Fixed: SMB Connectivity Problems on macOS Sequoia with Synology NAS

Solutions

When using macOS Sequoia with a Synology NAS device, many users encounter issues related to the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol. SMB is the most common protocol used to share files between devices on a network, but it can sometimes cause connectivity problems between macOS and NAS devices. If you're facing slow file transfers, connection drops, or other SMB-related issues, this article will guide you through several troubleshooting steps to resolve these problems.

Solution 1: Ensure SMB is Enabled on Synology NAS
The first step in resolving SMB connectivity issues is making sure SMB is enabled on your Synology NAS. Follow these steps:

• Log into DSM (DiskStation Manager): Open a web browser and type the IP address of your Synology NAS. Log in with your admin credentials.
• Navigate to the Control Panel: Once logged in, go to the Control Panel.
• Enable SMB: Under the File Sharing section, click on File Services. In the SMB/AFP/NFS tab, ensure that SMB is enabled. You may also want to check the version of SMB being used. For compatibility with macOS, SMB 2.0 or SMB 3.0 is recommended.
• Apply Changes: After enabling SMB, click Apply to save the changes.

Solution 2: Check SMB Version Compatibility
macOS Sequoia (and recent versions of macOS) works best with newer versions of SMB, such as SMB 2.0 and SMB 3.0. If your Synology NAS is set to use an outdated SMB version (like SMB 1.0), it could cause compatibility issues.

To check and change the SMB version:

• Go back to the File Services menu in DSM.
• Under the SMB/AFP/NFS tab, locate the SMB Version setting.
• Set it to SMB2 and SMB3 (or the latest SMB version available).

This ensures that your macOS Sequoia device and Synology NAS can communicate using a modern, supported version of the SMB protocol.
Solution3:Reset macOS Network Settings
Sometimes, issues arise from network settings on the macOS side. Resetting the network settings on your Mac can help resolve any SMB connectivity problems:

• Open System Preferences and go to Network.
• Select your active network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
• Click the Advanced button and navigate to the TCP/IP tab.
• Click Renew DHCP Lease to refresh your network settings.

Next, clear any stored connections to your Synology NAS:

• Open Finder and go to Go > Connect to Server (or press Command + K).
• Remove any saved network locations to your Synology NAS.
• Try reconnecting by entering the correct SMB network path (e.g., smb://<your_nas_ip>/shared_folder).

Solution 4: Check Firewall Settings on macOS and Synology NAS
Firewalls can block the SMB connection between macOS Sequoia and Synology NAS. Ensure that the firewalls on both devices allow SMB traffic.

On macOS Sequoia:

• Open System Preferences and select Security & Privacy.
• Go to the Firewall tab.
• Click on the Firewall Options button.
• Make sure that File Sharing and SMB are not being blocked by the firewall. If needed, add exceptions for SMB.

On Synology NAS:

• Open DSM and go to the Control Panel.
• Select Security, then click on the Firewall tab.
• Ensure that the firewall rules allow traffic on port 445 (the standard port for SMB). You may need to create a rule if one doesn’t already exist.

Solution 5: Verify Permissions on Synology NAS
Sometimes, issues with accessing shared folders are related to permissions. Verify that your macOS user account has the necessary permissions to access the folder on the Synology NAS.

• Log into DSM and navigate to Control Panel > Shared Folder.
• Select the folder you are trying to access and click Edit.
• Under the Permissions tab, make sure your user account has Read/Write or at least Read access.
• Ensure that the Windows File Service (SMB) checkbox is selected for the folder.

Solution 6: Test Connection Using Terminal (macOS)
If you're still having trouble, testing the SMB connection via the macOS terminal can give you more insights into the issue:

• Open Terminal on your Mac.

Type the following command to test the connection:
bash
Copy
smbutil testparm smb://<your_nas_ip>

• Replace <your_nas_ip> with the actual IP address of your Synology NAS.
• Check the output for any errors or warnings related to SMB.

This command checks the SMB share’s configuration and might help identify any issues.
Solution 7: Restart Both Devices
If all else fails, try restarting both your Mac and Synology NAS. Sometimes, a fresh start is all it takes to clear up network or SMB protocol issues.

• Restart your Synology NAS by going to DSM > Control Panel > Restart.
• Restart your Mac by clicking the Apple menu > Restart.

Solution 8: Update macOS and Synology DSM
Ensure both your macOS and Synology DSM are up to date. New updates often include fixes for compatibility issues, including those related to SMB.

• For macOS: Go to System Preferences > Software Update and install any available updates.
• For Synology NAS: Log into DSM and go to Control Panel > Update & Restore to check for any available updates.

Experiencing SMB connectivity issues between macOS Sequoia and your Synology NAS? Ensure SMB is enabled, check version compatibility, reset network settings, and verify firewall and permissions. If issues persist, reach out to Synology support for assistance. Follow these steps for smooth and seamless file sharing.