Mac Finder Cannot Connect to Home Cloud – What to Do?

When your Mac Finder fails to connect to your Home Cloud storage (such as WD My Cloud, Synology NAS, or other home servers), it can be frustrating, especially if you're used to seamless access to your personal files. This issue can arise due to a number of reasons, including network configuration issues, outdated firmware, macOS changes, or permissions problems. Here’s a breakdown of potential causes and solutions.

1. Check Your Network Connection

The most common reason Finder can’t connect is because the Mac and Home Cloud device aren't on the same local network. Double-check that both devices are:

Connected to the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network

Receiving valid IP addresses

Not behind different routers or VPNs

You can test this by pinging your Home Cloud device from the Mac:

Open Terminal

If there’s no response, the device is unreachable.

2. Access via IP Address or Hostname

Sometimes Finder fails to detect network devices via Bonjour or SMB browsing. Try connecting manually:

Open Finder

Press Cmd + K (Go > Connect to Server)

Enter one of the following:

If successful, you should be prompted to enter your credentials and gain access.

3. Update Firmware and Software

Outdated firmware on the Home Cloud device can cause incompatibility with newer macOS versions. Similarly, macOS updates (like changes in SMB protocols) may affect connectivity.

Update your Home Cloud/NAS firmware from the device’s admin panel.

Check your macOS is up to date via System Settings > General > Software Update.

4. Enable SMB/AFP Protocols

macOS has phased out AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) in favor of SMB (Server Message Block). Ensure SMB is enabled on your Home Cloud:

Go to your NAS/Cloud device's admin interface

Enable SMB v2 or v3

If possible, disable AFP to prevent confusion

You can also check the supported protocol on macOS using Terminal:

5. Check Credentials and Permissions

If you get a connection error after entering login credentials, make sure:

Your user account on the NAS has access to the shared folders

Passwords are correct

No access restrictions are set by IP or MAC address

6. Reset and Reboot Devices

Sometimes a simple restart fixes networking bugs:

Reboot your Mac

Power cycle your router and Home Cloud device

This can clear IP conflicts or stuck network processes.

7. Try Another Mac or Device

To isolate the issue, try connecting to your Home Cloud from:

Another Mac

A Windows PC

A smartphone (via the Home Cloud's app or web interface)

If other devices connect fine, the issue is specific to your Mac.

Conclusion

When Mac Finder cannot connect to your Home Cloud, it’s typically a network, protocol, or configuration issue. Systematically checking each part—network connection, protocol compatibility, credentials, and software versions—can usually resolve the problem. If all else fails, consult the support documentation for your specific Home Cloud model or reach out to their customer support.