Struggling to access your music folder on a NAS (Network Attached Storage)? Whether it’s a forgotten password, unclear user permissions, or default credentials you’ve misplaced, there are several reliable methods to regain access quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk through the exact steps you can take to find or reset the password required to access a shared music folder on your NAS—covering default login info, admin tools, SMB access, and device-specific recovery options for systems like Synology or QNAP.


Locating Default NAS Credentials

When setting up a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device for the first time, or when trying to access shared folders such as a music directory, you may encounter login prompts requiring a username and password. These credentials are often set to default values by the manufacturer. Knowing how to locate these default credentials is essential for accessing or managing folders like a music-sharing directory on your NAS.

Check the NAS Documentation

The most reliable source for default credentials is the official documentation that comes with your NAS device. Most manufacturers, including Synology, QNAP, Western Digital, and others, provide quick start guides or user manuals that list the factory-set usernames and passwords. These are typically:

  • Username: admin
  • Password: admin / (blank)

However, this can vary based on the model and firmware version, so it's critical to refer to your specific NAS model’s documentation.

Manufacturer Websites and Support Portals

If the documentation isn't available, the manufacturer's website is the next best place to look. Most NAS vendors maintain a knowledge base or support portal with frequently asked questions (FAQs), including default login information. For example:

You can search for terms like “default username and password” along with your NAS model number to get precise results.

Device Label or Packaging

Some NAS devices have their default login details printed on a label affixed to the chassis or included in the original packaging. This may also include the device’s IP address, MAC address, and default network name. Before resetting or reconfiguring the device, check these physical sources.

Admin Interface First-Time Setup Prompts

If your NAS has never been configured before, it might prompt you to create an administrator password on first login via the web interface. During this process, you may also be asked to set access permissions for default folders like “music,” “video,” or “photo” folders, depending on the NAS brand.

For Synology NAS, the DSM (DiskStation Manager) setup wizard typically walks users through creating a new admin account, which replaces the default credentials immediately after the initial configuration.

Resetting to Factory Defaults

If you’re unsure of the current password and default credentials are not working, performing a factory reset may be necessary. This process will restore the NAS to its original settings, including:

  • Deleting current user accounts and passwords
  • Re-enabling default admin credentials
  • Preserving or formatting data depending on the type of reset (soft vs. hard reset)

Be cautious—some resets may result in data loss. Always refer to your model-specific guidelines before initiating a reset.

Community Forums and User Guides

Online user communities and forums are also valuable resources. Users often share model-specific details about accessing shared folders, including music directories, especially when encountering issues with permissions or forgotten credentials. Some popular platforms include:

  • Reddit’s r/synology or r/HomeNetworking
  • Synology Community Forums
  • QNAP Community Forums

Search for threads involving default logins or troubleshooting access to shared folders to find relevant information or post your own questions.

Using Network Scanning Tools

If you're unsure about the NAS's IP address or want to identify open services and login portals, you can use network scanning tools like:

  • Advanced IP Scanner
  • Fing (mobile app)
  • Angry IP Scanner

These tools help identify devices on the network and may reveal login portals and accessible shared folders, including music directories, which can guide you to the appropriate access point to enter default or existing credentials.

Security Note

Once you've accessed your NAS using default credentials, it is strongly recommended to change the password immediately to prevent unauthorized access. Leaving default credentials active is a major security risk, especially in environments with multiple users or remote access enabled. Be sure to update folder permissions accordingly, especially for sensitive or personal directories like music libraries.

Accessing NAS Administration Interface

To manage music folders or change password settings for shared folders on your Synology NAS, you must first access its administration interface. This interface allows you to configure users, permissions, shared folders, and system settings. Below are the necessary steps and details to successfully access and navigate the administration dashboard.

Connecting to the NAS via Web Interface

Most Synology NAS devices are managed through a web-based interface called DiskStation Manager (DSM). To access it:

  1. Ensure your NAS is powered on and connected to the same local network as your computer.
  2. Open a web browser and enter your NAS IP address or use the Synology-assigned QuickConnect ID in the address bar. For example:
    • http://192.168.1.100:5000
    • https://QuickConnect.to/YourID
  3. You will be directed to the DSM login screen. Enter your administrator username and password to log in.

