Network storage NAS Xiaomi: Everything you need to know before buying

If you’ve ever faced a shortage of hard disk space, slow downloading files from the cloud, or the need to share data for the whole family, network storage is a great way to do it. NAS (Network Attached Storage may be the perfect solution. Xiaomi, known for its innovative gadgets, offers its own models NAS-Devices that combine availability, performance and integration with the Mi Home ecosystem.

In this article, we will explain in detail what is NAS-Xiaomi storage, how it works, what tasks it solves and how it differs from traditional external hard drives or cloud services. You will learn about key models, their technical characteristics, the nuances of customization and even how to turn an old Xiaomi device into a full-fledged device. NAS-Are you ready to stop depending on the limitations of cloud storage and take full control of your data?

What is it? NAS and how it works?

abbreviation NAS It stands for Network Attached Storage, which means "networked plug-in storage," and is essentially a mini-server with hard drives that connects to your local network (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and gives you access to files on everything from smartphones to smart TVs. Unlike the outside. HDD, which you need to physically connect to a computer, NAS It works independently of the main PC and is available 24/7.

Example of work: you save movies on the NAS, And then look at them at Xiaomi. TV You don't have to copy files to a flash drive, or you automatically back up your Redmi smartphone photos directly to storage without paying for the cloud. NAS Xiaomi often comes with its own software that makes it easier to set up and manage.

• 📁 Centralized Storage: All files in one place, accessible from any device.
• 🔒 Access control: You can configure rights for different users (for example, children – only movies, and adults – all documents).
• ⚡ High speed: Transferring data over a local network is several times faster than downloading from the Internet.
• 🛡️ Security: Data is stored at home, not on third party servers.

It is important to understand that NAS — It's not just a smart hard drive, it's a full-fledged computer with a processor, RAM, and an operating system (most often Linux-based) that can do things from transcoding video to hosting a personal cloud.

Models. NAS Xiaomi: Review and Comparison

Xiaomi currently offers several network storage solutions that vary in price, performance and functionality.

Xiaomi Mi NAS — This is the first official solution released in 2020, which supports the installation of two hard drives in 3.5 format (or 2.5" with an adapter) and offers hardware encryption. Its key advantage is the easy setup via the Mi Home mobile app, making the model ideal for beginners.

For those who want to save money, there is an alternative – turn the Xiaomi router into a new one. NAS. For example, models AX3600 or AX6000 have USB-port and support external drives, but this option is only suitable for easy tasks (document storage, backups), since performance is limited by the hardware of the router.

⚠️ Note: When using a router as a router NAS Avoid using mechanical devices to connect to it. HDD without external power - they may not receive energy through USB, This will lead to reading/writing errors.

Advantages NAS Xiaomi in front of cloud services and external drives

Many users still store data in the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk) or on external hard drives. NAS Xiaomi:

• ☁️ Cloud services: ✅ Access from anywhere in the world. ❌ Limited space (usually free 5-15 GB). ❌ Risk of data leakage (servers may be hacked). ❌ Dependence on Internet speed.
• 💾 External HDD/SSD: ✅ High speed with direct connection. ❌ You need to physically connect to the device. ❌ No Shared Access for Multiple Users. ❌ Risk of data loss in case of disk failure.
• 🌐 NAS Xiaomi: ✅ Complete control of data (home storage). ✅ Access via local network (speed up to 1 Gbit / s). ✅ Remote access via VPN. ✅ Support RAID disk-proof. ✅ Mi Home Smart Home integration (e.g., automatic backup from Xiaomi cameras).

Critical moment: NAS It's not a substitute for backup, it's a complement to backup, even if you're using it. RAID 1 (mirror), this only protects against single drive failure, not fire, theft or virus attacks. NAS cloud-backed important files.

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If you keep on NAS Media library, set up automatic folder scanning in Kodi or Plex – this will allow you to watch movies with a convenient interface on any device.

How to set up NAS Xiaomi: step-by-step instructions

Let’s look at the setup process with the example of Xiaomi Mi NAS. First, make sure you have:

Install hard drives in the compartments (supported) SATA III)

Connect. NAS router via Ethernet cable (Gigabit recommended)

Download the Mi Home app on your smartphone (Android/iOS)

Prepare a screwdriver for mounting disks (comes in the kit)

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Step 1: Physical Connection

Install the drives in the slot (follow the instructions out of the box), then plug in NAS router LAN. Use the Cat cable. 5e Or higher for maximum speed. Put the device in the socket, the indicator on the front panel should light up in blue.

