Synology Photos Usage Guide

I wanted to browse family photos on Apple TV, so I revisited Synology Photos. Here’s my setup.

Install & Sign In

1. Log into DSM → Package Center → install Synology Photos (not the deprecated DS Photo).
2. On iPhone/Apple TV, install Synology Photos from the App Store and sign in.

Add Photos

• Upload via the DSM web interface.
• On iOS, enable uploads or automatic backup directly in the mobile app.

Combine with Cloud Sync (e.g., Baidu Cloud)

Cloud Sync often creates folders outside the default Photos path (/homes/<user>/Photos), so synced images won’t show up. Two options:

1. Copy files manually into the Photos folder (not recommended).

2. Bind the synced folder into Photos:

   mount --bind /volume1/Download/Cloud-Disk/PersonalPhotos /var/services/homes/<user>/Photos/PersonalPhotos
   

   After binding, rebuild the Synology Photos index. Run the mount via SSH or create a scheduled script in DSM.

Remote Access

• QuickConnect is the easiest option.
• For custom domains, you’ll need a public IP + DDNS (or a static IP).

Final Thoughts

With this in place, Synology Photos becomes genuinely useful for multi-device photo viewing.