VPN is more secure, works consistently, and gives you full access to NAS services.

When you use OpenVPN on macOS to connect to a Synology NAS, your data is encrypted while it is being sent, and you can still access file services, backups, and administrative tools as if you were on the local network.

What Is Synology NAS OpenVPN

Synology supports OpenVPN through the VPN Server package. OpenVPN is a safe, open-source VPN protocol. When turned on, the NAS becomes a VPN endpoint, letting remote clients connect safely with authentication and encryption.

Some of the main benefits are:

Standards for strong encryption
Support for a wide range of clients, including macOS
Connections that stay stable for file access and backups
Works with firewall and access control rules

For business and professional use, OpenVPN is the best choice.

Requirements Before Setup

Make sure to do the following before setting up OpenVPN on macOS:

The Synology VPN Server is up and running
VPN Server has OpenVPN turned on
A user account can use a VPN
Allowed are the necessary firewall ports

There is an OpenVPN-compatible client installed on macOS.

Getting ready the right way keeps connections from failing later.

Setting up OpenVPN on a Synology NAS

OpenVPN should be turned on in the VPN Server:

Open the Package Center and set up the VPN Server
Start VPN Server and turn on OpenVPN
Set up the VPN subnet and encryption options
Only turn on compression if you need to
Export the OpenVPN settings file

This configuration file has the connection profile that macOS needs.

Things to think about with firewalls and ports

UDP port 1194 is the default port that OpenVPN uses. Make sure:

The Synology firewall lets OpenVPN traffic through
Your router sends the OpenVPN port to the NAS
ISP or firewall rules do not stop outbound traffic

A VPN keeps multiple NAS services from being directly connected to the internet.

How to Set Up OpenVPN Client on a Mac

macOS doesn’t come with an OpenVPN client, so you’ll need to download one that works with it.

Set up an OpenVPN Client

Some popular clients that work with macOS are:

Tunnelblick
OpenVPN Connect

Install the client and then import the configuration file that you exported from the Synology NAS.

Import the profile and set it up

After you set up the client:

Import the configuration file with the .ovpn extension
When asked, type in your Synology user name and password
If it’s safe to do so, save your credentials

Join the VPN

When the macOS device is connected, it will act like it is on the same network as the NAS.

Checking the Connection

After you connect:

Use the NAS local IP address to get to DSM.
Check to see if you can access files through SMB or Synology Drive
Make sure that the backup or sync services are working properly
A working VPN connection makes sure that access is safe and reliable

Best Practices for Performance and Security

To get the best performance and security from OpenVPN:

Use strong encryption, but don’t add extra work that isn’t needed
Turn off compression unless you need it
Only allow trusted users to use the VPN
Check VPN logs on a regular basis
NAS users should use two-factor authentication
VPN access should be seen as special access

Common Problems and Solutions for macOS OpenVPN

Usually happens because of wrong firewall rules or port forwarding
Can connect but can’t get to NAS
Usually has to do with setting up the NAS’s routing or firewall

Slow Speed

Could be caused by encryption overhead, a bad network, or the NAS’s CPU not being powerful enough.

Most problems can be fixed quickly with systematic troubleshooting.

Why VPN is Better Than Direct Access from Afar

OpenVPN gives you:

Encrypted tunnels for all services
Stable IP-based access for backups and APIs
Less surface area for attacks than open ports
Better control over audits and compliance

It is best practice for businesses to use VPN access.

About the Epis Technology

Epis Technology helps businesses build secure remote access solutions by providing enterprise IT infrastructure, data protection, and Synology consulting services. The company is an expert in setting up Synology VPNs, configuring firewalls, building secure backup systems, and improving performance. Epis Technology makes sure that Synology NAS and macOS clients can use OpenVPN correctly so that they can access files securely and without compromising security. This allows for backups, collaboration, and business continuity.