Step 2: Add to Mi Home

Open the Mi Home app, click on it «+» → «Add the device» → choose «NAS». Follow the hints: the app will automatically find the device on the network and prompt you to create an administrator account. Come up with a strong password, which you will need to access the web interface.

Step 3: Set up the storage

After adding to Mi Home, go to the web interface NAS, browser-in http://[IP-Address of the device (you can find it in the app:

• 🔧 Create shared folders (for example, “Photos”, “Documents”, “Video»).
• 👥 Configure users and access rights (guest access, reading/write).
• 🔄 Select a regime RAID (0 for speed, 1 for reliability).
• 🌍 Enable remote access through DDNS Mi Cloud.

Step 4: Connecting devices

To access files from a computer:

1. On Windows: Open "Conductor» → «Network» → Find your MiNAS device and connect under your account.
2. Nana macOS/Linux: use protocol SMB (type in the address bar smb://[IP-address]).
3. On your smartphone: install the File Explorer app (like Solid Explorer) and connect to the SMB WebDAV.

⚠️ Attention: If NAS not displayed on the network, check that the router settings are disabled AP Isolation (customer isolation) and Multicast enabled (for mDNS protocol to work properly).

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For maximum speed, use hard drives with an interface SATA III (6 Gbps) and set up a cable connection, not Wi-Fi.

Expanded Opportunities: What else can you do? NAS Xiaomi?

In addition to basic file storage, NAS Xiaomi supports a number of additional features that turn it into a multifunctional home server:

• 🎬 Media Server: Install Plex or Jellyfin via Docker (on Mi) NAS This is possible after unlocking and stream movies to any device, including Xiaomi. TV Apple TV.
• 📸 Automatic backup: Set up synchronization of photos from smartphones Xiaomi/Redmi via Mi Gallery or Google Photos (using WebDAV).
• 🔄 Torrent client: Built-in Transmission or qBittorrent will allow you to download files directly to the Internet NAS, loadless.
• 🔐 VPN-Server: Set up OpenVPN or WireGuard for secure remote access to your home network.
• 🤖 Smart Home Integration: Save recordings from Xiaomi cameras directly to the NAS, Not in the cloud, or use it as a storage for backups of smart device settings.

For advanced users, third-party software can be installed via Docker, for example, you can deploy:

docker run -d --name=plex -p 32400:32400 -v /volume1/plex:/config -v /volume1/media:/data plexinc/pms-docker

This command will run Plex Media Server with folder binding on NAS. Please note that this will require root access, which can be obtained through alternative firmware (e.g. OpenMediaVault).

Typical problems and their solutions

Even the most reliable equipment can fail. These are the most common problems with the system. NAS from Xiaomi and how to eliminate them:

If NAS I stopped answering at all, so try resetting it to the factory settings:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press the Reset button (usually located on the back).
3. Turn on the power by holding the button for 10-15 seconds until the indicator starts flashing orange.

⚠️ Note: Reset will delete all settings and data on the drives if they are not combined into RAID 1. Before the procedure, remove the disks and connect them to the PC to save important information.

Alternatives: how to do NAS from an old Xiaomi device

If you purchase a specialized NAS So, if you don't plan on doing this, you can build a similar storage facility from the devices you have at hand:

• 📱 Smartphone or tablet: Install the Servers Ultimate Pro app or FX File Explorer (with support) FTP/SMB). Connect. OTG-hub HDD (Recommended powered models. Cons: low performance and risk of overheating.
• 🖥️ Mini-PC or laptop: Install OpenMediaVault or TrueNAS on your old PC. Connect the drives directly to the SATA-port USB-Adapter. Plus: full customization freedom, virtualization support.
• 📡 Xiaomi router: Swipe router AX3600 or AX6000 OpenWRT. Connect. USB-Disk and set up samba or minidlna. minus: limited performance (maximum 20-30 MB/s).

For the Xiaomi router AX3600 The OpenWRT firmware process looks like this:

1. Download the firmware from openwrt.org (select Xiaomi model) AX3600).
2. Connect to the router on SSH (Login: root, password: admin password from the web interface).
3. Follow the command: mtd write openwrt.bin firmware
4. After the restart, the router will be available at 192.168.1.1.

To organize the storage, install packages:

opkg update


opkg install samba4-server luci-app-samba4

FAQ: Frequent questions about NAS Xiaomi