EX2 Ultra - working on Ethernet but not WIFI?

The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra is a powerful NAS (Network Attached Storage) device designed for seamless data storage, streaming, and backups over your local network or remotely. Typically, it's connected to your router via an Ethernet cable for a stable and fast connection. However, some users attempt to use it over Wi-Fi and find that it doesn't show up or isn't accessible—despite working perfectly when connected via Ethernet.

Let’s explore why this happens and what you can do about it.

Can the EX2 Ultra Connect to Wi-Fi Directly?

The short answer is: No, the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra does not have built-in Wi-Fi capabilities. It does not contain a wireless network card, so it must be connected via Ethernet to your router or switch.

That’s why the device works perfectly over a wired connection and disappears when you unplug the Ethernet—because it physically can't connect to Wi-Fi.

Accessing EX2 Ultra Over Wi-Fi (the Correct Way)

While the EX2 Ultra itself doesn’t support Wi-Fi, you can still access it over Wi-Fi using the following setup:

Keep the EX2 Ultra connected to the router via Ethernet.

Connect your laptop, PC, or phone to the same Wi-Fi network as the router.

You’ll now be able to access the NAS using:

The WD Discovery app

Windows File Explorer (\\NAS-name or \\[IP address])

The My Cloud web portal (mycloud.com)

Troubleshooting Access Over Wi-Fi

If you’re unable to access the EX2 Ultra while on Wi-Fi, try these steps:

✅ Ensure both your device and NAS are on the same local network.

✅ Check if Wi-Fi isolation or guest mode is enabled on your router—it may prevent devices from talking to each other.

✅ Assign a static IP address to the NAS and ping it from your PC.

✅ Restart the router, NAS, and your device to refresh the network.

Conclusion

Your EX2 Ultra isn’t faulty—it simply lacks Wi-Fi hardware. As long as it's wired to your router, any device on the same Wi-Fi network can access it. With the right configuration, you’ll enjoy smooth, wireless access to all your NAS content.