If you're unsure of the IP address, you can use Synology Assistant (a desktop utility provided by Synology) to detect the NAS on your network.

Default Login Credentials

When accessing the administration interface for the first time or after a reset, the default credentials are typically:

  • Username: admin
  • Password: (blank or admin depending on the model and firmware version)

For security reasons, you’ll be prompted to change the default password during the initial setup. If the password has been forgotten, you may need to reset the NAS (using the physical reset button) to regain access.

Once logged into DSM:

  1. Go to Control Panel > Shared Folder.
  2. Here, you'll see a list of all shared folders including any created for music (e.g., Music, Media, or custom names).
  3. Click on a folder, then click Edit to modify access permissions, encryption settings, and folder visibility.

Locating or Resetting Folder Passwords

If you're trying to find the password for a specific shared folder (such as a music folder shared over SMB), remember:

  • Shared folders themselves do not have individual passwords. Access is controlled via user account permissions.
  • To grant or modify access:
    1. Navigate to Control Panel > User.
    2. Select the user account and click Edit.
    3. Under the Permissions tab, assign read/write or read-only access to the relevant music folder.

If a user forgets their password, you can reset it from the same location:

  • Go to Control Panel > User > select the user > Edit > Password tab.

Accessing via Mobile Apps

Synology also provides mobile apps such as DS Audio and DS File, which require login credentials to access shared folders. These apps use the same user accounts and permissions set up in DSM. Ensure that the user has the proper rights to access the music folder via the app.

Notes on SMB and Windows Access

When accessing a NAS music folder from a Windows PC using SMB (e.g., via \\NAS_IP\Music), a login prompt will appear. Use your NAS username and password to authenticate. If access is denied:

  • Ensure the user account exists and has permission to the folder.
  • Check that the SMB service is enabled via Control Panel > File Services > SMB/AFP/NFS tab.

By properly configuring access through the administration interface, you can securely manage user permissions, folder access, and password settings for all shared content, including music libraries.

Music Folder Password Recovery Methods

When a user forgets the password for accessing a music sharing folder on a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system, particularly on devices like Synology NAS, there are several ways to recover or regain access. These methods range from simple user account management to more advanced administrative tools. Below are the most effective and commonly used recovery methods.

1. Use the NAS Administrator Account

If the music folder is protected by user-level permissions and you’ve lost access, the simplest solution is to log into the NAS using the administrator (admin) account. The admin account typically has full access to all shared folders and settings.

Steps:

  • Open the NAS user interface in your browser (e.g., http://your-nas-ip:5000)
  • Log in with the administrator credentials
  • Navigate to Control Panel > Shared Folder
  • Select the music folder and click Edit
  • Go to the Permissions tab to review and modify access settings
  • You can either reset the user’s password or grant another user access to the folder

2. Reset User Password via Synology DSM

If a specific user account has forgotten its password, it can be reset via the DSM (DiskStation Manager) interface.

Steps:

  • Log in with an account that has administrative privileges
  • Go to Control Panel > User
  • Select the user from the list
  • Click Edit > Info, then set a new password
  • Inform the user of the updated credentials

This method is effective if the music folder is secured via user permissions and not encrypted.

3. Check Saved Passwords in Operating System or Browser

If you previously accessed the music sharing folder via SMB or FTP, your operating system or browser might have stored the login credentials.

On Windows:

  • Open Credential Manager (Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager)
  • Look under Windows Credentials or Generic Credentials
  • Search for entries matching your NAS IP or hostname
  • View and edit saved credentials if available

On macOS:

  • Open Keychain Access
  • Search for the NAS hostname or IP
  • Double-click the entry and select “Show password” (requires admin password)

4. Use “Forgot Password” Feature (If Available)

Some NAS systems and third-party music sharing platforms integrated with NAS (e.g., Audio Station, Plex) offer a built-in password recovery or reset option.

  • Navigate to the login page of the specific service
  • Click on the Forgot password or Reset password link
  • Follow the prompts to reset the password via email or security questions

Note: This method is only applicable if the feature was configured during account setup.

5. Restore Access via Terminal or SSH (Advanced)

If GUI access is not possible or the system is locked down, advanced users can use terminal or SSH access to manage users and permissions.

