How to set up network storage NAS Xiaomi: The Complete Guide from Connection to Fine Customization

Xiaomi network storage (e.g. Mi models) NAS Xiaomi Mi Router Pro with a feature NAS) It's becoming more popular with users who want to build a reliable and affordable cloud at home, but many people have difficulty in the initial setup phase: confusing terms like: RAID-Circumstances, Connection Problems SMB or FTP, This article will help you understand all the nuances from unpacking the device to fine-tuning access rights and automating backups.

We will look not only at the basic steps (how to connect drives and create a shared folder), but also at advanced scenarios: setting up a new setup. DLNA for streaming media, integration with Xiaomi Home for smart home, as well as solving typical problems like “I don’t see” NAS "network" or "slow file transfer speeds." We'll focus on security, how to protect data from unauthorized access and why you can turn off anonymous access. SMB — critical step to prevent leakage.

1. Selection and preparation of equipment: which disks are suitable for NAS Xiaomi

Before you start setting up, you need to choose the right hard drives. Xiaomi devices (for example, Mi). NAS Mi Router Pro with support NAS) compatible with the majority 3.5" and 2.5" HDD/SSD, But there are important nuances:

• 🔹 Capacity: Minimum recommended volume - 2 TB (for RAID 1 will require two discs of the same size. For media library or backups, it is better to take 4 TB and higher.
• 🔹 Type of disks: Optimal use NAS-Class (e.g. Seagate IronWolf or WD Red, they're designed to work around the clock. HDD may overheat.
• 🔹 Form factor: For compact models (such as the Mi Router Pro), only 2.5" discs will work. NAS Support 3.5".
• 🔹 Speed: SSD They'll speed up access to files, but they'll cost more. HDD speed of 5400-7200 rpm.

Before installation of the discs:

1. Format them in ext4 or NTFS (via PC, if NAS Does not offer formatting when initializing).
2. Check the health of the CrystalDiskInfo utility – the Reallocated Sectors Count setting should be 0.
3. If you use RAID, Take discs from one batch (the same firmware, model).

⚠️ Note: Do not use disks from external boxes (for example, WD My Passport – Undisassembled – their electronics may conflict with NAS. Also avoid discs with SMR-technology, for example, WD Red SMR), They slow down when writing small files.

2.Initial setup: Connection and initialization NAS

After installing the disks in the compartments connect NAS router LAN-port (preferably gigabit) and power up. The next steps depend on the model:

• 🔌 Mi NAS: Go to the web interface at the address http://miwifi.com (or IP-address of the device, for example, 192.168.31.1).
• 📡 Mi Router Pro with the NAS: Open up. http://192.168.31.1, Go to the Settings section → USB/NAS.

At the first start, the system will offer:

1. Create an administrator account (remember the login / password!).
2. Select Disk Mode: Single Disk – One Disk without Redundancy. RAID 0 - High speed, but no fault tolerance. RAID 1 - mirroring (data duplicated on both disks). JBOD — merging disks into one logical volume.

Format the disks (all data will be deleted!).

For most users, it is optimal. RAID 1 — it protects against data loss when one disk fails. If you want maximum capacity without redundancy, choose JBOD.

⚠️ Attention: If you choose RAID 0 and one of the drives will fail, all data will be lost without recovery.This mode is only suitable for temporary files or high-speed tasks (for example, editing video).

3. Network access setting: SMB, FTP and DLNA

Once initialized, you need to configure the protocols to access the files.

To set up:

1. Go to the web interface. NAS, Section Network Services or Shared Access.
2. Turn it on. SMB Create a folder: The name of the folder: Media Way: /volume1/Media Administrator Reading/Write-only for Guests
3. For FTP activate the service and specify port 21. FTPS (FTP through SSL) cryptographic.
4. For DLNA Turn on the media server and specify folders with movies / music.

To connect to NAS Windows:

1. Open the Conductor. → Network.
2. In the address bar, enter \\IP_yours_NAS\Media (for example, \\192.168.31.100\Media).
3. Enter the administrator login/password.

