This guide explains which iPad-to-Synology method fits full backup, photo backup, or document storage, with clear steps and limitations before you start.
If you want to backup iPad to Synology NAS, you may be looking for a way to keep a local copy of your iPad data without relying entirely on iCloud. A Synology NAS provides centralized storage on your home or office network, making it useful for protecting photos, videos, documents, and other important files.
However, there is an important distinction: Synology NAS does not simply appear as a standard destination for Apple's built-in iPad backup feature. Apple's official methods for backing up an iPad are iCloud or a computer. On Windows, Apple Devices can create a local iPad backup on the PC, while Finder handles local backups on a Mac. This guide explains several practical methods to create iPad NAS backups easily.
AOMEI FoneBackup is a computer-based iPhone and iPad backup, transfer, and management tool for Windows users. It provides backup, restore, and data-transfer functions and can be useful when you want more control over your iPad backup process than simply copying individual files. This tool provides features such as:
Step 1: On Windows, open File Explorer and confirm that the Synology NAS shared folder is reachable. If needed, map it as a network drive.
Step 2: Connect the iPad to the Windows computer with a USB cable and tap Trust This Computer on the iPad if prompted.
Step 3: Open AOMEI FoneBackup and wait until the iPad is detected. Choose Phone Backup > Selective Backup > Get Started from the main interface. (Or, you may choose Full Backup for a broader iPad backup)
Step 4: Click an icon to preview and select specific files. Then click OK.
Step 5: Click Backup Storage Path and choose your Synology NAS as the storage path. Tap Start Backup to begin the iPad NAS backup process.
💡Notes：
▶To restore data from that backup, just connect your iPad, select the target task in My Backups, and click Restore. You can also export files from iPad backup to iPhone or iPod Touch.
▶This method can be used to backup iPhone to QNAP NAS / Synology NAS / WD NAS drives.
If your main goal is to back up iPad photos and videos to Synology NAS, Synology Photos is the most direct option. It is designed for media backup and viewing, so it fits camera roll protection better than full-device restore needs.
Step 1: Install Synology Photos on the iPad from the App Store. Open Synology Photos and sign in to your Synology NAS account.
Step 2: Go to the app settings and find the Photo Backup option. Enable Photo Backup and choose Back up new photos only or Back up all photos as needed.
Step 3: Keep the iPad connected to Wi-Fi and power while the first large upload runs.
For PDFs, downloads, office documents, exported project files, and other selected items, the iPad Files app can be useful. This is not an automatic full iPad backup, but it gives you direct control over what is saved to the NAS.
Step 1: Make sure SMB or another supported file service is enabled on the Synology NAS and that your iPad is on the same network.
Step 2: Open the iPad Files app.
Step 3: Tap the More Options button and choose Connect to Server. Enter the Synology NAS address, such as an SMB server address, then sign in with the NAS account if prompted.
Step 4: Open the app folder, downloads folder, or exported files you want to save. Select the files, tap Move or Copy, and choose the Synology NAS location to transfer iPad files to Synology NAS.
Can I backup the whole iPad directly to Synology NAS?
Not in the same way iCloud, Finder, or iTunes creates a device backup. For a broader local backup, use AOMEI FoneBackup on Windows and store the backup with the Synology NAS storage plan.
Is Synology Photos enough for iPad backup?
It is enough for many photo and video backup needs, but it is not a complete iPad backup. It does not cover all settings, apps, or local app data.
Can AOMEI FoneBackup save an iPad backup directly to Synology NAS?
It may work when the Synology shared folder is mapped and recognized by Windows. If the network path is unstable, save locally first and then copy the verified backup to NAS.
Should I use iCloud or Synology NAS for iPad backup?
Use iCloud when you want Apple-managed restore and syncing. Use Synology NAS when you want local storage control, especially for photos, files, or computer-managed backup copies.
What should I check before deleting files from the iPad?
Open the backup record, photos, or files from the NAS first. If anything is missing or unreadable, repeat the backup before deleting data from the iPad.
To backup iPad to Synology NAS, match the method to the data. Use AOMEI FoneBackup when you need a broader computer-based iPad backup that can be stored with NAS protection. Use Synology Photos for photo and video backup. Use the Files app or NAS file services for selected documents. After any method, verify the backup on the NAS side before deleting or resetting the iPad.