User Guide

A complete end-user procedure for creating an account, installing the mobile apps, enabling backup, sharing access, and using this private cloud long term.

🔒 What this service does

This portal gives approved users access to a private Synology NAS backup system.

1

Private storage

Your files are stored on the assigned Synology NAS, not on a generic third-party cloud account.

2

Photos and videos

Use Synology Photos to automatically back up pictures and videos from your phone or tablet.

3

Documents and files

Use this portal or Synology Drive to upload, download, organize, and restore documents.

🆕 How to create your account

Create your private backup account in less than one minute.

1

Open the portal

Go to the website link provided by the administrator or account owner.

2

Select “Create Account”

From the home page, click Create Account or Create My Private Account.

3

Choose a username and password

Use at least 8 characters with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, and numbers. Use a password you can keep safe.

4

Confirm the account

After the account is created, go to the login page and sign in with your new credentials.

🔑 How to log in

1

Open “Log In”

Enter your username and password.

2

Enter two-step verification if required

If two-step verification is enabled on your DSM account, enter the code from your authenticator app.

3

Access your dashboard

Your dashboard provides direct access to Synology Photos, Synology Drive, document backup, and mobile setup instructions.

📱 Download the official apps

Install only the official Synology apps from Apple App Store or Google Play.

1

For photo and video backup

Install Synology Photos: iPhone/iPad or Android.

2

For file and document access

Install Synology Drive: iPhone/iPad or Android.

3

Sign in to the apps

Use the NAS address, domain, DDNS hostname, or QuickConnect ID provided by the administrator, then enter your username and password.

☁️ How to enable automatic mobile backup

Use Synology Photos to back up new photos and videos automatically.

1

Open Synology Photos

Log in using your NAS address and account credentials.

2

Turn on Photo Backup

Go to the backup settings in the app and enable photo/video backup for your device.

3

Select backup options

Choose whether to back up photos only or photos and videos. Select whether uploads should happen on Wi-Fi only or also on mobile data.

4

Keep the app allowed in the background

Allow background activity, notifications, and photo-library access so the app can continue uploading reliably.

5

Verify the first backup

Leave the app open during the first upload and confirm that recent photos appear in Synology Photos.

⬆️ How to upload documents from the portal

1

Open “Document Backup”

From your dashboard, select Document Backup.

2

Select your file

Choose a document, PDF, spreadsheet, image, or other file from your device.

3

Upload and confirm

Click Upload and Back Up. After upload, the file appears in your backup list.

📷 How to use Synology Photos

1

Open from the dashboard or app

Click the Synology Photos card in your dashboard or open the mobile app.

2

Browse your timeline

Photos and videos are organized by date, folder, and albums depending on your settings.

3

Create albums

Select photos, choose Add to Album, and create or update an album.

📁 How to use Synology Drive

1

Open Synology Drive

Use the dashboard link, mobile app, or desktop client if configured.

2

Manage files

Upload, rename, move, search, and download files assigned to your account.

3

Optional computer sync

For Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, install Synology Drive Client if the administrator allows desktop sync.

♻️ How to restore backups

1

Go to “Document Backup”

The page lists the files you previously uploaded.

2

Click “Restore”

The selected file downloads back to your device.

3

For photos and videos

Open Synology Photos, select the items you need, and download or share them from the app.

🔗 How to share this service with another approved user

Use this procedure when an end user needs to invite another authorized person to use the private backup system.

1

Confirm permission first

Only share access with users approved by the NAS owner or administrator. Do not share your personal username or password.

2

Send the portal link

Send the website address for this portal and tell the user to click Create Account.

3

Send the app links

For phone backup, send the Synology Photos download link for iOS or Android. For file access, send Synology Drive for iOS or Android.

4

Tell them what to enter

They will need the NAS address, domain, DDNS hostname, or QuickConnect ID provided by the administrator, plus their own username and password.

5

Verify setup

Ask the user to log in, upload one test file, enable mobile backup, and confirm that the test item appears in the dashboard or Synology Photos.

✅ Best practices for long-term use

1

Use a strong password

Do not reuse your banking, email, or social media password. Store it in a password manager if possible.

2

Enable two-step verification

If available, enable two-step verification in DSM for stronger account protection.

3

Check backup status

Open Synology Photos periodically and confirm that new photos and videos are uploading.

4

Do not delete originals too early

Before deleting files from your phone or computer, confirm they are fully backed up and restorable.

5

Keep apps updated

Update Synology Photos, Synology Drive, and your phone operating system to maintain compatibility and security.

🛠️ Support

Contact the NAS administrator or service provider if login, storage, permissions, backup, or restore functions do not work.

1

For password issues

Request an account reset from the administrator. Do not create multiple accounts unless instructed.

2

For app connection issues

Confirm the NAS address/QuickConnect ID, username, password, internet connection, and two-step verification code.

3

For missing files

Confirm whether the file was uploaded through the portal, Synology Photos, or Synology Drive, then check the correct app/location.