How to set up a VPN on Synology NAS

June 2, 2026 ByNancy WilliamNo Comments 6 minutes

What is Synology NAS, and what’s its functionality with a VPN? In short, a VPN protects your NAS by encrypting file transfers, hiding your physical IP address, and securing remote access. In this guide, I’ll provide a brief explanation of Synology NAS, why a VPN is needed with it, and how to set up a VPN on Synology NAS. But first, here are some requirements to get started.

Requirements – Before You Get Started

• Synology NAS running DSM (DiskStation Manager). 
• An active FastestVPN subscription. We offer OpenVPN config files. 
• A computer on the same network as your NAS. 

What Is a Synology NAS?

A Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) can be defined as an essentially dedicated, always-on computer. Its core purpose is for storing and managing files over a network. 

Unlike plugging an external hard drive directly into your laptop, a NAS sits on your home or office network, allowing multiple devices, including Windows PCs, Macs, phones, and tablets, to access the same centralized data simultaneously.

Synology is a Taiwanese company that builds both the hardware (enclosures with hard drive bays) and the OS (called DSM, or DiskStation Manager). You could call it your personal private cloud.

DSM offers an easy-to-use interface that transforms the NAS into a multi-functional device. Beyond simple file storage, a Synology NAS can run applications like:

• Automatic backup tools for photos and documents.
• Surveillance systems for security cameras.
• Media servers to stream movies to your TV.
• Collaboration software that is similar to Google Docs.

Because the NAS is connected to your router 24/7, it can be accessed from anywhere in the world via the internet. However, despite it being a convenience, it does come with some security risks, and that’s where a VPN comes in handy. Before you understand why you need a VPN with Synology NAS, let’s first dive into the tutorial.

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Synology NAS

Here’s how to get started: 

Step 1 – Gather VPN Credentials

Most VPN providers require special “service credentials” for manual OpenVPN connections, which are not the same as your regular account password. Log in to your VPN provider’s website, navigate to the manual setup section, and generate or copy your OpenVPN username and password.

Step 2 – Download the OpenVPN Configuration File

Head to the VPN provider’s dashboard and download the .ovpn file for your preferred server location. Select UDP protocol when possible since it’s faster and more stable. Now, save this file to your PC.

Step 3 – Configure VPN on Synology NAS

• Sign in to your Synology’s web interface.
• Open “Control Panel.” If you have the newer DSM version, then click on “Settings.”
• Go to “Network” > “Network Interface.”
• Click “Create” > Create VPN profile.
• Select “OpenVPN” > “Next.”
• Fill in:
  • Profile name: any name, eg., “My VPN.”
  • Username: your VPN service username.
  • Password: your VPN service password.
• Click “Import file” and select the .ovpn file you downloaded.
• Click “Next” then “Apply.”

Step 4 – Connect to the VPN

• Go back to the Network Interface, select your new VPN profile.
• Click “Connect.” The status should change to “Connected.”

Lastly – Verify It

Connect your PC to the same network and go to an IP-checking website. The IP address shown should match your VPN server’s location, not your home IP.

Why Do You Need to Set Up a VPN on Synology NAS?

Setting a VPN up on your Synology NAS is required to solve several critical vulnerabilities that crop up when the device communicates over the open internet. Here are a few reasons why you need a VPN on a Synology NAS: 

Encryption for File Transfers

When your NAS sends data to cloud backups, syncs with remote servers, or downloads software updates, those transmissions travel through your local network and your ISP. 

If you go in without a VPN, a hacker on the same network could potentially see what files you’re moving. A VPN adds a layer of encryption over all the files, making the data unreadable to prying eyes.

Hides Your Home IP Address

Every internet-connected device has an IP address that reveals its exact location and can be linked back to your ISP account. If your NAS connects directly to online services, those services can log your home IP. 

However, if you set up a VPN on Synology NAS, it helps mask your real IP. It routes the NAS’s traffic through a remote server. This makes it harder for advertisers, trackers, or malicious actors to map your digital activities back to your physical location.

Secure Remote Access

Many people enable remote access to their NAS to get access to their files while traveling. The typical method involves opening ports on your home router. This creates a way for attackers to scan and exploit. 

This is where a VPN comes in handy. Instead of exposing your NAS directly to the internet, you connect to a VPN server first, and then access your NAS securely through the encrypted tunnel. 

This adds a secure authentication layer before anyone can even attempt to reach your device.

Prevents ISP Throttling

Most internet providers often monitor traffic patterns and slow down certain types of connections. This includes large file uploads or media streaming. 

However, when you encrypt your NAS’s traffic with a VPN, your ISP sees only a stream of encrypted data tied to a single server location. They won’t be able to see what that data contains or where it’s going. 

This preserves your privacy and can prevent targeted speed and bandwidth throttling.

Protects DNS Requests

Every time your NAS needs to reach an online service, it sends a DNS query to translate website names into IP addresses. 

Those queries often travel unencrypted, revealing exactly which services your NAS is contacting. A reliable VPN routes these DNS lookups through the encrypted tunnel, preventing leaks of your NAS’s online trails.

Troubleshooting Tips

Just in case these steps haven’t worked for you, here are some common issues and their troubleshooting tips: 

• If you can’t connect – Ensure your router allows outbound UDP port 1194, which is the standard OpenVPN port.
• Experiencing slow speeds – Select a VPN server geographically closer to you; FastestVPN has wide coverage for you to connect with. However, older NAS models may encrypt slower, which is considered normal.
• If your connection drops – For this, you need to attempt lowering the MTU value. For instance, from 1500 to 1400 in the VPN profile’s advanced settings.

FAQs – How to Set Up a VPN on Synology NAS

To Conclude

Coming towards the end of this guide, you now know how to set up a VPN on Synology NAS. In short, installing a VPN on your Synology NAS transforms it from a potentially exposed device into a secured, private storage hub. 

The setup process might seem a bit tricky, but it just takes a few minutes. Regardless, its security benefits are high. With it, you get encrypted backups, a hidden IP, and safe remote access, all of which operate continuously in the background.