iPhone: NAS access - the 3 best apps

Accessing the data stored at home with the iPhone from anywhere works very easily with the help of NAS (Network Attached Storage) servers. Whether you want to stream your saved music on the go, search archived photos from your penultimate family vacation, or save important email attachments immediately after reading them. With NAS servers this is no longer a problem.

Access your NAS server with your iPhone

To access your private home storage with your iPhone, you need the right app. There are a variety of offers that differ in their subtleties. For example, do they grant access to all common operating systems? Can data also be downloaded to the device in case there is no internet available? What file formats are supported? Can files be viewed directly online or do they have to be downloaded beforehand?

1. FileBrowser - more than just a file manager for your NAS access

The extensive file manager "FileBrowser" runs on both the iPhone and the iPad and not least impresses with its flexibility.

• Whether Windows PC, Mac or NAS server, FileBrowser accesses all devices in your home network without any problems. You do not need in-depth network knowledge to access documents on your NAS server.
• The app has an integrated reader and player and displays all common file formats. Stream music and movies, view your photos, or even import images directly into your iPhone photo album.

2. FileExplorer Free - the free alternative

The “FileExplorer Free” app is also a file manager with special functions.

• Data access via iPhone can either take place directly on the computer, but also via cloud services such as Dropbox or OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive).
• The app has both a powerful reader and a player to play content directly without having to download it beforehand. The folders are displayed in a clear list view and content can be easily found using a practical search function.
• Protect sensitive data with the help of an individually definable password that is requested each time the app is restarted.

3. MyFritz App - turn your Fritz! Box into a NAS server

If you do not yet have a NAS system from manufacturers such as QSnap, Synology, Buffalo, or Western Digital, but operate your home network with a Fritz! Box, "MyFritz App" could be an inexpensive solution for you.

• On certain models, you can use your Fritz! Box with the free iOS app and conveniently access your Fritz! Box from anywhere. This includes information such as "last calls" or "answering machine", but also "Fritz! NAS".
• "Fritz! NAS" is the option of connecting USB storage media such as hard drives or sticks directly to your Fritz! Box and accessing them via the app. Files from the Fritz! NAS can be stored in the clipboard using the app.
• Open music and videos a little less comfortably with the help of external apps. Unfortunately, this does not work with all models.

The alternative: NAS access with iTunes

If you access the music of your NAS system with your iPhone, you can also set up an iTunes server directly on your NAS. If you synchronize your PC or Mac with the iTunes you have set up, the playlists on your mobile Apple devices will also remain up to date. We show you how this works in this practical tip.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to set up an iTunes server on the NAS.