How to I power off my WD My Cloud?

Properly shutting down your WD My Cloud device is essential to protect your data and avoid potential corruption. Unlike traditional external hard drives, WD My Cloud is a network-attached storage (NAS) device that runs an internal operating system and often manages tasks in the background. Simply unplugging it can cause serious issues, so it’s important to use the recommended methods to power it off safely.

Why a Safe Shutdown Matters

WD My Cloud devices continuously read and write data. Abruptly unplugging the power cord without shutting down properly can:

Corrupt files or the file system

Interrupt ongoing backups or transfers

Shorten the device’s lifespan

Cause firmware or drive issues

To avoid these problems, follow the correct procedure depending on your setup.

Method 1: Power Off Using WD My Cloud Dashboard

Access the Dashboard:

Open a web browser on a device connected to the same network. Enter the IP address of your WD My Cloud or use

Log In:

Enter your admin username and password.

Navigate to Settings:

Once logged in, click on the “Settings” tab in the Dashboard.

Go to Utilities:

In the sidebar, select Utilities.

Shut Down Option:

Under the Device Maintenance section, click “Shutdown”.

Confirm Shutdown:

A prompt will appear asking for confirmation. Click OK to proceed.

The device will now begin its shutdown process. Wait until the LED on the front turns off or stops blinking before unplugging it from the power source.

Method 2: Using WD My Cloud Mobile or Desktop App

If you’re using the WD My Cloud app (on desktop or mobile), some older models allow shutdown through the app interface. Navigate to Settings > Device Settings, and look for the Shutdown or Power Off option. This method varies based on firmware version and model.

Method 3: SSH Command Line (Advanced Users)

If you have SSH access enabled:

Enable SSH in the Dashboard (Settings > Network > SSH).

Use a terminal (Mac/Linux) or PuTTY (Windows) to connect:

ssh root@<YourDeviceIP>

Enter the SSH password (default is usually welc0me unless changed).

Run this command to shut down:

shutdown -h now

Warning: Improper use of SSH can damage your device. Use only if you’re comfortable with command-line interfaces.

LED Behavior During Shutdown

Solid White or Blue: Device is active

Flashing LED: Data activity or shutdown in progress

No LED: Safe to unplug (shutdown complete)

Never unplug the device while the LED is flashing.

Final Tips

Always allow a few minutes for the device to shut down completely.

Avoid frequent shutdowns—WD My Cloud is designed to stay powered on for extended periods.

Schedule regular backups and keep the firmware updated.

By following these steps, you can safely power off your WD My Cloud and protect your data from corruption or loss. Let me know your model number if you need exact instructions for a specific version!