Steps:

  • SSH into the NAS using an admin account (ssh admin@your-nas-ip)
  • Use DSM commands or Linux user management tools (synouser, passwd, etc.) to modify or reset the user’s password
  • For example: 
    sudo synouser --setpw username newpassword

Warning: Improper use of terminal commands can affect system stability. Use this method only if you are comfortable with command-line interfaces.

6. Reset NAS Settings (Last Resort)

If all recovery attempts fail and there’s no way to access the music folder due to password loss, performing a soft reset on the NAS can restore access without deleting data.

Synology NAS Soft Reset:

  • Locate the reset button on the NAS device
  • Press and hold the reset button for about 4 seconds until you hear a beep
  • This will reset the admin password and network settings, but not affect shared data

After the reset:

  • Log in using the default admin account (no password or a default one)
  • Reconfigure users and permissions as needed

Note: Always refer to the manufacturer’s documentation before performing a reset to avoid unintended data loss.

7. Consult System Logs for Access Clues

NAS systems maintain detailed logs of access attempts, which can help identify which accounts or IP addresses have accessed the music folder recently.

  • Go to Control Panel > Log Center
  • Filter by access logs or file service activity
  • Use this data to trace back the user account or method used to access the folder

This can help in narrowing down which credentials might have been used or whether an unauthorized change was made.

8. Contact Synology Support

If none of the above methods succeed, it may be necessary to contact Synology’s technical support team. Be prepared to verify your ownership of the device and provide system logs or screenshots.

This is especially useful for enterprise-grade NAS setups or if system corruption is suspected.

These methods should help you recover or reset access to your music sharing folders securely and efficiently.

Troubleshooting Access Issues

Access issues with your NAS music folder can stem from several common causes, including incorrect credentials, permission misconfigurations, and network-related problems. This section outlines practical steps to identify and resolve these issues efficiently.

Verifying Network Connectivity

Before diving into more complex solutions, ensure your device is properly connected to the same network as your NAS. Try pinging the NAS IP address from your computer:

ping 192.168.1.100

If the NAS does not respond, you may need to restart your router or check network cables.

Checking User Permissions

If you're unable to access the music folder, the issue may be tied to user permissions. On your Synology NAS:

  1. Log into DSM (DiskStation Manager).
  2. Go to Control Panel > Shared Folder.
  3. Select the music folder in question and click Edit.
  4. Navigate to the Permissions tab.
  5. Ensure the user or group has at least “Read” access.

Revise or add permissions as needed, then click Apply.

Resetting or Retrieving Folder Password

If the music folder is protected with a password and you’ve forgotten it, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to DSM with an admin account.
  2. Navigate to Control Panel > Shared Folder.
  3. Locate the protected music folder and click Edit.
  4. Under the Encryption tab, check if a password is set.
  5. If you've lost the encryption password used during folder creation, unfortunately, Synology does not allow recovery of encrypted data without it. You will need to restore from a backup if available.

For non-encrypted folders requiring user authentication, you can reset the user password:

  • Go to Control Panel > User.
  • Select the user account and choose Edit > Password.
  • Set a new password and notify the user accordingly.

Resolving SMB Authentication Errors

If you’re accessing the folder via SMB (e.g., through Windows File Explorer), incorrect credentials or SMB version mismatches can cause issues.

  1. Confirm that the user credentials used match those set on the NAS.
  2. Make sure the SMB service is enabled:
    • Go to Control Panel > File Services > SMB/AFP/NFS tab.
    • Under the SMB section, ensure the service is enabled.
  3. Check the minimum and maximum SMB protocol settings. For compatibility, SMB2 is typically recommended.

Fixing Access Denied Errors

If users see “Access Denied” when trying to open the music folder:

  • Clear stored credentials in your operating system. In Windows:
    • Open Credential Manager > Windows Credentials.
    • Remove any stored entries associated with your NAS.
  • Try reconnecting to the shared folder using updated credentials.

Dealing with File Indexing and Scanning Problems

Some users may find that music files are not appearing in audio applications connected to the NAS (e.g., Audio Station).

  • Open Control Panel > Indexing Service.
  • Make sure that the music folder is added to the indexed folders list.
  • If it’s already listed, try re-indexing by removing and re-adding the folder.
  • Also, check if the Media Server package is properly installed and running.

