---
title: "How to Export iPhone Photos to NAS"
description: "Step-by-step guide to exporting iPhone photos to a NAS (Synology, QNAP, etc.) using SMB, vendor apps, and Files app integration."
url: https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/export-iphone-photos-to-nas/
date: 2026-04-07
---

Updated April 7, 2026

By [Jack Smith](https://dblabsapps.com/about/jack-smith/), iOS Developer at DB Labs

# How to Export iPhone Photos to NAS

Network Attached Storage (NAS) gives you unlimited capacity for iPhone photo backups without monthly cloud fees. Here's how to set it up.

April 7, 2026  ·  6 min read

## Quick Answer

To export iPhone photos to a NAS, open the **Files** app, tap **Browse**, then the three-dot menu, and choose **Connect to Server**. Enter **smb://your-nas-ip** with your NAS credentials. Once connected, open **Photos**, select photos, tap **Share > Save to Files**, and choose your NAS share. For automated backups, install the official vendor app — **Synology Photos** for Synology, **QuMagie** for QNAP, or **UGOS Pro** for UGREEN — which run continuous backups in the background.

## What You Need

- **A NAS device** from Synology, QNAP, UGREEN, or similar.

- **Both devices on the same Wi-Fi network** (or VPN/remote access configured).

- **NAS credentials** (username and password with read/write permission).

- **A shared folder** on the NAS for photos (for example, `/photos/iphone-backup`).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1 Find Your NAS IP Address

On your NAS dashboard (Synology DSM, QTS for QNAP, etc.), check Control Panel > Network for the IP. It's typically **192.168.x.x**. You can also check your router's connected devices list. Make a note of this IP.

### 2 Open Files App on iPhone

Launch the **Files** app. Tap **Browse** at the bottom, then tap the three-dot menu icon in the upper right.

### 3 Connect to Server

Tap **Connect to Server**. Enter **smb://192.168.x.x** (replacing with your NAS IP). Tap **Connect**. Choose **Registered User** and enter your NAS username and password. Tap **Next**.

### 4 Choose Your Share

iOS lists available shared folders. Tap the photos folder you created. The NAS appears under **Locations** in the Files app from now on.

### 5 Export Photos to NAS

Open the **Photos** app. Tap **Select**, choose photos to export, then tap **Share**. Scroll down and tap **Save to Files**. Navigate to your NAS folder under Locations. Tap **Save**. The transfer runs in the background.

### 6 Set Up Automated Backup (Optional)

For continuous backups, install your NAS vendor's app: **Synology Photos**, **QuMagie** (QNAP), or **UGOS Pro**. Sign in with your NAS account and enable photo backup. The app uploads new photos automatically.

## Why NAS Beats Cloud for Many Users

A NAS pays for itself in 1-2 years versus a 2 TB iCloud subscription ($9.99/month = $120/year). NAS storage scales to multi-terabyte arrays, runs locally for privacy, and is not subject to cloud provider price hikes or service shutdowns. The downside: hardware failure risk (mitigate with RAID), and no automatic offsite backup unless you configure one.

Before exporting, clean up your library to save NAS space. [Swype Photo Cleaner](https://dblabsapps.com/apps/swype-photo-cleaner/) helps you delete blurry shots, screenshots, and duplicates in minutes. For more backup options, see our guides on [backing up without iCloud](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/backup-iphone-photos-without-icloud/), [SSD backup](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/backup-photos-to-external-ssd-iphone/), and [transferring to a computer](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/transfer-photos-iphone-to-computer/).

## Trim Before You Backup

Save NAS space — clean blurry photos and duplicates first with Swype Photo Cleaner.

Free · iPhone · iOS 16+

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I connect my iPhone directly to a NAS?

Yes. iOS 13 and later supports SMB through Files app. Tap Browse > menu > Connect to Server, enter smb://your-nas-ip with credentials.

### What's the best way to backup iPhone photos to Synology NAS?

Install Synology Photos from the App Store, sign in, and enable Photo Backup. The app uploads new photos to your NAS automatically over Wi-Fi.

### Does my NAS need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?

For best speed, yes. NAS vendors also offer remote access (QuickConnect for Synology, myQNAPcloud for QNAP) for backups away from home.