My Cloud OS5 - Only connection type relay possible

Some WD My Cloud OS 5 users notice that their device connects through a relay connection instead of establishing a direct connection. This can be confusing, especially when the My Cloud device and computer are connected to the same home network. A relay connection does not automatically mean that the device is defective, but it may affect connection speed and remote file access.

Understanding how relay connections work and checking the network configuration can help identify the cause.

What Does Relay Connection Mean?

A relay connection routes communication through an intermediary service instead of establishing a direct connection between the client application and the storage device. This may happen when network restrictions prevent a direct connection.

Router settings, network address translation (NAT), firewall rules, VPN software, and network isolation can all affect direct connectivity. In some situations, the service may use a relay connection as the normal available method.

Check the Local Network

Start by confirming that your computer or mobile device and My Cloud device are connected to the same home network. If one device is connected to a guest Wi-Fi network, the router may prevent communication between them.

If possible, connect both devices to the primary network. Check whether your router has client isolation or access-point isolation enabled, as these features can block communication between connected devices.

Restarting the router may also resolve temporary network problems.

Review Router and Firewall Settings

Certain router configurations can prevent direct connections. Strict firewall rules, VPN connections, and network segmentation may affect how applications communicate with My Cloud OS 5.

If you use a VPN, temporarily test the connection without it, provided doing so is appropriate for your security requirements. Check whether the router has separate VLANs or guest-network restrictions.

Do not disable your firewall permanently or open random ports to force a direct connection. Make changes only when supported by the manufacturer's documentation.

Check Device Status and Firmware

Confirm that the My Cloud device is powered on, connected to the router, and accessible through the supported application. Inspect the Ethernet cable and verify that the router recognizes the device.

If the relay-only behavior started after a firmware, router, or application update, check the current release notes and support documentation for your exact model. An update may change connection behavior or introduce a compatibility issue.

Keep the application and device software updated according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Is Relay Connection Slower?

It can be. A relay connection may introduce additional network latency or limit transfer speeds because data passes through an intermediary. However, performance depends on the service, internet connection, and network conditions.

If file transfers are slow, compare performance on your local network using a manufacturer-supported local-access method. This can help distinguish a relay-related limitation from a storage or network problem.

Should You Reset the Device?

A factory reset should not be your first step. It may remove configuration settings without resolving the underlying network restriction.

Before making major changes, record your current network settings and ensure important files are backed up where possible.

Conclusion

If WD My Cloud OS 5 only allows a relay connection, investigate network isolation, router configuration, VPN settings, firewall rules, and device connectivity. A relay connection is not necessarily a fault; it may simply be the connection method available under the current network conditions.

If the device remains accessible and performs adequately, no immediate action may be required. If direct local access is unavailable or performance is poor, consult current WD documentation for your specific model and supported connection methods.