Using Log Files for Diagnosis

For persistent issues, the system logs can provide detailed insights:

  • Go to Control Panel > Log Center.
  • Review recent entries under System Logs and File Transfer Logs to identify failed access attempts or configuration errors.

These logs can help pinpoint whether the issue is user-related, network-based, or due to internal system errors.

Contacting Synology Support

If all else fails, you can contact Synology support through your DSM interface:

  • Open Support Center.
  • Submit a support ticket with relevant details, including error messages, user actions, and screenshots if possible.

Providing clear documentation of the issue will help expedite the resolution process.

Security Best Practices

Securing your Synology NAS is essential when adding or managing music folders, especially when these folders are shared across local networks or accessed remotely. Below are best practices to help ensure your data, users, and system remain protected.

Enable User Authentication and Permissions

Before sharing any music folder on your NAS, ensure that each user is authenticated and has the correct access permissions. Avoid using the default "admin" account for daily operations. Instead, create individual user accounts with appropriate privilege levels. Use the following practices:

  • Assign read-only permissions to users who do not need to modify files.
  • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for user accounts.
  • Regularly review user access rights and remove unused accounts.

Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Regularly

Passwords are the first line of defense for your NAS. For shared music folders over SMB or other protocols, use complex and unique passwords. Avoid using default credentials, and follow these guidelines:

  • Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
  • Change passwords periodically, especially after removing or adding new users.
  • Don't share passwords via unsecured channels—use encrypted messaging or password managers.

To change a password for a shared folder or user account on Synology NAS:

  1. Log in to DSM (DiskStation Manager).
  2. Navigate to “Control Panel” > “User”.
  3. Select the user and click “Edit”.
  4. Under the “Info” tab, update the password.

Restrict Access to Shared Folders

Limit folder visibility to only necessary users. When creating a music folder:

  • Go to “Control Panel” > “Shared Folder”.
  • Click “Create” and set the folder’s name and volume.
  • In the Permission tab, assign user access rights (Read/Write, Read-Only, or No Access).
  • For extra security, enable encryption on the folder.

You can also hide shared folders from users who do not have access by disabling “Enable Recycle Bin” and selecting “Hide this shared folder in ‘My Network Places’”.

Enable Firewall and Network Protection

Protect your NAS against unauthorized access by configuring the built-in firewall and enabling network protection features:

  • Use the built-in Synology firewall to define rules for IP addresses and ports.
  • Enable “Auto Block” to block IPs after multiple failed login attempts. Go to “Control Panel” > “Security” > “Account”.
  • Use HTTPS connections instead of HTTP to encrypt data in transit.
  • Disable services you don’t use (e.g., Telnet, FTP) to reduce vulnerabilities.

Run Antivirus and Security Advisor

Install and schedule antivirus scans using Synology’s Antivirus Essential or third-party tools available in the Package Center. Additionally, use Synology’s Security Advisor:

  • Launch Security Advisor from the main menu.
  • Select the scan mode (Basic, Advanced, or Custom).
  • Review the report and apply recommended actions to fix vulnerabilities.

Keep DSM and Packages Updated

Always run the latest version of DiskStation Manager (DSM) and any installed packages. Regular updates patch known security flaws:

  • Go to “Control Panel” > “Update & Restore”.
  • Enable “Automatically install important updates”.
  • Check for updates manually on a regular basis to ensure all components are current.

Configure Secure Remote Access

If you need to access your music folders remotely:

  • Use Synology QuickConnect or set up a secure VPN.
  • Avoid exposing default ports (5000, 5001) to the internet.
  • Use firewall rules to allow access only from trusted IP ranges.

Monitor Logs and System Activity

Regular monitoring can help detect suspicious activity early:

  • Go to “Log Center” to view login attempts, shared folder access, and system events.
  • Set up email or SMS notifications for critical events.
  • Enable Resource Monitor to track CPU, memory, and network usage.

By following these best practices, administrators can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data loss, ensuring that music folders stored on Synology NAS devices remain secure and accessible only to intended users.

Finding the password for a music-sharing folder on your NAS may require checking default credentials, modifying user permissions, or—if all else fails—performing a factory-level soft reset. By following these steps and securing your access properly, you ensure smooth and safe streaming and sharing of your music files across devices. Don’t forget: always update passwords after recovery and limit folder access to trusted users only to keep your NAS secure.