Podcast Summary: Hands-On Tech 209: iPhone Backups to Synology NAS

Release Date: March 30, 2025
Host: Micah Sargent
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio) by TWiT

Introduction

In Hands-On Tech Episode 209, Micah Sargent delves into the intricacies of backing up Apple devices, specifically iPhones and iPads, to a Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) system. Addressing real-world questions from listeners, Micah provides actionable solutions and insightful recommendations to streamline the backup process and manage shared photo libraries effectively.

First Question: Setting Up Synology NAS for iPhone and iPad Backups

Listener's Question:
Juan, a Synology DS 1522 NAS owner, inquires about setting up his NAS to automatically create backups of his iPhone and iPad when connected.

Micah's Response:

1. Understanding Device Limitations ([02:30]):
   Micah begins by highlighting a fundamental difference between Android devices and Apple’s iOS ecosystem. Unlike many Android devices that allow a NAS to recognize them as external storage (e.g., hard drives or flash drives), iPhones do not support this functionality. This means that simply plugging an iPhone into the NAS won’t enable automatic backups.

   "The iPhone requires either a Mac or a PC. You can't just plug it in and have that backed up." – Micah Sargent [02:45]

2. Using Synology Drive Mobile App ([04:10]):
   As a first solution, Micah recommends the Synology Drive mobile app. This app permits users to grant access to specific files and photos on their devices, facilitating the backup of content directly to the Synology NAS.

   "The Synology Drive mobile app is the best way to back up your content on your phone to your Synology NAS." – Micah Sargent [04:25]

3. Introducing iMazing for Enhanced Backups ([06:15]):
   For those seeking a more streamlined and automated backup process, Micah advocates for the iMazing application. This third-party tool allows users to designate their NAS as the storage location for iPhone and iPad backups. Notably, iMazing supports wireless syncing, enabling daily backups over the local Wi-Fi network without the need to physically connect the device each time.

   "I really recommend iMazing for the simplicity. It means that you don't need to be plugged in to do that syncing after the first time." – Micah Sargent [07:00]

4. Alternative via macOS Terminal and Symbolic Linking ([08:40]):
   For more technically inclined users, Micah explains an alternative method involving macOS terminal commands and symbolic links. This approach redirects the default backup directory to a location on the NAS. However, he cautions that this method can lead to complications due to networking issues and is less user-friendly compared to using iMazing.

   "You can look up 'change iPhone backup location' and you'll find plenty of walkthroughs on how to go about that." – Micah Sargent [09:10]

Recommendation:
Micah strongly favors using iMazing for its user-friendly interface and reliable automation features, making it the optimal choice for most users looking to back up their Apple devices to a Synology NAS.

Second Question: Creating a Shared Photo Library Between iDevices

Listener's Question:
Juan follows up by asking how to set up a shared photo library that updates when multiple iDevices (iPhone, iPad) are connected, ensuring that photos are backed up both on the NAS and in iCloud.

Micah's Response:

1. Apple’s Shared Photo Library Feature ([11:50]):
   Micah introduces Apple's native Shared Photo Library feature as the primary solution. This built-in functionality allows multiple Apple devices to access and contribute to a single, unified photo library seamlessly.

   "I recommend using Apple's feature that is literally called that. It's the most integrated way to go about doing this for what you want." – Micah Sargent [12:05]

   He emphasizes the ease of use, stating that the shared library integrates directly with the Camera app, ensuring that photos are automatically organized and accessible across all linked devices.

2. Synology’s Shared Space Feature ([14:20]):
   Alternatively, for those who prefer managing their shared libraries through Synology, Micah explains the Shared Space feature available on the NAS. This allows users to create shared photo albums that can be accessed and managed by invited parties.

   "Synology has a feature called a shared space, which gives you and others access to those photos and albums." – Micah Sargent [14:35]

   While this method offers more control from the NAS side, Micah notes that it might be less intuitive for users not deeply familiar with Synology’s ecosystem.

Recommendation:
Micah recommends leveraging Apple’s Shared Photo Library for its simplicity and seamless integration unless the user prefers or requires the additional control provided by Synology’s Shared Space feature.

Final Recommendations and Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Micah underscores the importance of choosing the right tools based on user familiarity and technical comfort levels:

• For Backups:

  • Preferred: iMazing for its ease of use and automation capabilities.
  • Alternative: Synology Drive mobile app or macOS symbolic linking for those comfortable with more technical setups.

• For Shared Photo Libraries:

  • Preferred: Apple’s Shared Photo Library for seamless integration across Apple devices.
  • Alternative: Synology’s Shared Space for users seeking NAS-managed sharing.

Micah also mentions that detailed instructions and support links are available in the show notes, providing listeners with resources to implement the discussed solutions effectively.

Notable Quotes

• "I really recommend iMazing for the simplicity. It means that you don't need to be plugged in to do that syncing after the first time." – Micah Sargent [07:00]
• "I recommend using Apple's feature that is literally called that. It's the most integrated way to go about doing this for what you want." – Micah Sargent [12:05]

Additional Resources

• Show Notes:
  Links to Synology support guides, iMazing download page, and Apple’s Shared Photo Library documentation.

• Contact:
  Listeners are encouraged to submit their questions via email to hottwit@twit.tv for future episodes.

This episode of Hands-On Tech provides valuable insights for Apple device users looking to optimize their backup strategies and manage shared photo libraries efficiently using Synology NAS systems. Micah Sargent’s expertise ensures that listeners are well-equipped to implement these solutions with confidence.