💡

If NAS not displayed on a Windows network, check the network detection settings in the Control Panel → Network parameters → Sharing options. Also make sure that NAS protocol included SMBv2/v3 (customized SMB).

4. Performance optimization: caching, indexing and speed

If NAS It works slowly (long download files, brakes when copying), check the following parameters:

• 🔧 Connection Type: Use Gigabit router and Cat cable 5e Wi-Fi for the better. NAS Not suitable - the speed will be 5-10 times lower.
• 🔧 RAID-controller: In settings NAS Turn on Write Cache (write caching) to speed up operations.
• 🔧 Indexing: Disable automatic indexing for folders with rarely used files (e.g. archives).
• 🔧 Antivirus: Eliminate folders NAS from scanning to PC – it will speed up copying.

To check the speed, use the CrystalDiskMark utility on the connected network drive.

• 📊 HDD into RAID 1: 80–110 MB/s (read/write).
• 📊 SSD into RAID 0: 200-300MB/s.

If the speed is lower, try:

1. Disable Jumbo Frames in Network Settings NAS (Sometimes it helps with packets).
2. Change the cable or port on the router.
3. Turn on SMB Multichannel (if yours is yours) NAS PCs support multiple network connections).

5.Security: Protection against hacking and data leakage

NAS In the home network, it is often the target of attacks (especially if the Internet is open:

• 🚨 Brutforce passwords - selection of login / password according to the dictionary.
• 🚨 Vulnerabilities SMB — exploits like EternalBlue (used by encryption viruses).
• 🚨 Anonymous Access – If guest login is enabled, anyone on your network can read files.

Minimum safety measures:

1. Turn off anonymous access in settings SMB/FTP.
2. Change the standard port FTP (21) to non-standard (e.g. 2121).
3. Enable lockdown on IP After 5 failed attempts to enter.
4. Update the firmware NAS Up to the latest version (in the System menu) → Update).

For advanced protection:

• 🔐 Set up. VPN (WireGuard for remote access instead of opening ports.
• 🔐 Use two-factor authentication (if supported by your model) NAS).
• 🔐 Create a separate user with limited rights for everyday access (do not use an admin account).

💡

Never open access to the NAS offline VPN — Even if you change the standard ports, bots scan the networks for vulnerable devices, and you'd better use TailScale or ZeroTier for secure remote connectivity.

6. Automation of backup and integration with Xiaomi Home

One of the key challenges NAS — Automatic backup. Xiaomi NAS There are built-in backup tools:

• 🔄 Local Copying: Set up a Task in Utilities → Backup for copying folders from PC to NAS scheduled.
• ☁️ Cloud Backup: Connect Google Drive or Dropbox in the Cloud.
• 📱 Phone Backup: Use the Mi Home app to automatically upload photos from Xiaomi smartphones.

For integration with Xiaomi Home:

1. Make sure that NAS And the phone is connected to the same network.
2. In the Mi Home app, add the device NAS via Add device → Other devices.
3. Set up automatic upload of photos / videos from Xiaomi cameras to the folder on the NAS.

Example of setting up a backup task (via web interface):

Source: \\192.168.31.100\Documents (PC)


Purpose: /volume1/Backup/PC_Documents (NAS)




Schedule: Daily at 2:00




Type: Incremental (only copy modified files)

0 3 * mysqldump -u user -p database data password | gzip > /volume1/Backup/db_ $ +\ (date +\%Y-\%m-\%d).sql.gz

This script will create a database archive every day at 3:00.-->

7. Troubleshooting: NAS not visible on the network, slow operation, disk errors

Let’s look at the typical problems and their solutions:

If NAS stopped:

1. Try to connect to the SSH (if enabled) and restart the device with the command: reboot
2. If it doesn’t work, press the Reset button on the back (hold 10 seconds to reset settings).
3. To recover data from damaged RAID Use the ReclaiMe utility or UFS Explorer.

⚠️ Attention: If NAS It makes unusual sounds (squeaking, knocking) -- turn it off immediately! It's a sign of physical malfunction of the discs.

FAQ: Frequent questions about setting up NAS Xiaomi